After over 40 years in the roofing business, one thing’s become clear—Mother Nature doesn’t care what’s nailed to a roof. Wind, hail, rain, ice, and the occasional wayward tree branch will all do their best to test a roof’s limits. And lately, it seems like they’ve been testing a little more often.
From the Midwest to the Gulf Coast, severe weather is getting more aggressive, and roofs that used to last decades are facing threats that show up uninvited, with 80 mph wind gusts and hailstones the size of golf balls. Whether it’s a Midwest derecho or a full-blown hurricane down south, roofs need to do more than look nice—they need to hang on for dear life.
That’s why storm-resistant materials are gaining traction in places that didn’t used to worry much about hurricane ratings. Even here in Wisconsin Rapids, more customers are asking about wind uplift, impact resistance, and whether their roof can handle the next “100-year storm” that somehow comes around every other summer.
So let’s break down the materials that are designed to do just that—handle wind, water, and whatever else the sky throws their way.
Metal Roofing: Built to Take a Beating
Metal roofs aren’t just for barns anymore. These days, standing seam systems and interlocking panels are showing up on everything from log cabins to lake houses. And there’s good reason for that.
Metal roofs lock in place, which means high winds have a much harder time prying them up. The smooth surface helps shed rain and snow, and debris tends to bounce off rather than dig in. Properly installed metal roofs can stand up to wind speeds that would knock a garden gnome into the next zip code.
Regular checks are still needed—fasteners can loosen with temperature changes, and sealants don’t last forever—but when it comes to riding out a storm, metal’s a solid bet. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about hearing rain on a metal roof. It’s like nature’s own percussion section.
Tile Roofing: Heavy, Tough, and Fancy
Concrete and clay tiles bring some serious weight to the table—literally. Their sheer mass helps them stay put during high winds, and when anchored properly, they can meet or exceed wind codes in hurricane zones.
But weight isn’t all sunshine and stormproofing. That added mass means the roof structure underneath needs to be strong enough to hold it up without sagging. And while tiles are tough, they can crack if hit just right (or if someone’s overly confident with their ladder placement).
Still, in storm-prone areas, tile holds its own. When paired with a quality underlayment, even a few damaged tiles won’t spell disaster. Just don’t try to walk on it unless you’ve got excellent balance and zero fear of heights.
Synthetic Roofing: Light but Mighty
Synthetic roofing materials—composite shingles, polymer tiles, and all their cousins—are the result of modern science getting involved in old roofing problems. Designed to look like wood, slate, or tile, these materials often have higher impact resistance and better wind ratings than the real thing.
They’re lighter than traditional tile and more flexible under pressure, which helps during hailstorms or when gusts get aggressive. Some come with Class 4 impact ratings and can resist winds over 110 mph. Not bad for something that looks like it belongs in a high-end catalog.
Installation still matters, of course. Even the best material can’t help if it’s tacked down wrong or paired with a flimsy underlayment.
High-Performance Asphalt Shingles: Old Dog, New Tricks
Asphalt shingles have come a long way from the three-tab days. These days, architectural and impact-resistant shingles are available that can stand up to high winds and hail far better than their predecessors.
Look for shingles rated for up to 130 mph winds, with reinforced nailing zones and stronger adhesives. Installation is everything here. Nail placement, starter strips, and flashing details all play a role in whether the roof holds up in a storm or peels off like an old bumper sticker.
Asphalt still tends to be the go-to for many homes due to familiarity and cost—but if storm resistance is a concern, it’s worth going with the upgraded versions.
Decking and Underlayment: The Unsung Heroes
Material choice is important, but what’s under the shingles or panels can be just as critical. A roof deck reinforced with proper sheathing and fasteners gives the outer layers something solid to grip. It’s like having a seatbelt—it doesn’t stop the crash, but it sure helps keep things from flying around.
Self-adhered underlayments and synthetic barrier sheets help prevent water intrusion if the top layer is breached. In storm zones, these are must-haves—not optional extras.
Final Thoughts from the Ladder
No roof is invincible. But some are better at standing their ground when the wind howls and the sky turns green. Whether it’s metal, tile, synthetic, or heavy-duty asphalt, choosing a storm-resistant material gives a building a fighting chance—and lowers the odds of waking up to a water feature in the living room.
After 40 years on rooftops, one thing’s for sure: planning ahead beats patching holes later. Choosing the right material, installing it right, and inspecting it now and then—those are the keys to keeping the roof over everyone’s head, even when the forecast takes a turn.
And if all else fails, at least the neighbor’s trampoline won’t land on the lawn again.