If you live in Florida, you know getting hit by a hurricane isn’t a question of if but rather when. Effective hurricane proofing of your home includes several components. These include things like cleaning up or tying down yard items to limit flying debris. Installing opening protection, such as hurricane shutters in Southwest Florida is critical. Another important hurricane proofing component is your roof. Your home’s roof protects it against a hurricane’s brutal winds and torrential rain. A compromised roof may lead to cause significant damage. Water intrusion and structural damage are possible a hurricane with a bad roof. But what is the best roof for hurricanes? That is what we will cover in this guide.
Some roofs stand up to hurricane-force winds better than others. So the right choice could make a big difference. It could mean the difference between weathering the storm and catastrophic damage.
Our company does not install roofs, make roofing products, or have anything to do with roofs. So you may be asking why we are writing a guide on roofs. The answer is because we are a hurricane protection company serving SWFL. So we want to help people protect their homes against hurricanes. And having a suitable roof is a big part of that. Like hurricane shutters and impact windows your roof plays a big part in protecting you. So whether you are new to Florida or are in need of a new roof, making an informed decision is important.
In this guide we explore different types of roofing systems. And we explore what makes some better suited to dealing with hurricanes vs others.
What Makes a Roof More Hurricane-Resistant?
Let’s start with the basics. What makes one roof better able to handle those winds than another? A hurricane-resistant roof is not only about materials. The roof design, installation, and reinforcement all have roles to play. Roofs need:
- Strong, wind-resistant and weather resistant materials
- Aerodynamic shape to reduce uplift
- Proper fastening (both to your structure and to the roof) and sealing
- Impact resistance to withstand flying debris
This all makes sense, but how does it translate into roofing systems in the real world? Check out our rundown below.
Best Roof Types for Hurricanes
Not all roofs can handle 150+ mph winds. And some are better suited for hurricanes than others. Here’s how the most common types of roofs stack up:
1. Metal Roofs: Best Roof for Hurricanes
If you’re looking for the toughest roof in a hurricane, metal is your best bet. It’s lightweight, durable, and built to withstand high winds. Metal roofing is the option with the longest life expectancy on the market. So chances are good that you won’t need to invest in a roof replacement during your ownership of the home. As a final benefit, if you live in one of Florida’s wildfire-prone areas, metal is impervious to sparks.
Below is a general break-down of metal roofs. Remember, the performance of a specific roof depends on the specific product’s specs. Check with your roofing company to understand the products they offer.
- Wind resistance: Can handle speeds up to 160 mph or more.
- Impact resistance: Can generally stand up to flying debris better than shingles.
- Longevity: Lasts 40–70 years with maintenance. The number of years that your insurance carrier will cover it will differ. This can range from 15-30 years. You will need to ask your insurance carrier for this information.
- Downside: More expensive upfront.
2. Concrete or Clay Tile Roofs
Tile roofs are common in Florida, and for good reason. They are able to handle hurricane-force winds. They also look amazing and give any property a Spanish vibe that’s hard to beat. Like metal, clay and concrete aren’t susceptible to fire, either.
Below is a general break-down of concrete/clay tile roofs. Remember, the performance of a specific roof depends on the specific product’s specs. Check with your roofing company to understand the products they offer.
- Wind resistance: Rated for winds up to 130–150 mph.
- Impact resistance: Tiles can break under heavy impact. But they still provide solid protection.
- Longevity: Can last 50+ years, but you’ll need to invest in some maintenance during that time. Again, the number of years that your insurance carrier will cover it will differ. This can range from 15-25 years. You will need to ask your insurance carrier for this information.
- Downside: Heavy weight requires a strong roof structure. Broken tiles can be costly to replace. In general, these roofs are more expensive than lower-cost options like shingle roofs.
3. Asphalt Shingle Roofs
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in the United States. According to a study, 80% of homes in the US have this type of roof. They can be a good choice, but it is important to pick the right kind. You will find many grades of roofing shingles on the market. At their best their lifespan tops out at 30 years. But most don’t make it that far. This is thanks to Florida’s harsh sunshine, hurricanes, and insurance requirements.
Below is a general break-down of asphalt shingle roofs. Remember, the performance of a specific roof depends on the specific product’s specs. Check with your roofing company to understand the products they offer.
- Wind resistance: Standard asphalt shingles may only handle 60–70 mph winds. High-quality architectural shingles can withstand 130–150 mph. You will need to ensure the shingles work for hurricane prone areas.
- Impact resistance: Varies by brand and quality.
- Longevity: 15–30 years per manufacturer. But again, the number of years that your insurance carrier will cover the roof differ. The coverage coverage ranges from 10-15 years for most carriers. You will need to ask your insurance carrier for this information.
- Downside: Asphalt shingles have a lower life. They may be more vulnerable to uplift if not installed with suitable fasteners.
4. Flat Roofs
Flat roofs are common in commercial buildings. Some Florida homes have them too. Flat roofs come in a range of material types. Needless to say they are not created equal. Rubber (EPDM) is one of the more resilient options, but you have a lot of choices.
- Wind resistance: Can be vulnerable to wind uplift if they are not sealed correct.
- Impact resistance: Depends on the materials used.
- Longevity: Varies widely.
- Downside: Water pooling is a major issue if drainage isn’t perfect.
Why Your Roof Alone Isn’t Enough
Even the best roof won’t save your home in a hurricane if you don’t protect the rest of it. Hurricanes can lift your roof off (yes, even metal ones). If the wind gets inside through broken windows or doors, it pressurizes your home. When your home becomes pressurized it can lead to structural damage. Usually, that’s involves your roof. So, what can you do? It’s all about hurricane proofing every part of your home, not your roof alone.
How to Protect Your Home and Keep Your Roof Intact
- Install opening protection like impact windows and hurricane shutters. They prevent wind and flying debris from breaking your home’s most vulnerable openings. Exposed openings into your home can lead to your home becoming pressurized. Hurricane opening protection prevents this from happening. You have a lot of choices in hurricane shutters, such as accordions, roll-downs and more. Check out our selection of storm shutters for more inspiration.
- Reinforce your roof with hurricane straps. These metal connectors secure your roof to the walls, reducing the risk of uplift. There are services that can secure the attachment of your roof to your structure. One example are companies that provide a “third nail” service.
- Seal your roof decking. A secondary water barrier keeps rain from seeping in if shingles or tiles get damaged.
- Maintain your roof. Loose shingles, cracked tiles, and worn-out fasteners create weak points in a storm.
The Bottom Line
The Best Roof for Hurricanes depends on your situation. You can find a suitable roof with any of the roof types we listed. If you have the budget then metal or tile are great options. If you choose asphalt then pick a suitable product that can withstand hurricanes. But don’t stop there, protecting your home means going above and beyond your roof. Reinforce your entire structure with hurricane shutters, impact windows, and proper fastenings.
A well-protected home isn’t only about surviving the hurricane. It helps you get back to “normal” faster after the storm. We do not sell or install roofs. But if you need expert guidance on choosing hurricane shutters or impact windows, we can help. Get in touch with us for questions, a free estimate, or to start your project today.
Or call (239) 369-8600 for immediate service.
