Government is conducting a study of roof slate to examine how it can better withstand hurricanes.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield told the House on Friday that although Bermuda?s buildings stood up well to Fabian, it is estimated that in excess of 500,000 roof slate were lost.

?The Department is examining the vulnerability of different roof designs in different locations,? she said.

?In the coming year, this project will be progressed with local partners and, we expect, with an overseas institution to carry out computer modelling or wind-tunnel tests to help identify weaknesses and breakpoints in traditional roof construction and to suggest optimum roof designs and pitches.

?The findings could lead to modifications to the Bermuda Building Code and, we hope, a reduction in roof damage in the future.?

She said the Ministry was still counting the costs of the hurricane.

In June, the Ministry commissioned Smith Warner International of Jamaica to carry out the Island?s first Coastal Erosion Study.

The specialist consultants carried out a comprehensive survey of the entire coastline, by boat and on foot and they were invited back following Hurricane Fabian to compare their findings with the June survey.

?Just last week, Tenix LADS Corporation of Australia flew the South Shore for seven hours to carry out a bathymetric survey of coastal waters ? in layman?s terms, to survey the contours of the sea bed.

?The survey results will provide accurate nautical data that it is critical to the storm surge model being prepared by Smith Warner International.?

She said Smith-Warner will return to the island in a couple of months to complete their work on the coastal erosion study.

?The study will deliver documentation and maps to identify erosion susceptibility areas and structures at-risk. It will include best-practice guidelines for the design and construction of protection structures that retain the natural appearance of the coastline.

The total cost is estimated at $1.5 million of which $836,000 will be funded by insurance claims or by the Ministry of Works and Engineering.

?Needless to say, the response to Fabian has had its costs despite a concerted effort to find off-setting savings. Overtime alone amounts to an additional $331,000, materials and supplies total $64,000, and the hiring of contractors has cost close to $57,000. A supplementary estimate for $475,000 will be submitted to the Legislature by the Ministry of Finance at the earliest opportunity.?