Coastal & Hurricane-Zone Roofs
Gulf and Atlantic coast roofs: wind uplift, salt air, and a material that does not corrode, burn or blow off in sheets.
Why slate and clay suit the coast
Neither material corrodes in salt air, neither burns, and both are heavy enough that uplift is a fastening problem rather than a material problem. Slate roofs from the 1890s are still standing in Charleston and New Orleans for a reason.
Fastening for wind
In high-velocity zones the fastening schedule, not the slate, carries the load. Copper or stainless nails, correct headlap, and hook or clip systems at rakes and hips where the design pressure is highest. Follow your local code’s uplift requirements and have the assembly reviewed.
The details that matter here
Ridge and hip closures, rake edges, and anywhere the wind can get under a course. Specify heavier copper at the perimeter and detail the eave so wind-driven rain cannot track back under the starter course.
Talk it through with us
Call 225-954-8393 and describe the roof. We will tell you what is realistic.
