Which Style Roof Is Best To Choose In Hurricane-Prone Areas?

The material you choose for your roof is, without a doubt, one of the most important features of your home’s exterior. Your roof gives your home its style and helps to improve the overall aesthetic. Additionally, it serves as your home’s first line of defense from the weather and more severe storms. A solid roof keeps the elements out of your home, especially when your home is located in a hurricane-prone area.

Homes in hurricane-prone locations will need to be designed with stronger materials than what would be necessary for the rest of the country. This covers regions on both coasts where the wind may blow at more than 115 mph. It’s necessary to ensure your roof can keep your home safe throughout the storm. The best roof types to have in hurricane-prone locations are outlined below to assist in selecting the best option.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is rapidly gaining popularity in the United States. It is exceptionally durable and long-lasting and is available in various designs, colors, and materials. They have an incredibly strong wind resistance of up to 140 mph and are also flame-retardant. Additionally, the average lifespan of a metal roof averages 40-70 years. This makes metal roofing an excellent choice for those prone to hurricanes.

Metal roofs are also environmentally friendly. Most can be constructed from recycled materials and recycled at the end of their use. Hurricane-prone places are usually located in warmer temperatures, so a metal roof might be an attractive addition to keeping your home cool.

Class 4 Impact-Resistant Shingles

Class 4 impact-resistant shingles offer premium weather resistance. Impact-resistant shingles are engineered to withstand hail, wind, sleet, and other extreme weather conditions. Some Class 4-rated shingles can withstand winds up to 130 mph, which is the equivalent of a Category 4 Hurricane on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale.

Homeowners save money over time. A bad hail storm can render a roof useless, as the impact of hail can break, crack, or tear roofing materials and create an entry point for water intrusion. With impact-resistant roofing, there’s peace of mind knowing the roof looks great and is designed to protect the home and possessions.

Additionally, there may be insurance discounts. Several insurance companies offer discounts for installing impact-resistant roofing, especially in hail zones. Upgrading your roof can save between 5% to 35% annually on premiums. Check with a provider to see if there’s a discount for impact-resistant shingles.

Tile Roofing

Tile roofing is a common style along both coastlines and in hurricane-prone locations. Originally, tile roofing was always comprised of clay for toughness and longevity in windy places. Modern tiles offer similar durability and wind resistance without the same weight, including concrete, metal, and composite/synthetic tiles.

Both concrete and clay tiles can resist gusts up to 150 mph, making them excellent for high-wind areas. Tile roofs are common in Florida. Tile roofs can use reflective materials for cool-roof alternatives and may include recycled content depending on material choice, improving eco-friendly aspects.

Depending on the material, tile roofs might be costly. Clay requires periodic underlayment replacement and can break if stepped on. Modern materials are more durable, and many tile roofs can last 100+ years with proper maintenance.

While impact-resistant roofing provides enhanced performance and peace of mind, there is a higher upfront cost due to specialized manufacturing.

As the pros and cons of impact-resistant roofing are weighed, consider local damage potential. Will today’s investment reduce storm damage and costly repairs later? Many homeowners find that choosing more durable materials reduces frequent repairs and replacement over time.

We have offices located in Naples, Pensacola, Boca Raton, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Rockledge, Sebring, Tampa, Covington or Houma. We are a local, preferred contractor looking to provide our local communities with high-quality roofing repair and replacement services. We provide both commercial and residential services as well as solar roofing solutions. If you would like to schedule a free evaluation with a roofing expert or speak to our customer service team, give us a call or send us a message online.