Is the roof sheathing properly installed?
During a hurricane, wind forces are carried from the roof down to the exterior walls, down to the foundation. Homes can be damaged when wind forces are not properly transferred to the ground. Roof sheathing (the boards or plywood nailed to the roof rafters or trusses) can fail during a hurricane if not properly installed. Examine the sheathing from the attic. If many of the nails have missed the rafters, you may need to re-nail the sheathing. If you’re putting on a new roof, make sure the sheathing complies with current recommended practices. Are end gables securely fastened to the rest of the roof? In a hurricane or other windstorm, the side walls of the roof (end gables) take a real beating and can collapse. Gable bracing often consists of 2×4 – inch boards placed in an “X” pattern at both ends of the attic – from the top center of the end gable to the bottom of the brace of the fourth truss, and from the bottom center of the end gable to the peak of the roof. Is the roof fastened to
