Which Roofing Systems Can Withstand High Winds?

After a severe storm or windy day, you’ve likely seen you or your neighbors with missing shingles or roof damage. In Oklahoma especially, wind damage to residential and commercial roofs is all too common. Despite this, many roofs are not equipped with the proper roofing systems to withstand this, costing you more money in the long run.

In this blog, we’ll explore the best roofing systems for preventing wind damage to your roof, explain why wind-resistant roofing is important for homes and businesses, and look at how to choose the best wind-resistant roofing for your needs.

Metal Roofing: Durable and Versatile

Metal roofing systems are more versatile and weather-resistant than ever, making them a growing popular choice for homeowners and business owners alike. Made from materials like aluminum and steel, metal roofs can withstand extreme winds. Some metal roofing systems also use interlocking systems that add to their durability.

Aside from winds, metal roofs are also much more fire-resistant and energy-efficient than other roofing systems. Their risk of deterioration or damage is much lower than that of other materials, making them an excellent long-term investment for those living in severe weather and wind-prone areas like Oklahoma.

Stone-Coated Roofing: Stylized Choices that Don’t Sacrifice Durability

Stone-coated roofing systems, like our Unified Steel selection, offer the look of materials like tile, slate, or wood without the drawbacks of those natural materials. Stone-coated roofing is made of steel that is coated in a lightweight, stone-like material. This makes the shingles light but also durable and able to withstand severe weather conditions.

Stone-coated shingles come in a variety of styles, colors, and finishes to suit even the most niche tastes. They have excellent impact resistance as well, making them a great choice for those worried about damage from hail or debris during storms.

Slate Roofing: Traditional, Timeless Materials

Slate roofing can be hard to come by these days. While traditional slate roofing is relatively durable compared to other natural materials, it can still be prone to cracking and chipping from impact damage. It is also expensive and complicated to install, adding to its overall cost.

That’s why systems like DaVinci Slate Roofing are used more often in place of real, natural slate. DaVinci Slate mimics the look of traditional slate without compromising on durability or style. These shingles are designed to hold up against severe weather while being more lightweight than actual slate. 

Asphalt Shingles: The Popular and Practical Option

Asphalt shingles are the most popular shingles on the market due to their versatility and cost-effectiveness. But, not all shingles are as durable or wind-resistant as others. The types of asphalt shingles you choose can vary greatly in quality and durability.

There are dozens of different asphalt shingle systems available, all with different strengths and features. Among those options, impact-resistant shingles, Duration STORM shingles, and certain types of architectural shingles are all great options for wind-resistant shingles. Architectural shingles in particular can vary greatly in quality, so be sure to speak with your roofer to ensure you get the most durable option possible.

The Importance of Wind-Resistant Shingles and Roofing Systems

Wind-resistant shingles are important for several reasons, especially if you live in a wind-prone area like Oklahoma:

1. Property Protection: Wind damage doesn’t just encompass displaced shingles. Those lifted shingles can cause damage to other areas of your property and your roof itself. Good, durable shingles won’t lift off and cause other problems.
2. Safety: A wind-resistant roof will better protect your home or business from severe weather, as well as protect the people inside your property. When your shingles stay in place, you don’t need to worry about the damage from lifted shingles becoming a safety hazard in the future.
3. Lower Insurance Costs: In some cases, a higher-quality roof can lower your insurance premiums. This is because they can reduce the risk of wind-related damages and building issues.

How to Choose the Best Wind-Resistant Roofing System for You

When selecting the best roofing system for you, there are a few factors to consider that can help you make your decision.

Wind Speeds in Your Area

Depending on where your building is located, you may face different weather conditions that require varying wind resistance from your roofing system. You can search for the average wind speed in your area to get a feel for what you need to be prepared for. Also pay attention to severe weather statistics, wind anomalies, and data for events like snow storms. These can all help inform your shingle or roofing system choices.

Material Durability

Once you know what you are up against in terms of weather and wind speeds, you can start to look into the material options you have. We’ve provided a list of your favorites above, but it doesn’t hurt to do more research into the roofing options you have available. You should also look into the maintenance requirements of the materials you are interested in. Some materials require much more maintenance than others.

Style Options

Depending on your building or home, you may want a specific style of roof to compliment your existing look. Today, there are more options than ever when it comes to durable roofing systems that can mimic the look of more natural materials. While these options can be pricier than systems like architectural shingles, they are often less expensive than true natural roofing systems like slate or wood shake.

Weight and Structural Support

Some roofing systems are heavier than others, which means they may not be suited for certain types of buildings. Be sure to get a thorough inspection of your roof completed by a professional before installing a new roofing system. A heavy metal roof or natural slate system, for example, may not be suited for your building or home.

Installation Requirements and Warranties

This factor is more influenced by the roofing installation company you choose and the manufacturer of your roofing system. Regardless, you should get details on the installation process, and ensure you fully understand the scope of your roofing project so that you are prepared. You should also look into the warranties available for the roofing materials you are interested in to make sure you are adequately covered.

Which Roofing Systems Can Withstand High Winds? Final Thoughts

To conclude, there are a lot of options out there when it comes to wind-resistant roofing materials. Whether you opt for the durability of traditional metal, the aesthetic appeal of natural-material look-alikes, or the tried-and-true architectural shingles, be sure to do your research and ask your roofer plenty of questions. By taking your time to find the best choice for you and understanding the weather conditions of your area, you can choose the best wind-resistant roofing for you!

Looking for a roofing company in Oklahoma? Call us at Statewide Roofing. We install all of the roofing types listed above and more all over the state of Oklahoma. Check out our commercial and residential services to see all of our roofing options, and visit our blog to learn more about us and roofing. Contact us today for a free estimate!