From powerful hurricanes battering the coasts to tornadoes sweeping across the heartland, high winds pose a serious threat.
But high winds–and their potential for damage–aren’t limited to just hurricane zones or Tornado Alley–wind speeds of just 45 mph can cause structural damage.
Since high winds can occur nearly anywhere in the country, a wind-resistant roof is a key consideration for homeowners in the market for a new roof.
However, high winds are often accompanied by other weather events–such as hail and wind-driven rain. For this reason, the best roof for high winds will offer more than just superior wind resistance.
Here’s what you need to know:
Three of the most common causes of roof damage from high winds are wind uplift, wind-driven rain, and hail or debris impact.
High winds can produce a force known as wind uplift, which occurs when the air pressure below the roofing assembly exceeds the air pressure above the building’s roof. As wind flows over or around the building, the pressure directly above the roof surface decreases. Simultaneously, internal air pressure increases due to air infiltration through openings and cracks.
This creates a net upward force on the roofing system, known as wind uplift, which can compromise the roof's integrity by peeling or separating the roof membrane. In severe cases, it can blow off the entire roof.
Wind-driven rain can exacerbate wind damage by penetrating exposed roof areas, leading to mold, mildew, and water damage inside the home.
Hail and debris from hurricane-force winds, such as tree branches, can puncture the roof or dislodge roofing materials that aren’t resistant to debris impact.
The best roof for high winds will have undergone rigorous testing and achieved the following certifications for high winds, hail impact, wind-driven rain, and wind uplift.
Choosing a roof with standard warranty coverage for high winds is crucial. This type of coverage ensures that the roofing system can withstand high winds and is particularly important for homeowners in tornado and hurricane-prone areas.
Before deciding on a roof, it’s important to thoroughly review the manufacturer’s warranty and read the fine print.
For example, some roofing manufacturers provide only basic warranty coverage and won’t cover damage from high winds or hail impact. Other manufacturers may charge extra for coverage against high winds or prorate the warranty length.
Be sure to look for a roof that comes with a Lifetime Limited Warranty covering hail and wind. If you plan to sell your home in the future, look for a manufacturer that allows warranty transfers to the new owners.
As mentioned previously, look for a roof that can withstand more than just high winds. This can present a challenge when considering asphalt shingles, clay tiles, or wood shakes. While some of these materials can resist high winds, they may not resist hail or wind-driven rain.
For example, asphalt shingles are prone to wind uplift, warping, cupping, and curling around the edges. When high winds blow through, the warped shingles are easily blown off the roof.
Wood shake roofs don’t fair much better. They can become brittle without frequent maintenance, making them highly prone to damage from wind uplift, hail, or wind-driven rain.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, can withstand hurricane-force winds, wind uplift, hail, wind-driven rain, and nearly anything Mother Nature can throw at it.
For instance, DECRA by IKO’s line of stone-coated metal roofing products checks all the boxes for withstanding high winds, including:
The industrial strength of metal roofing is tough to beat when it comes to high winds. But don’t worry–the industrial strength of metal roofing doesn’t come with industrial aesthetics.
Designed to bridge the gap between strength and style, stone-coated metal roofing is engineered to replicate the look of traditional roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles or wood shakes, without sacrificing durability.
Take it from this case study.
After high winds and heavy rains damaged the original thatched roof of the 23,500-square-foot entry building to the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu, Hawaii, they needed a wind-resistant roofing solution. The new roof had to withstand Hawaii’s high winds and rain while maintaining the property's cultural and historical integrity.
Since the Cultural Center had smaller buildings throughout the property, they decided to test different roofing products on several of the smaller buildings to determine the best roof for the main entry building.
DECRA by IKO Shake in Weathered Timber was selected for its durability against high winds, rain, and humidity, as well as its ability to replicate the appearance of the original thatched roof.
As the original stone-coated metal roofing manufacturer since 1957, DECRA by IKO Metal Roofing products have a long-established reputation for quality, durability, and longevity.
DECRA by IKO roofs are made at our state-of-the-art facility in Corona, California. All products are tested above and beyond the requirements to ensure the quality that DECRA is known for is present in every stone-coated metal roofing panel we produce. We’re so confident in our products' quality, durability, and longevity that we back them up with a Lifetime Limited Warranty that covers 120 mph winds and hail penetration up to 2.5” in diameter.
Ready to see and feel the DECRA by IKO difference? Click here to order a complimentary sample.