When you live in an area where storms occur regularly, like here in Ohio, your roof does a lot more than just keep you dry. Wind, rain, and hail all test what your roof can handle, and not every material passes that test. From the shape of your roof to the materials used for its construction, several factors play a part in how well your home stands up to bad weather.
Storm Related Roof Risks
On nice weather days, it’s easy to forget about your roof. When wind, hail, or pounding rain rolls in, your roof can suffer. Damaged shingles, broken tiles, or bent flashing aren’t just surface issues. Small gaps or openings give water a chance to seep into your home. If you’ve ever noticed a ceiling stain after a storm, that’s usually a sign water has found its way in.
The wrong roofing material can make these issues worse. Your roof may peel, break apart, or trap moisture. Choosing the right type of roof means thinking ahead. Instead of waiting to repair damage after every season, you should ensure roofers use a material that holds up well when storms pass through. Different materials provide key features when the wind picks up or when hail hits at full speed.
Metal Roofing Popularity
You may have noticed more metal roofs popping up on newer homes or during roof renovations. Metal roofing holds up well when exposed to extreme weather conditions. During high winds, large metal panels stay fastened better than individual, lightweight shingles. You won’t end up with half your roof scattered across the yard after a storm. When large amounts of hail hit, some metal roofs might dent, but they rarely crack or break. The dents are simply cosmetic. Water won’t sneak through small gaps, and your attic stays dry.
Some styles of metal roofs come with interlocking seams. This type of design adds strength without negatively affecting the appearance of the roof. You can also reap the benefit of reflectivity. During sunny days, the surface bounces heat away, which helps your home stay cooler. When you consider the life span of a roof, metal doesn’t need as much attention as other materials. You can have it cleaned occasionally and allow a professional roof inspector to check fasteners after big storms.
Practicality of Asphalt Shingles in Storm Zones
Asphalt shingles are still one of the most common roofing materials around. They’re affordable, easy to install, and come in a wide range of colors. But how do they hold up when the weather turns rough? That depends on the type you choose. Some asphalt shingles are rated to resist high winds and hail, while others can tear or curl easily. If you already have asphalt shingles and you’re replacing all or part of your roof, look for impact-resistant options.
Durable asphalt shingles are built with a thick base and may have a strong seal strip. This feature helps them stay flat and adhere well. This can be important when wind gusts start to pull at shingle edges. When installed properly, asphalt shingles provide decent protection, but they do have limits. If you deal with storms every few months, you might need to make more frequent repairs. You’ll want to factor in regular roof inspections and potential roof repairs after inclement weather.
Clay and Concrete Tile Roofs
Tile roofs can make homes look classic or elegant, especially in areas with Mediterranean or Spanish-style architecture. While they’re beautiful, they bring some trade-offs when dealing with stormy weather. Concrete tiles handle the wind well due to their weight. That same weight, however, can become a problem if the structure underneath isn’t built to hold it.
Clay tiles are lighter but more brittle. When hail hits a clay tile roof, you might see small cracks that let water sneak underneath. Repairs get tricky, especially if the break happens in a tough-to-reach area.
If you like the look of tile, it can still be a viable option. Work with an experienced professional to focus on underlayment quality. A strong, water-resistant layer beneath the tiles gives you an extra line of protection if something breaks. Maintenance for tile roofs includes assessing small fractures and fixing them before they spread. The tiles last a long time, but only if you stay on top of small damage.
Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are known for their exceptional durability, especially in harsh weather conditions. As a natural stone material, slate offers impressive resistance to wind, hail, and heavy rain, making it a reliable option for homeowners in storm-prone areas. Its dense composition helps it withstand impact damage and shed water efficiently, reducing the risk of leaks and structural damage during storms. Additionally, slate roofs can last 75 to 100 years or more, offering long-term value and minimal maintenance.
However, slate does have some drawbacks. It’s significantly heavier than other roofing materials, which means your home may need structural reinforcement before installation. The upfront cost of slate roofing is also higher than asphalt or metal, which can be a barrier for some homeowners. Repairs can be tricky too, as not all contractors are experienced with slate. Still, for long-lasting performance and storm resilience, slate is a top-tier roofing choice.
Flexibility of Synthetic Roofing Options
Synthetic roofing materials have come a long way in recent years. Some look just like slate or wood but are made from rubber, plastic, or polymer blends. These materials don’t rot or split the way real wood does. They also tend to be lighter than tile, which makes installation easier and reduces the strain on your structure. What makes them stand out in storm-prone areas is their flexibility.
When the wind is strong or hail hits hard, synthetic shingles can often absorb the hit without cracking. Synthetic roofing also tends to hold color better, which helps maintain curb appeal even after exposure to UV rays from the sun or rain. If you’re trying to balance the look of a high-end roof with the durability of modern materials, synthetic blends can strike that balance without resulting in constant upkeep after your roof installation.
How Underlayment Choices Affect Storm Durability
What covers your roof is only part of what protects your home. Beneath those shingles, tiles, or panels is the underlayment, a layer that becomes especially important during storms. It rests between the outer roof and the roof deck, helping block water from getting through when heavy rain or wind hits. If your outer layer experiences damage, a good underlayment keeps moisture from soaking into the structure of your home.
Modern synthetic underlayment offers optimal resistance to tears and water penetration. Some are self-adhering, which means they stick to the deck and seal around nail holes. That extra grip keeps water out when winds try to lift or shift materials. If your roof has valleys or areas prone to pooling, a stronger underlayment becomes even more helpful. When you’re thinking about storm protection, don’t skip over what you can’t see. This hidden layer may be what keeps a small leak from turning into structural damage.
Installation and Fastener Importance
Even the strongest roofing material won’t be beneficial if it’s not installed right. You could buy the best-rated shingles or panels available, but if they’re fastened poorly, they won’t hold during a storm. Nails incorrectly placed or too few fasteners per tile leave your roof at risk. In storm zones, local building codes often outline how many nails each section should have.
Some roofs have clips or straps that tie the roof to the walls for added stability. It’s worth asking your installer about the installation process. If your roof already exists, having a contractor check the condition of nails, screws, or adhesives can give you peace of mind. When a storm passes through, those little connections make the difference between staying sealed and watching a section lift or peel away.
Learn More About Roofing Options
Whether you’re building a home from scratch or thinking about replacing an older roof, choosing a material that’s made for inclement weather can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. We offer siding, gutters, and full roof services in Columbus, OH. To find out what roofing materials make the most sense for your home, call The Roof Detective and start your storm-proofing plan today.
