(316) 927-2233Roofing Specialist and Project Coordinator Dave Bennett with Rhoden Roofing was in Andover, Kansas this week helping with dry-ins, emergency repairs, and damage assessments after the EF3 tornado that passed through on 4/29/2022. Crews scrambled over the weekend to get homes with damage prepared for more rain on Monday, 2 days after the original storms, which included pulling 2x4s that had javelined through rooftops in the area from debris in the tornado.
In this particular neighborhood, homes are directly along the tornado path. Several of the homes faced complete destruction, and virtually all the homes that are still standing have sustained broken windows, landscaping damage, and of course, major roof damage. Major shingle blow-offs in the area show whole faces of many of the roofs, bare down to underlayment or even the wood decking itself.
One home in the neighborhood, however, stands out. It also happens to be one of the closest homes to the tornado path that wasn’t directly inside of the funnel itself when it passed through. This white two-story house and charcoal roof are undamaged, even though no tree protection or other buildings separate the home from the adjacent field and stormwater drainage where the tornado traveled.
However, virtually all of the homes in the neighborhood experienced wind damage and shingle loss; including the homes more than a block away from the tornado path. What factors of roof construction are at play that make such a dramatic difference in the outcome at this property?
Installing shingles with 6 nails increases the shingle manufacturer’s wind ratings from 110 MPH to 130 MPH. In the Kansas market, which is subject to high winds, wind storms (straight-line winds), and downbursts, using 50% more nails can make a major difference in the outcome on a roof after a storm. In this case, the adjacent tornado subjected these homes to an extreme real-world test, and the outcome is clear.
In cases where 6-nailing is not required (steep slope roofs, and certain heavier products such as Class 4 impact-resistant rated shingles), it is uncommon to see. Rhoden Roofing stands by all our work with a lifetime workmanship warranty, so all of our construction is done to the highest possible standard, and each step is photo-documented for the homeowner, insurance company, and product manufacturer to know that everything was done right. This allows Rhoden Roofing to access the highest level possible of product manufacturer’s warranty for the shingles themselves, often 50-year or lifetime warranties (dependent on the shingle manufacturer and product selected).
A perfect roof is one you don’t have to think about every day. When it comes to protecting your home, it’s easy to take a well-built roof for granted. “No change” is rarely an exciting moment, but walking out after a major storm to find your roof exactly how it was can be a real thrill.
At Rhoden Roofing, we deliver peace of mind by protecting what matters most.
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You can view the video version with Dave Bennett below
