Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 4/3/2009

Question
Hi,
I live in central Florida in a home that is three years old with architectural asphalt shingles. I was wondering if I could minimize damage to the roof caused by high winds / hurricanes if I sealed the shingles to the drip edges on the sides and bottom.

Answer
Hi Paul, most shingle roofs are sealed to the drip edge by using a starter strip with an adhesive back that adheres when the sun hits it and melts the tar on the back of the tab.  Then the regular shingles should seal themselves using the same method.  I suppose there could be an advantage to sealing the bottom edge but it seems to me that a three year old roof should have been installed according to more recent hurricane codes.  From what I have seen over the years, living in Florida myself, a real cat 5 hurricane like Andrew?  It doesn't matter what you do to your roof, it's coming off. Depending on your particular type of roof you should be good up to a cat 2 or 3..I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com