To help reduce losses, building codes were changed by revising nailing patterns to increase uplift resistance of the roof sheathing.  Significant attention is given to "load path" adequacy and the use of "clips and straps" is quite common in hurricane prone areas now.  However, the new codes do not address roof deck waterproofing.

The big problem is the existing inventory of vulnerable single family, multifamily and condominiums that are in hurricane prone coastal states from Texas to New England.  In Florida, for example, more than 80% of the state's 18 million population lives within 5 miles of the Gulf of Mexico or the Atlantic Ocean.  Additionally, there are thousands of commercial buildings in the same "strike zone" that represent even greater potential for losses.

In the 110-year period between 1886 and 2004, 158 hurricanes made landfall in the United States.  The 1970s and 1980s were low hurricane activity years; at the same time population growth in the hurricane prone areas from Texas to New England has increased at unprecedented rates.

Forecasters are now predicting a 20-year period of more intense storms with greater frequency.

Recent hurricanes taught us that existing structures might not withstand the next hurricane to make landfall.  Therefore, mitigation of existing structures is paramount in reducing future losses.

Proper protection of the roof, doors and windows is forecasted to reduce losses approximately 50%.  The time to act is NOW!  The single most cost effective measure in reducing losses is the application of Hurricane FoamSeal Adhesive.