Just spent the weekend trying to figure out how to hurricane-proof my roof (or at least make it less likely to fly off, lol). Here's what I did: first, checked local building codes online—turns out there's specific requirements for shingles, nails, and even underlayment. Then I reinforced the edges with hurricane clips and sealed any loose shingles with roofing cement. Um, felt pretty good about it, but now I'm wondering if anyone here has better tips or tricks I might've missed?
Sounds like you did your homework—good on you for checking those codes first. I've seen roofs that looked solid but still ended up in the neighbor's yard after a storm. Clips and cement are definitely smart moves, but one thing folks often overlook is attic ventilation. If wind gets trapped under there, it can create lift...and that's when things get messy. Might wanna double-check your vents and soffits to make sure they're secure and properly balanced. Otherwise, seems like you're ahead of most DIYers I've come across.
Good point about attic ventilation—it's definitely overlooked. A few years back, I inspected a house after a hurricane where the homeowner had done everything right: clips, reinforced shingles, cemented edges...the works. But he hadn't checked the attic vents. Wind got in, pressure built up, and half his roof peeled off like a sardine can lid. Crazy how something so small can cause that much damage. Ever since then, I always emphasize proper venting just as much as structural reinforcements.