Hurricane-rated Fasteners
Hurricane-rated Fasteners | Roofing Done Right | Roofing | Dandridge
When East Tennessee skies turn unforgiving, homeowners in Dandridge need more than ordinary shingles—they need the confidence that comes from hurricane-rated fasteners and decades of local know-how. HEP installs every nail and screw with precision torque, anchoring your roof to withstand winds up to 150 mph while sealing out wind-driven rain. From detailed pre-inspection to spotless cleanup, you’ll feel the difference that comes from roofing done right by a crew that treats your home as if it were their own.
Choosing HEP means choosing a partner who backs premium materials with lifetime workmanship guarantees and 24/7 emergency support. Our certified installers understand the strict building codes unique to Jefferson County, ensuring your new roof not only meets—but exceeds—local standards. Storm after storm, season after season, trust HEP to keep your family safe and dry, proving that in Dandridge, roofing done right is more than a promise—it’s our legacy.
FAQs
What are hurricane-rated fasteners and why are they important for my Dandridge roof?
Hurricane-rated fasteners are specially engineered screws or nails with higher tensile and pull-out strength than standard roofing fasteners. They anchor shingles, metal panels, or underlayment more securely to the roof deck, helping the assembly resist the extreme uplift forces produced by high winds and tornado-spawned gusts common in East Tennessee. Using these fasteners dramatically reduces the risk of shingle loss, water intrusion, and structural damage, protecting both the roof and the interior of your home.
How do hurricane-rated fasteners differ from ordinary roofing nails or screws?
Standard roofing nails are typically smooth-shank, 1 1⁄4–1 3⁄4 in. long, and made of electro-galvanized steel. Hurricane-rated fasteners, by contrast, often feature ring or spiral shanks, corrosion-resistant coatings (hot-dip galvanized or stainless), larger heads, and lengths up to 2 1⁄2 in. to ensure deeper penetration into the sheathing. Many are tested to ASTM D3161 and Factory Mutual (FM) 4470 uplift standards and are approved for use in wind zones of 130–150 mph or higher.
Is installing hurricane-rated fasteners required by local building codes in Dandridge?
Jefferson County currently follows the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC), which does not mandate hurricane-rated fasteners outside of coastal wind zones. However, the code does require that roofs be designed for the local basic wind speed (115-120 mph in Dandridge). Choosing hurricane-rated fasteners is a voluntary upgrade that meets or exceeds code and provides an extra margin of safety without conflicting with any local regulations.
Will hurricane-rated fasteners add a lot to the cost of my new roof or re-roof?
The fasteners themselves cost a few cents more each, translating to roughly $150–$300 extra on a typical 30-square (3,000 ft²) roof. Because installation labor is the same, the overall job cost usually rises less than 2 – 4 %. Considering that wind damage repairs can run into thousands of dollars, most homeowners find the small upfront premium well worth the long-term protection and potential insurance savings.
Can hurricane-rated fasteners be retrofitted on an existing roof or do I need a complete replacement?
Fastener upgrades are most efficient during a full tear-off when the decking is exposed. For relatively new shingle roofs, selective retrofitting is possible: additional screws can be driven through the shingle courses into the rafters from the attic or rooftop, and metal roof panels can be re-secured with longer, stronger screws. However, if your shingles are aged or curling, a full re-roof with hurricane-rated fasteners provides the best performance and warranty coverage.
Are there any insurance or warranty advantages to using hurricane-rated fasteners in Tennessee?
Several insurers operating in Tennessee offer wind-mitigation credits or deductible reductions when you can document the use of approved wind-resistant roofing systems. We supply photographs and manufacturer certifications to support your discount application. In addition, many shingle manufacturers extend wind warranties from 110 mph to 130 – 150 mph when their products are installed with specified hurricane-rated fasteners, giving you stronger protection for up to 50 years.