High winds are ever so unpredictable, often striking without warning and leaving destruction in their wake. To shield your home from it, you need more than just a sturdy roofing material—you need something that can specifically provide good wind resistance. At Roof Pro Local, we know all about wind-resistant roof materials, so buckle up because we’re going to break down the details in order to help you protect your home from damaging winds.
What Is a Wind-Resistant Roof and Why Should You Get One?
You never know when hurricane-force winds might come roaring through your neighborhood, so it’s best to be prepared by investing in wind-resistant roofing material that can help protect your home from all sorts of wind-related damage. Even highly rated durable roofing materials can fall short in the face of high-wind storms, especially when you live in areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes.
While other roofing materials like wood shake roofs fail to withstand high winds, wind-resistant roofing—especially those paired with a comprehensive roof protection plan—can help your roof endure strong winds and wind-driven debris. They’re less likely to suffer serious damage due to heavy winds, meaning you won’t have to worry too much about various roofing issues like leaks and water damage.
Who Should Consider Wind-Resistant Roofing?
Tornado-Prone Regions: Properties in areas prone to tornadoes—like Texas and Oklahoma—need roofing products and materials that can handle high winds as well as accompanying large debris.
Coastal Areas: There’s a higher risk of roof damage if you’re located in coastal areas like the Gulf Coast or East Coast. To protect your home, you need wind- and impact-resistant roofing.
Open Plains: If you live in open areas where there aren’t many trees, hills, and geographic features to block high winds and make them less intense, you’ll need a wind-resistant roofing system to protect your home from wind damage.
Mountainous Places: The higher up you live—atop a hill, for example—the more severe the winds can be. Be proactive and invest in the best roofing material that can withstand winds for your safety.
Wind Resistant Ratings and Fire Ratings
Wind-resistant ratings tell you how well roof coverings can hold up to wind speeds. It’s divided into four classes:
Class 1: Can resist winds up to 60 mph
Class 2: Can resist winds from 60 mph to 90 mph
Class 3: Can resist winds from 90 mph to 120 mph
Class 4: Can resist winds from 120 mph and above
If you’re dealing with extreme storms and wind-driven rain, your roofing materials should be rated Class 4 (120 mph and above). Anything lower than class 4 is at risk of damage or failure during extreme conditions like hurricane-force winds. These lower-rated materials are unlikely to protect the roof surface and structural integrity of your home. Additionally, take note that there are area-specific building codes requiring a particular class of wind-resistant roof ratings.
Fire ratings are also relevant when choosing the right roofing material for high winds. During a storm or hurricane, strong winds can carry embers from nearby fires. If your roof coverings are only good at resisting wind but not fire, they might catch those embers more easily. So, the best roofing material to opt for is one with a high wind resistance rating (Class 4) and fire rating (Class A).
What Is the Best Roof Material and Roof Design for Preventing Wind Damage?
Many homeowners wonder what roofing material and roof designs offer the best protection and impact resistance from high winds and debris. Countless roofing products claim to tick these boxes, but it’s hard to tell which roofing material really is most suitable for homes in areas that often get hit with strong winds or storms.
We’re here to help you narrow down your options. Check out some of the best roofing materials and designs to consider for wind resistance:
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are known for their sturdiness, long lifespan, and minimal maintenance requirements. The roof’s ability to withstand winds with speeds up to 160 mph also makes it a top roofing material for storm- and tornado-prone areas. When properly installed, a metal roof is also less likely to be torn off by high winds and wind-driven rain.
Architectural Asphalt Shingles
Regular asphalt shingles typically provide moderate wind resistance. However, architectural asphalt shingles are a step up from the traditional asphalt types, making them the best shingles when it comes to wind and impact resistance. To be specific, architectural asphalt shingles are thicker and can withstand speeds up to 130 mph with proper installation and maintenance.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
Clay tiles and concrete tile roofing can handle winds at 125 mph, making them another great choice for wind-resistant roofing. These tiles are also heavy and sturdy, meaning it’s harder for high winds to displace them during storms. Of course, the installation process also plays a role in how well these tiles perform, so make sure they’re securely installed by professional roofers.
Slate Roofing
Made from natural stone, slate roofing is known for its strength and substantial weight. These characteristics are a big plus when considering roofing material for high winds. With the ability to withstand wind with speeds up to 150 mph, slate roofing is a popular choice for homeowners in areas where high winds and storms are commonplace.
Hip Roof
The type of roof you have can also help protect your property from destructive winds and roofing issues. Hip roofs, particularly, are composed of four roof sections that slope downward, making it easier to shed wind and various debris.
Aerodynamic Roof Design
Aerodynamic roofing designs are also one of the best roof designs when it comes to wind resistance. Basically, this type of roof features curved or sloped roof shapes as opposed to sharp, flat angles. Their aerodynamic shape allows the wind to easily slide over the roof surface rather than get caught in it or apply pressure to it, which tends to happen with boxy or flat roofs.
General Reminders and Maintenance Tips to Keep Wind-Resistant Roofs in Top Form
Having the best roofing materials for wind resistance isn’t enough—you should also keep these reminders and maintenance tips in mind to prevent issues like water intrusion and hail damage in the face of extreme weather conditions and high winds.
Clean the Gutters and Downspouts: Clogged gutters and downspouts collect various debris over time. In a storm, strong winds can carry this debris toward the surface of the roof and lead to scratches and tears. Additionally, wind-driven rain can accumulate in clogged gutters and downspouts, which can eventually lead to water damage. So, make sure you regularly check and clean them to protect your roofing materials.
Trim Nearby Trees: Overhanging branches from nearby trees can wreak havoc on your roof during storms or hurricanes. Strong winds can launch them onto the roof and cause damage upon impact. A preventative approach is to trim the branches and limbs early on so you don’t have to worry about them snapping off and causing issues.
Check Your Roof After a Storm: After extreme weather events like a storm, check your roof for damage or have a professional do it for you. This way, you can quickly find out if the storm caused your roof any issues. If it did, quickly have them repaired. As much as possible, avoid leaving them unaddressed to save yourself from more complicated and expensive repairs down the line.
Schedule Regular Professional Inspections: Of course, one of the most important tips we can give you is to have professional inspections at least once or twice a year. Assessing the roof’s health yourself is always a good idea, but also having a professional look at it guarantees that you don’t miss any issues. Plus, professional roofers like Roof Pro Local can recommend the right repairs and maintenance to make sure your roof coverings stay intact and functional in resisting wind damage.
Prepare Your Roof for High Winds With Roof Pro Local!
Looking for a wind-resistant solution for your roofing? Look no further than Roof Pro Local! We’re the top roofers in Oklahoma City, offering dependable residential roofing and commercial roofing services to protect your roof and property from extreme weather and wind-induced damage.
Contact us today for OKC’s best roofing solutions!
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