Your roof covering is your home's first line of defense, but it is also the part of a house most affected by severe weather conditions. Whether you live in the North, South, East or West, your roof will be subject to the damaging forces of hail, high wind, ice, lightning or wildfire.

This issue of Blueprint for Safety News focuses on methods of strengthening your roof - whether you are planning to re-roof your present home or build a new one. These tested, code-plus techniques and products are critical to protecting you, your family and your belongings.

Even the smallest leak or curling shingle can signal a bigger problem if left unchecked. Misplaced nails in the roof deck or inadequate roof-to-wall connections are hazards that are easily identified - but only if you, your contractor or home inspector know what to look for.

That's why it's critical to choose a professional, licensed, and well-established contractor. Take the time to discuss the best options for disaster-resistant materials and construction methods. Local building codes set a solid minimum safety standard, but do not guarantee that a home's roof will be built with the highest level of protection available. For that reason, roofing professionals generally agree that an effective roof system requires proper design, quality materials and installation, regular inspection and proper maintenance.

Shopping for the best materials, researching the most effective installation techniques, and establishing a relationship with a professional roofing contractor are some of the best ways to achieve effective, long-term roof system safety.