There’s no doubt that the roof is the most important part of your house, but for those located in storm prone areas, it’s more than important. While you can’t predict how a particular roof will hold up during a severe storm, some roofing materials do better than others. With so many choices available, it’s really difficult to know where to start.

The good news is that you can prepare for the worst in advance. When the time comes to replace your roof, consider using the best roofing material for high winds. And don’t forget other factors, like the best roof shape for hurricanes. You can learn more about those topics below including how to make a new hurricane-proof roofing with Griffin Premier Roofing.

Best Roofing Materials for High Winds

One of the most commonly featured scenes in hurricane video footage is that of a roof being picked up, shingle by shingle, and carried away by extreme winds. You may be able to avoid that misfortune by simply using more wind-resistant materials for your roof. Knowing what the best roof material is for Florida and other states frequented by hurricanes can help you make better choices for your home.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofs might not be the most attractive choice to some homeowners, but it’s the safest, most secure option available. Living in a hurricane-prone area like Florida requires being prepared for high winds. A metal roof can weather hurricane-force winds up to 160 mph, making it the most wind-resistant solution.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay or concrete tiles are the most visually pleasing option for many homeowners. Tiles come in a variety of custom colors and match the architecture typically, which makes them a popular choice for upscale homes.

Curved tiles are arguably the most attractive option and are reasonably good at withstanding wind, with resistance up to around 130 mph, which is a pretty bad storm. Wind speeds in Florida regularly exceed 130 mph, though, so concrete or clay tiles are not the best or safest choice. They’re also some of the more expensive roofing materials on the market.

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are a more eco-friendly option, which appeals to many homeowners. They’re usually heavier than other options and cost a great deal more, despite their average wind speed resistance being quite a bit lower — around 110 mph — and the tiles can cause a lot of damage if they come loose. Quality workmanship is critical for a slate roof.

The biggest advantage to slate roofing, aside from natural beauty, is longevity. Slate roofs often come with 50-year warranties and are made from such high-quality material that they can last up to 100 years with proper maintenance.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are a common choice because they’re less expensive than other roofing materials. They’re not designed to withstand winds higher than 110 mph, though, and the older, recycled or reclaimed asphalt shingles only have a wind resistance of 50 mph. They’re not the best type of roof for hurricanes.

Wood Shakes

Wood shakes are rustic wooden shingles made from split logs. They’re more wind-resistant than clay, concrete or slate tiles, but not as much as metal. They’re a more expensive option than asphalt shingles and can be quite costly if you opt for traditional, handmade shakes.

Wood shake roofs tend to need a lot more general maintenance than other roofing materials. Some communities don’t allow wood shingles or shakes because they don’t meet stringent Class A fire ratings. The most compelling reason for choosing a wood roof is the beauty of natural wood.