How To Finding the Best Roofing Shingles for High Winds

Your home or business’s roofing is an essential part of its function- to provide a safe and excellent shelter. Roofs are often the very first defense when it comes to protecting your home. There are many circumstances when having the right roof for your area is vital, from rainstorms to high winds during tornado season. When you can properly research and choose the best roofing materials and professional roofers, your roof will be better equipped to protect your home during natural disasters, like high winds. 

What are the best shingles for high wind? Overall, the best type of shingle will be a high-resistance shingle, like a metal, that withstand high wind and rain. However, the installation also plays a role in a roof being able to withstand high wind adequately. 

Keep reading for more information on what type of roofing is best for your home or business and how to choose your roofing materials and professionals best. 

Finding the Right Roofing Professional 

Not surprisingly, it’s essential to ensure your roof is installed correctly. Roofs are made of several materials, and the installation process, depending on your type of home, can be complex. You want your roof to be of excellent quality and correctly installed so it can best protect your home against high winds and other natural disasters.

Finding an experienced roofing contractor will be vital, whether you are building a new home or remodeling a house roof. Either way, it’s a great idea to check your local roofing businesses. A locally owned or operated roofing business is preferred. This is because locals will understand the best roof for the climate and usual weather that your home’s exterior will encounter.

Metal rooftops are hard to beat since they are so versatile and rugged against the elements. However, some roofers prefer asphalt or clay tiles. Your roofer’s preference for roofing types will probably be based on both location and selection of manufacturers. You can learn more about the most durable type of roof here.

Although roofing professionals are often experts in the area’s climate, feel free to express your concerns or opinions kindly to get feedback. For example, you may prefer the aesthetic appeal of an asphalt roof.

In contrast, your roofer may prefer the practicality of a metal roof, especially in an area where high winds and storms are expected. It’s important to discuss and weigh the pros and cons of which roof would be best for your roofer.

Of course, if you prefer to leave it up to the experts, that’s fine too. Just make sure you know exactly what kind of roof your getting, what it looks like, and why it’s a good choice for your area. 

Types of Roofs 

Roof damage can come from many, many different scenarios. However, thunderstorms are often a typical cause of high winds and thus roof damage. Most roofing can certainly withstand thunderstorms with rain and high winds. However, you will want to be sure that you have the right kind of roofing to protect your space best.

Especially if you live in an area where storms or tornados are relatively common, it’s a good idea to put some thought into your roofing material type. Winds that come in either vertically or horizontally can be very damaging to roofs, so you want to consider all aspects of your roof.

Accidently choosing and installing the wrong roofing material could cost you more money, time, and stress, in the long run. Research now could mean having a lot less worry once thunderstorm season rolls around. Choosing the suitable material for your roof will help it stabilize even in high wind, giving you peace of mind when the wind picks up.

Choosing appropriate roofing materials can be confusing, though! There are several options to choose from. It’s always a good idea to ask your local roofing experts what they usually use for houses in the area, but here is a brief overview of the most popular roofing types. 

Metal 

Metal roofing isn’t as aesthetically pleasing as some other roofing material options. This type of roofing can feel a little colder and more industrial and is often used for businesses or other buildings rather than homes. However, they have been rising in popularity in recent years due to their practicality and the protection they offer.

Metal roofing is an excellent option for combating high winds or storms, and it’s often terrific at keeping a home protected from rain and other elements. Of course, even with metal roofs, you need to practice caution and wisdom during a storm due to the unequal pressure between the air outside your house and inside.

Keeping doors and windows shut during high-winds or storms, even with a metal roof, is important to ensure the safety of your home. However, if you’re looking for a great protective roof that’s practical, affordable, and long-lasting, a metal roof might be your top choice. 

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles may bring to mind more colorful or exciting architecture, and with good reason! They are a much more ancient roofing type than other options. Clay tiles are both durable and beautiful, adding an aesthetic appeal to a roof. However, clay tiles aren’t as known for practicality, especially during storms or very high winds.

Clay tiles are heavy, offering that protection, and can be very durable when experts install them. Roofing professionals will know the best way to install clay roofing so that it’s both beautiful and functional, protecting your home even during high winds.

As we mentioned, it’s vital to hire expert roofers to consult with and install clay roofing if you choose to go this route. A roofing specialist will be able to ensure your clay roof can withstand high winds. You’ll want to get very high-quality clay tiles to protect your home best, so this might be a pricier option. Clay tiles make a stunning roof, however, and are often chosen for aesthetic appeal. 

Fiberglass

Fiberglass shingles are a prevalent type of roofing that offers a ton of benefits. They are very durable and able to withstand high winds, various temperatures, and conditions. Fiberglass shingles are an excellent roofing option for withstanding high winds and thunderstorms when installed by roofing professionals. This is a highly recommended option due to fiberglasses durability and affordability.

Fiberglass is often a cheaper option than clay or asphalt, which we will discuss next, while also withstand high winds. It’s an option that’s very comparable to metal but sometimes even more affordable. Although metal might last longer, fiberglass is undoubtedly an excellent option to discuss with your local roofing expert. 

Asphalt 

This type of shingle is a popular option for roofing due to its affordability, access, and installation ease. Asphalt roofs are often straightforward when it comes to building and overall maintenance. However, asphalt shingles aren’t always the most durable.

They are a good option for areas that don’t have a ton of high winds. However, if you’re expecting many thunderstorms, it might not be the best option. Of course, the installation will be a big part of how well an asphalt roof will stand against the elements, so you’ll want to invest in great roofing experts if you’re going to go with an asphalt roof. 

How High Winds Can Affect Your Roof

Now that we’ve covered the various most popular types of roofing materials and what’s best for high winds, you may still be wondering how high winds might affect your roof? 

While there are numerous things to consider when it comes to high winds and your roof, usually the roof’s installation, age, and condition are the most concerning. 

• Area: If you live in an area where there are often high winds, tornados, floods, or hurricanes, you will want your roof to be sturdier than usual. Constant high winds can cause your roof to be damaged more often or even need to be replaced much sooner if it’s not of higher durability. 
• Geometry: Be wary of high-pitched roofs if you live in a high wind location. These roofs are more likely to be damaged since they aren’t as stable in high winds. Four-sided hip roofs are a much better option for withstanding high winds and other external forces. 
• Installation: Ensuring your roof is installed correctly is always important. However, if you’re in a location with more rain, thunderstorms, wind, and tornados, getting professional installation is essential to your roof’s support and will probably save you money in the long run.   
• Previous Damage: Again, this is a good thing for a local roofing expert to check. If you have an older house, be sure to get your home inspected for any previous damage. It’s better to take preventative care with older roofs, saving you money and bringing you peace of mind. Older roofs are more prone to being dried-out, cracked, or have places where the shingles can be ripped off or damaged by high wind. If you have an older roof or are looking to build a high-quality roof for your new home, be sure to call your local roofing experts today!