Living in a tornado-prone area comes with certain dangers. There is a high chance of a storm coming through and causing major damage to your roof and other parts of your house. The risk of damage is why it’s important to carefully consider which materials to use when replacing your roof or building a new home or commercial structure.
No roofing material will make your home or business immune to storm damage should a major tornado strike, as there’s always the risk of the storm tearing the entire roof straight off the building. Nonetheless, some roofing materials are stronger and more durable than others and will lessen the chances of your roof incurring damage in a storm.
Metal Roofing
One concern that many people have about metal roofing is that they think it will easily get dented or otherwise damaged if struck by hail or flying debris. This generally isn’t true. Metal roofing can withstand impacts much better than any other type of roofing material. There is a chance that a major impact could damage the corrosion-resistant coating on metal roof sheets, potentially resulting in the sheets eventually beginning to rust. Nonetheless, professional roofers can replace damaged metal sheets fairly easily without needing to tear everything else off the roof.
As long as metal roofing is installed correctly, it’s almost entirely resistant to wind damage. Shingles and other roofing materials like tiles can potentially break or be torn off the roof by extreme winds, but it’s highly unlikely that this would happen to metal roof sheets.
How long do metal roofs last?
Another great thing about metal roofing is that it tends to last quite a bit longer than shingles. In most cases, you can expect to get 40 to 50 years of life out of a metal roof, whereas shingle roofs usually only last for 20 to 30 years. A metal roof is more expensive, but the fact that it will last longer and be less likely to get damaged and need repairs helps to balance out the higher initial cost in the end.
Wind- and Impact-Resistant Shingles
All asphalt shingles are rated in terms of their wind resistance and impact resistance. Shingles with lower wind- and impact-resistance ratings aren’t a great option for tornado-prone areas or areas that often experience hail and strong winds, as they’re much more likely to experience storm damage. If you choose higher-rated shingles, there’s less of a chance of your roof being damaged and you needing to make a premature replacement.
Impact-resistance ratings are determined by dropping steel balls of different sizes onto the shingles from various heights. The purpose of this test is to simulate hailstones hitting the shingles and seeing how great an impact the shingles can withstand without cracking or breaking. Once the test is complete, the shingles are given a rating from Class 1 to Class 4. Class 4 is the highest rating, and shingles in this category should be able to withstand up to 2-inch hailstones without being damaged.
While Class 4 shingles are fairly costly compared to those in the lower classes, they can potentially save you money in the long run. Not only will you be less likely to have to pay for roof repairs, but you will also usually qualify for a discount on your homeowner’s insurance if you install Class 4 shingles.
What level of wind resistance do asphalt shingles have?
Asphalt shingles actually have two different wind-resistance ratings. The first rating determines how much direct wind speed the shingles can withstand without cracking or breaking. The second rating looks at the amount of uplift wind speed they can withstand without getting torn off the roof. Most shingles currently on the market have a Class F rating in the first category, which means they can withstand winds up to 110 miles per hour. They also have a Class H rating in the second category, meaning they can withstand uplift at wind speeds up to 150 mph.
Class F and Class H are the highest ratings in their respective category. You can sometimes find shingles with lower wind-resistance ratings, but they’re not all that common in many parts of the country. That’s because the building codes in most places only allow you to use shingles with a higher level of wind resistance.
One other important thing to note when it comes to shingles and their ability to resist wind damage is that the type and style of the roof can also play a role. You obviously can’t change the style of the roof on an existing home, but it is something to consider when building a new house.
What roofing style is best for wind resistance?
A basic four-sided hip roof with a fairly low slope is the best option in terms of wind resistance. Gable roofs, especially those that are steeper or have wider overhanging eaves, are more likely to experience wind damage. Slope is generally the biggest factor, as it determines the angle at which wind hits the shingles and the amount of uplift they experience.
The Importance of Storm Damage Inspections
Any time a major storm hits, it’s a good idea to contact a professional roofing company and have your roof inspected as soon as possible. This is true not only for tornadoes, but also for any type of strong storm that produces high wind speeds or large hailstones. You should also call for an inspection if you notice that a storm has knocked any tree limbs or larger branches onto your roof.
In some cases, storm damage is something that will be easily recognizable. For instance, you may notice shingles in your yard or see a spot on the roof where shingles are missing. Strong winds can also make shingles start to come loose, flapping and causing a loud banging sound as they hit against the roof. Other types of storm damage are less easy to spot without going up on the roof. Even then, it often takes a trained eye to spot signs of hail damage, cracking, and other problems.
Having a professional inspect your roof after a storm is the best way to make fully certain that it’s still in good shape and doesn’t need any repairs. The roofers can also advise you on whether it’s worth filing a claim and trying to get your homeowner’s insurance to help cover the cost of the repairs. Replacing the roof is always the best option if there’s major storm damage, and this is something for which you’ll definitely need to file an insurance claim.
Ready for a Roofing Upgrade? We Can Help
Emerald Roofing is one of Nebraska’s most trusted roofing companies. We’ve been serving customers in Omaha, Lincoln, and the surrounding areas since 2010, and we offer expert roof repair, maintenance, and replacement services. We work on both residential and commercial roofs and specialize in storm damage repairs, restoration, and inspections.
To schedule an inspection or get help determining which roofing material option is best for your home or business, contact us at Emerald Roofing today.
