Certain areas of the United States are more susceptible to tornadoes, hurricanes, and high wind storms. Homes in these high-risk areas could benefit greatly from having a roof that is able to withstand the weather. When those high gusts of wind come and hit your roof, you don’t want to be dealing with storm damage every…single…time. Some certain brands and materials are built to withstand such weather, and we’ll lay down a list of some of the best roofing materials for high winds.

The Importance of Having Wind-Resistant Shingles

Your roof is meant to keep you and your family safe from the elements, and when you face severe weather, you want it to do its job. Wind-resistant shingles are more durable, protective, and more impact-resistant, making them impervious to severe storm damage.

Wind-resistant shingles cost a little bit more, but with nearly a quarter of all homeowners’ roof damage insurance claims being wind-related, the cost is worth it when it keeps you from having storm damage every single time.

Plus, in states where hurricanes and tornadoes are not uncommon, those winds (200+ mph) can easily lift up patio furniture, garbage cans, and other large debris that can then hit your roof, causing severe damage. But certain roofing materials are highly impact resistant and can help alleviate some of the more severe damage that can be caused during those storms aside from wind damage.

How to Choose the Best Wind-Resistant Shingles

There are different classifications by wind resistance in shingles and roofing materials that measure how well they will withstand the strong winds. Each type of roofing material is rated Class 1 through 4, with 4 being the highest wind resistance. When looking for which shingles to go with, look for those marked Class 4 or “impact-resistant.” Shingles classified at Class 4 are at the top of the food chain when it comes to hail resistance. Hail damage is one of the leading causes of roof damage, and without that added strength, you could find yourself having to get major roof repairs more often.

Shingles and other roofing materials are assigned classes based on special testing via Underwriters Laboratories. These class ratings are often paired with their UL rating, which means it’s met the UL Standard. For example, class 4 shingles will often carry the code UL2218, which is the specific Underwriters Lab’s indication for “Impact Resistance of Prepared Roof Covering Materials” Those materials have passed all of the tests and met the criteria of being impact resistant.

The Best Wind-Resistant Roofing Materials

The best wind-resistant roofing materials include asphalt, metal, slate, and wood shingles. But, not all of those shingles are naturally wind-resistant; they must be treated or designed as such.

Metal

Metal provides a few unique benefits that make it one of the more resistant materials against wind and other severe weather elements. They require minimal maintenance and upkeep and are highly durable and long-lasting. Plus, metal can be installed in larger sheets or panels, making fewer seams and areas where wind can lift up the roof. Other, less durable roofing materials can be easily lifted up and bent when the wind gets up underneath them.

Tile

Clay and concrete tiles are incredibly resistant against high winds, strictly based on their heavyweight. Clay and concrete will also outlast most roofing materials, with a lifespan of between 50 and 100 years. However, it is important to note that debris flown onto your tile roof could still cause damage such as cracks or chips if it hits hard enough. Also, if you’re looking to make a worthwhile investment, concrete tile doesn’t last as long (50 years) but is much more durable than clay.

Slate

Slate comes with a very high upfront cost, but the ROI is huge. Often referred to as the ‘forever roof,’ Slate tile roofs can last 100 years or more. They are highly durable, and just like clay and concrete tiles, their extra heavyweight will prevent wind from blowing off your shingles.

Asphalt

Not all asphalt shingles carry high wind resistance with them, but some are tested to the Class 4 level of resistance. The thing that makes asphalt shingles susceptible to wind damage is that their edges can be lifted, tearing off shingles, and wind-driven debris can also knock off shingles or their granules. But, a few brands have added features that make them more secure and more durable against high winds and severe weather.

Secured Roofing’s preferred shingle for high winds is the Tamko Titan XT Premium Architectural Shingles. Tamko has innovated these shingles to be faster to install, have a stronger seal, protect against winds up to 160mph, and added weather protection layering.

What sets the Heritage Proline Titan XL shingles above the rest is their patented Anchorlock™ technology. The Anchorlock™ layers reinforce the shingles and provide added protection and security against strong winds trying to pry the shingles up. In addition, the poly-fiber fabric adds an anchor that the nails embed into, making a much tighter seal and holds the nails in.

Severe storms can come at a moment’s notice, and if you’re not prepared, you could be facing massive repairs or even a total roof replacement. When you find yourself needing roof repairs, always call a professional right away. Secured Roofing & Restoration is here for all of your roofing repair needs and can make the best recommendation for you to get your roof in better shape than before and prevent further damage in the future.

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