4 Best Roofing Materials for High Wind Damage

High winds can be devastating to a home or commercial building, causing irreparable damage. Most people use asphalt shingles or other types of roofing materials in their area, but none hold up well in high wind situations. Most of these roofing materials are only rated to withstand 110-150 mph winds, given that the roof is installed correctly. Luckily, there are roof materials, such as plywood and fiberglass sheets, that effectively reduce high wind damage.

Roof damage is a common sort of damage following a hurricane. According to Manning and Nichols, roof covering failure was the most common damage seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo. It was found out that during that time, roof coverings were not correctly fastened. Roof corners and eaves were the ones that were commonly damaged.

1. Metal

Metal roofs come in several different styles and are built to withstand a variety of weather conditions. Metal may be put in larger sheets or panels, resulting in fewer seams and regions where wind might push up the roof. When the wind gets up below other, less durable roofing materials, they may easily be pulled up and distorted. It requires little care and is extremely sturdy and long-lasting.

2. Tile

Clay and concrete roof tiles are extremely resistant to severe winds. Tile rooking can last up to 50 to 100 years to outlive most roofing materials. However, debris blown onto your tile roof can still cause damage such as cracks or chips if it strikes hard enough. To add strengthened protection from wind-blown debris, the tiles should be anchored using storm collars designed to trust in the force of high winds and act as a barrier for dirt, leaves, and any other effective materials. Clay tiles are heavier than slate tiles. Concrete tiles, which are roughly the same weight as clay tiles, provide outstanding wind resistance. Tile roofs are prevalent on homes in the south and along the coast, where extreme heat and heavy winds are a risk.

3. Slate

Slate roof tiles, commonly called "the forever roofs," are incredibly durable and can last over 100 years without needing any maintenance. Slate is an ecologically responsible, durable product that can withstand up to 110 mph winds. Because of the stiffness of slate tiles, severe winds are unlikely to damage the surface underneath. Their unique weight and sturdiness make them the preferred choice of many homeowners. The initial high cost of a slate roof is often offset by the long life cycle of the roofing material itself, which literally can outlive its owner.

4. Shingles

Fiberglass is an advanced polymer material that can achieve high performance yet still relatively low cost. It provides superior strength to asphalt shingles but is still one of the most durable roof materials available today. Fiberglass shingles offer resistance to high winds and are also resistant to fire damage. However, fiberglass does not provide some of the more advanced environmental protections that metal roofs offer because it does not contain any cellular structures like metal does.

Also, many brands of asphalt shingles have added features to help protect against wind-driven debris. Certain types of these improved shingles can withstand at least 130mph winds, while standard asphalt shingles can cover up to 60-80 mph only. However, there is a need to meet or exceed code requirements for hurricane or high-wind areas and install easily to replace damaged or missing roof pieces.

Intense thunderstorms can be devastating, and if not prepared, could cause significant roof damage costing thousands of dollars. If you're looking for a reputable roofing contractor in the area, then TOV Siding and Roofing is ready to help. Our qualified contractors will ensure that all jobs are properly completed and offer the highest quality of service. Contact us today if you want to entrust your home's exterior to dependable professionals.