Strong winds can do a lot of damage to a roof. If you’ve ever seen photos of hurricane damage, you know the possible level of destruction. How do you protect your roof from the threat of high winds? Most importantly, you must choose a roofing material that can withstand the wind. Standard shingles are pretty average regarding wind resistance, but four other types of roofing excel in this regard.
Impact-Resistant Shingles
If you prefer the look of shingles, impact-resistant shingles are the type you want in a windy or stormy area. These shingles are built to be thicker, stronger, and safer than the average shingle. While they are less likely to peel off your home in a storm, their most significant advantage is their ability to withstand impact – hence, the name.
A tree branch falling on an average shingle will likely shatter the fiberglass layer. From then on, the shingle won’t offer adequate protection. It will probably fall off. If the same tree branch falls on an impact-resistant shingle, the shingle is less likely to suffer damage. It will continue to protect your home from wind and rain. It’s common for debris to fall on and damage roofs during a storm, making impact-resistant shingles a good choice.
Impact-resistant shingles are often the most affordable of the roof materials discussed here. They also give your home a traditional, shingle-roof look.
Metal
Metal roofing is very common in windy areas and for good reason. This material performs exceptionally well in high winds, hailstorms, and driving rain. Standing seam metal roof is often the preferred choice in windy areas. Because the panels are so big and heavy, the wind is unlikely to lift them off the roof. They’re also tough enough to resist denting if debris falls on them.
You might think of metal roofs as shiny and metallic, but modern ones are anything but. They come in various colors and patterns, many designed to mimic another roofing material. Imagine a metal roof that looks like it’s made from clay tile!
Metal does not rot or grow mold, either. So, you’re less likely to discover secondary water damage after a big storm.
Synthetic Slate
Years ago, many homes were built with slate roofs. Slate offered excellent wind protection; a slate roof could last over a century. However, slate roofs were also tough to repair and very expensive. More recently, roofers have begun using synthetic slate instead of natural slate. It offers wind and impact protection similar to natural slate without all the challenges.
During a windstorm, a synthetic slate roof will have no trouble standing up to falling branches and other flying debris. It’s also built in a way that makes it difficult for wind to catch under the edges of shingles. Plus, synthetic slate comes with an excellent Class A fire rating.
If you enjoy the more traditional look of a slate roof, then synthetic slate is the way. You get impact resistance, fire resistance, and great looks – all in one.
Tile
Drive through most neighborhoods in a hurricane zone, and you’ll see a lot of tile roofs. The heavy tile makes it difficult for wind to lift off the roof. Tile also resists impact damage if something falls on it. However, a few different materials fall under the “tile.”
Clay tile is the most classic tile roofing material. It has a distinct terra cotta color. Tile is a good choice in windy areas but can be slightly brittle compared to the other materials discussed here. Plus, not everyone wants an orange roof.
Concrete tile has become quite common. It comes in many colors and patterns, including some resembling slate or shingles. Concrete won’t blow off your roof quickly and stands up to impact quite well. However, it is also very heavy, and not every home is built to support its weight.
Finally, there’s synthetic tile. With synthetic tile, you get the best of both worlds. It is made to be wind and impact-resistant. However, it weighs a lot less than concrete tile. Most brands are also recyclable, which makes this a greener option. You can find synthetic tile roofs in almost any color or pattern.
If you live in a windy area, you need a tough, impact-resistant roof. Consider the options above, and contact Quantum Roofing to learn more about the best roof materials in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Our friendly, experienced roofers can inspect your home and provide a detailed estimate.