Do you live in an area with high winds? A good example is Charlotte, North Carolina, where a simple spring or summer day can quickly turn into a blustery, windy day. Charlotte, NC has been hit with hurricane winds and tropical storms, with high winds that batter Charlotte roofs. As you consider a roof replacement, it may be helpful to think about the value of choosing a roof that can handle the high winds well, helping reduce the number of repairs you’ll need to make over time.
Do high winds matter when choosing a roof? How do you know what to buy?
Why Wind Ratings Matter on Roofs
When buying roofing materials, you’ll notice a wind rating on most products. The manufacturer provides this information to help buyers make better decisions about which roofs are best suited for their needs.
All roofs go through a testing process to determine how much wind they can withstand. It is critical for the roofing structure to meet the needs of your area.
Metal roofs
Most metal roofs should have an ATSM 1592 test completed. This provides insight into how much uplift of force the roof can handle from the wind without the entire roof blowing off. If the roof is tested and resists the uplift force, then it is passed. It will be a durable option in high winds as long as it is professionally and properly installed.
Asphalt roofs
Many homes have asphalt shingles on them. Imagine that each of these shingles has a small edge that, with just the right wind, could create uplift and tear the shingle off. To help ensure that this is less likely to happen, manufacturers test their roofs for wind resistance.
There are numerous types of tests available for this. That includes the ASTM D3161 and ASTM D7158 protocols. The manufacturers typically will test their products against these protocols and then provide a range. They are typically rated by class, such as Class 1, 2, 3, or 4. Anything that is rated as a Class 4 is going to be a great option for high wind areas.
Also, note that some asphalt shingles will also be rated as a Class 4 if they are impact resistant (and a high level of it). That means they can handle the wind but also hail damage.
The Highest Risk Areas
In North Carolina, where there is often the risk of a hurricane making its way nearby, it helps to know which type of shingles or roofing material is best for your roof. What’s going to provide the highest level of protection in high winds?
There are roofing products that can handle high winds, even up to 150 miles per hour. Most average roofing products can handle up to 90 miles per hour, but more than that requires a higher quality and more versatile shingle.
Synthetic roofing materials
Typically, that’s going to come from synthetic shingles. A composite roofing tile is designed to be both impact-resistant and high-wind resistant. Again you’ll want to look for the rating provided by the manufacturer for a comparison of products.
Some of these shingles are designed to be far lighter in weight than what the traditional shingle weighs, which allows it to bend a bit more before it breaks and comes off during high wind events. You can choose from a range of synthetic products. That includes slate, cedar shakes, and synthetic clay tiles.
Why Does Roof Damage Occur from Wind?
Wind can cause a number of problems for roofing structures. The most common damage is having the shingles lift off the roof, often breaking away or just pulling up on the structure, creating the risk of exposed areas. When this happens, it’s likely easy to see since there will be areas of missing shingles on your roof. However, recognizing missing shingles like this means you need to address a repair right away. The longer the shingle remains missing, the more risk there is to the structural integrity of the roof.
Another risk from high winds is that the shingles may lift off the roof structure but then settle back into place. You may not notice this occurring, and once the storm passes, you may not realize anything has happened. However, that’s not the case, and there’s now damage that needs attention.
When this loosening happens, it means the roof shingles are no longer being held tightly against the surface of the roof. The nails are loose, which means there’s more risk for water to seep into and under them. More so, those shingles are less wind resistant for the next storm. Also, that lifting can also break any sealant or adhesive strip under the shingles, which can mean that they are no longer watertight.
How to Protect Your Roof from High Winds
When you live in an area where there are high winds, it’s essential to take action to minimize risk. There are several things to do.
- Buy a high-rated wind resistance roofing material. Purchase a Class 4 resistant roofing material if you are in the market for a new roof. Invest a bit more in this product to minimize long-term damage to your roofing structure.
- Have the roof professionally installed. Though this may not seem important, it can be critical since proper inspections, placement, and oversight minimizes the risk of complications later.
- Be sure sealant strips are used. The application of sealant strips under the shingles can help to support a better bond, minimizing the risk of the roof pulling up during a wind event. If there’s too much shade over your roof, your roofer may need to use a roof cement to help ensure the sealant works (not enough heat makes adhesive products less effective).
In addition to this, pay attention to what’s occurring on your roof. If you have a high-quality roofing product, chances are good that you’ll see less damage from wind. However, walk around your home after a high-wind event to spot areas of shingles that are not laying flat or are missing. Take action to get those repaired sooner to minimize water damage on the roof structure.
