NU Online News Service, Dec. 15, 12:22 p.m.EST

Recent Santa Ana winds in the West and high winds in the Easthave raised awareness to the roofs of businesses and homes, whichare most vulnerable to damage.

Because wind gusts can peel off shingles and make projectilesout of tiles, it's important to make sure roofs are safe for thegeographic area where they are located, according to a buildingsafety expert.

“Wind is wind. Whatever the label is, it exists everywhere,”says Julie Rochman, president and CEO of the Insurance Institutefor Business & Home Safety in Tampa, Fla., noting that everyarea is vulnerable to high winds—whether they are hurricane,tornado or Santa Ana-type.

Roofs are frequently damaged in high winds. In fact, roof coverdamage is present in 85-95 percent of wind-related insured propertylosses each year, according to IBHS. Building science research hasidentified many effective and affordable ways to strengthen roofsagainst wind damage.

Rochman tells NU the high-wind event that caused damagein Utah, Colorado and California provides an opportunity to makeeffective repairs that can promote safety in potential high-windevents.

She adds that geography is crucial, as roofs need to be preparedfor exposure to water or fire. For example, she explains, in areasprone to fire, metal or tile roofs might be used, with care takento make sure the roof cover and deck are appropriate.

Roof cover such as shingles needs to be well secured with nailsand not staples, she says. Tiles need to be glued and screwed down,and a heavier felt sealed for water should be used beneath the roofcover.

Gable ends and openings for ventilation need to be checked; ifthey are too open they may allow the entrance of water or fireembers, she says.

Another thing to check for is overhanging tree limbs that can beblown off or fall from ice, snow and water saturation. They alsocan be dangerous in the case of wildfires.

Rochman adds that care should be given, especially in Westernregions, to plant native vegetation around homes and businesses.Native plants and trees often are fire retardant, she pointsout.

Additional precautions include removing any lawn furniture oroutdoor statues and using double-pane tempered glass windows. Theseare good for fire-prone areas as well as high-wind and rain areas,she notes.

Depending on the type of roof, she says, buildings should beinspected after any significant weather event and homes should bechecked at least every five years.