5 Tips for Minimizing Tornado Damage to Your Roofing Projects

Nearly 95% of U.S. counties have experienced tornado watches within the last five years, according to the National Weather Service. From the months of March to June, the risk of these natural disasters is heightened with an annual average of more than 1,200 events, according to Fred Malik, managing director of Fortified for the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety.

While safe rooms that meet FEMA P-320 or ICC-500 standards are the highest upgrade you can make to residential projects in tornado-prone areas, Malik says building to FORTIFIED Home standards, which is a voluntary beyond-code construction program offering three levels of protection, can minimize damage caused by tornadoes—and give owners a home to return to.

“While some jurisdictions, like Moore, Oklahoma, have adopted codes that strive to reduce the risk of tornado damage, many states in the middle of our country lack a consistently enforced statewide code. In these areas, a voluntary, beyond-code construction program is the best way to ensure a resilient home,” Malik adds.

Both lab and storm tested, proven results include when Hurricane Sally landed in Alabama in 2020 where more than 17,000 Fortified homes were threatened. Malik says that over 95% had no damage or only minor damage because of the systems in place, which can also protect against tornado damage.

For mid-construction to finished homes, here are five tips from Builder for minimizing damage from tornadoes. Click here.