Gretna

Gretna is the windiest part of our coverage area, sitting out where there is nothing between the subdivisions and open ground to slow a gust down.

That changes how we build. Six-nail patterns, starter strip at the rakes as well as the eaves, and ridge caps rated for the speeds this side of the metro actually sees. It costs a little more in labor and it is the reason our Gretna roofs stay put.

The newer homes out here also tend to have large, simple roof planes that dump a lot of water into undersized gutters. Six-inch runs and bigger downspouts solve a surprising number of wet-basement complaints.