3 of the Best Home Roofing Materials for High Wind Areas (2024)

Three of the Best Home Roofing Materials for High Wind Areas

February 8, 2017 in Roofing

If you live in an area that is prone to high winds, you should think carefully about the materials you are going to use to cover your roof. The wrong roofing material can quickly be blown off the roof in a high wind event, leaving your home susceptible to damage and leading to expensive repairs. On the other hand, the right material can give you a great chance of coming through the high winds without any damage to your home. Fortunately, there are at least three options which are particularly well-suited for the job of protecting homes where high winds are a factor – especially for roofing in Frederick and other areas of central Maryland!

When you are ready to pick out a roofing material for your home in a high wind area, be sure to keep the following three options in mind.

Fiberglass Shingles

You are certainly familiar with shingles as a roofing material, as they are one of the most popular choices in the world. Fiberglass shingles are a particularly good choice in high wind areas, as they are a strong product which is unlikely to come apart. Not only is it important to pick a good product like a quality fiberglass shingle, but you also need to be sure that those shingles are installed properly. Many roofing problems develop not because of poor materials but rather due to poor craftsmanship. Installing shingles in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations is the best way to receive optimum performance from the product.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is not used as commonly in residential applications as shingles, but it is a smart choice for high wind regions. When installed correctly, metal does a great job of keeping water out of the house, and it will hold up quite well against high winds. Many metal roof designs have a limited number of seams and overlaps, meaning there are few places for the wind to get in and cause havoc. As long as your metal roof has been installed correctly, and it is then maintained correctly as well, it should do well when faced with high wind speeds.

Clay Tiles

There is a lot to like about using clay tiles for your roof, although they might not be the first thing you think of when roofing in a high wind area. After all, a clay tile that gets loose and is blown off of the roof can create a dangerous situation. However, if your clay tiles are installed correctly, they should remain secure for years to come. When clay tiles are used in a windy area, it is typically best to secure them to the roof deck with a foam adhesive. This adhesive will help to prevent the tile from flying away, meaning you can enjoy long-lasting performance from this type of roof. If you do go with clay roofing, you will enjoy a number of non-wind related advantages, such as energy efficiency, visual appeal, and water resistance.

3 of the Best Home Roofing Materials for High Wind Areas (2024)

FAQs

3 of the Best Home Roofing Materials for High Wind Areas? ›

Many recommend asphalt shingles

asphalt shingles
An asphalt shingle is a type of wall or roof shingle that uses asphalt for waterproofing. It is one of the most widely used roofing covers in North America because it has a relatively inexpensive up-front cost and is fairly simple to install.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Asphalt_shingle
, metal roofing, or slate.

What is the best roofing material for high winds? ›

When it comes to strength and durability, metal roofing is one of the best roofs for high winds on the market, thanks to:
  • The highest rating possible for hail impact.
  • The ability to withstand hurricane-force winds.
Feb 21, 2022

What roof has the highest wind rating? ›

Class H— Shingles rated as Class H pass the ASTM D7158 test and can resist uplifting at wind speeds up to 150 mph. Class 4—Shingles rated as Class 4 pass the UL 2218 test and have the highest impact-resistance rating for roofing.

Which roof is best suited for a windy region? ›

The best roof for high wind areas is, in fact, a roof that incorporates several different slopes. A hip roof is one example, and it utilises four varying slopes to disperse wind pressure more evenly, rather than absorbing too much sustained pressure like gable roofs do.

What is the best roof for extreme weather? ›

Metal roofing has long been touted as one of the most durable and weather-resistant options on the market. Its strength and resilience make it an excellent choice for areas prone to hurricanes, high winds, and heavy snowfalls. Metal roofs are also fire-resistant, increasing the overall safety of your home.

What is wind resistant roofing? ›

Wind resistance refers to the overall ability of a roofing system to withstand the effects of wind, including wind-driven rain and debris impact. This encompasses not only the roof's ability to resist wind uplift forces but also its ability to maintain its integrity and perform under various wind conditions.

Which composite roofing is more resistant to wind and hail? ›

Composite roof tiles, especially those with a Class 4 impact rating, are best able to withstand hail storms. Because of their greater durability, you won't have to worry about cracks that allow moisture into the tiles and underlying material — and even into the interior or the home.

How do I protect my roof from strong winds? ›

Here are some tips on how to secure your roof from potential wind damage;
  1. Making Sure Your Roof Is Securely Attached. ...
  2. Installing Impact-Resistant Shingles and Materials. ...
  3. Trimming Trees & Other Objects Around Your Home. ...
  4. Having Gutters, Downspouts & Valleys Installed. ...
  5. Improving Your Roof's Strength and Stability. ...
  6. Final Words.
Jul 21, 2023

How much wind can 3 tab shingles withstand? ›

Because 3-tab shingles aren't as durable or heavy as architectural shingles, they can only withstand winds up to 60 mph, before they are at risk of being compromised or blown off. 3. 3-tab shingles' life expectancy is 12-15 years, so they don't come with very long-term warranties.

What is too windy for roofing? ›

Most of the work undertaken by roofers must stop at 23 mph (10 m/s), and many other activities have a lower limit of 17 mph (7.7 m/s). Winds above 50-60 mph can rip a roof off, according to the National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL).

What is roof effective wind area? ›

EFFECTIVE WIND AREA, A: For component and cladding elements, the effective wind area is the span length multiplied by an effective width that need not be less than one-third the span length.

Is a metal roof more wind resistant than shingles? ›

Most metal roofs have a wind resistance rating of up to 140mph, making them ideal for hurricane-prone areas. By contrast, standard asphalt shingles can only withstand wind speeds of up to 60 mph. Metal roofs' superior wind resistance can be attributed to their design and construction.

What is the strongest roof for wind? ›

Asphalt Shingles

These roofs can withstand winds of 100+ mph, and they are a cost-effective option in most cases. If your home is in hurricane and wind-prone areas, FEMA recommends installing asphalt shingles with nails rather than staples.

What is the best roof to last forever? ›

Concrete, clay, and slate tiles have an average lifespan of 100 or more years. They are without a doubt the materials that last the longest but are also, bar none, some of the most expensive. Slate roofs are often called the “forever roof” because they can last seemingly forever.

What kind of roof is most resistant to hurricane damage? ›

Composite roof tiles are the ideal choice for hurricane prone areas. They are lightweight and easy to install and have a Class 4 impact resistance — the highest impact rating available — that allows them to stand up against flying debris.

What is the most hurricane proof roof? ›

The thought of a clay tile hurtling through the air at 100 mph is terrifying. That is why engineers and safety professionals recommend metal roofing as the safest and most hurricane-proof roofing option.

What shingles withstand 150 mph winds? ›

#3.

Class H shingles are specifically engineered for high-wind regions, undergoing rigorous testing to withstand extreme wind speeds of up to 150 mph.

Are metal roofs better than shingles for wind? ›

Hurricane-force winds can easily rip shingles from a roof, whereas a metal roof would fair fine. A properly installed metal roof that meets manufacturer certifications can withstand winds of over 140 or 150 mph, making it the most weather-resistant of the two options.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 5992

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (59 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.