Will My Roof Survive a Seattle Wind Storm? Pros and Cons of Different Roof Types

Are you looking for a more durable roof material after your home was hit hard by a recent wind storm in the Greater Seattle area? Are you frustrated that you’re constantly spending money on repairs after a storm and want a longer-lasting solution to protect your roof?

At RoofSmart, we have helped hundreds of homeowners just like you repair and replace their roofs after a wind storm. After being in the Greater Seattle area for 13 years, we have seen all kinds of different roof damage on all kinds of different roofs. We know what works best in a wind storm (and what doesn’t).

In this article, you’ll learn about the pros and cons of different types of roofs for use during wind storms and the factors that can impact your decision on which roof material to use.

By the end, you’ll be able to decide which roof type is right for your roof during a wind storm in the Greater Seattle area.

What are the pros and cons of common roof types in Seattle during wind storms?

Each roof type has advantages and disadvantages when put to the test during a wind storm. Some of these roof types perform better in wind storms than others.

Here is a list of 6 common roof types in the Seattle area with explanations of their advantages and disadvantages during wind storms:

1.) Euroshield

• Pros:
  • Euroshield is made out of recycled tires, so it’s both eco-friendly and very durable. It does a great job of withstanding impact because it is bouncy, meaning that it will help protect your roof from being damaged by debris during a windstorm.
  • It also holds up well in the wind and has a grippy surface for walking on, making it safer to walk on as you clean it off.
  • Euroshield is as good at protecting your roof from damage during a windstorm as a metal roof (with the added bonus of being easier to clean and maintain).

• Cons:
  • It is expensive (which is why many people don’t choose it).

2.) A 24-gauge Standing Seam Metal Roof

• Pros:
  • Metal roofs are like armored plating for your home. They provide a strong barrier that helps to prevent damage from falling branches and other debris in a windstorm. 24-gauge steel is the most strong and durable metal roofing option.
  • While it is possible that metal roofs can get dented or scuffed when hit with debris, it still keeps the rest of the roof from being damaged and won’t leak. And, it can help minimize damage in extreme situations (like when a tree falls on the house).
  • They have fewer seams than other roof types and fit together in bigger pieces, which gives them great wind resistance.

• Cons:
  • A 24-gauge standing seam metal roof offers the same high-quality protection as Euroshield. We put it second on the list because it can grow algae and become slippery, potentially making it dangerous to clean off.
  • It’s also more expensive than Euroshield.

What about other gauges of standing seam steel roofs?

24-gauge steel is the most common size that homeowners choose. For a more affordable price, you can choose 26-steel. This is a small thickness of metal, which means that it is more susceptible to denting. But, it does still get you pretty much all the benefits of 24-gauge steel. If your home is surrounded by trees, 26-gauge steel might not be the best option.

3.) Cedar Shake

• Pros:
  • Cedar shake is good at deflecting impact on the roof. It is also easy to repair because it comes in individual pieces, making it a good option if you want easy repair access after a storm.
  • Although it does not have as much wind resistance as Euroshield or metal roofs, cedar shake does hold out better in wind storms than an asphalt roof.

• Cons:
  • Cedar shake is the highest grade of wooden shake that you can get. It is expensive, but the more affordable options are made with wood that does not perform as well. Shake is also more expensive to maintain because it has protective coatings that need to be reapplied frequently.

4.) Synthetic Shingles

• Pros:
  • Synthetic shingles that are made out of PVC, like the ones made by DaVinci Roofscapes or Brava Roof Tile, are lightweight and have great wind resistance.
  • Although they can break when hit by a branch, they are easy to replace if they get damaged because each shingle is an individual piece.
  • These particular types of synthetic shingles are made to look like tile, slate, or shake. They are a more affordable option than those roof types.

• Cons:
  • They can get slimy if they are installed on properties with trees that leak onto the roof, which can make maintenance difficult.

5.) Tile

• Pros:
  • It is easy to remove and replace the individual tiles if any of them do break.
  • Each tile is very heavy, making this roof material a great option for wind resistance.

• Cons:
  • Clay and concrete tiles are very heavy, making them a good choice for resisting high wind speeds. It would take a lot of force to rip them out.
  • They are fairly strong, but if a large branch or a tree falls on them they’ll break. Small debris can dent, scuff, and crack it.
  • Tile is very expensive to install and repair so it is not a popular option. In addition, because of how heavy it is many homes need extra reinforcement put on before the tile is installed.

6.) Asphalt shingles

• Pros:
  • Several top manufacturers have wind warranties ranging from 110 mph to 130 mph. You might lose some shingles during the storm (depending on the type of shingle, wind speed, and age of the roof).
  • Asphalt shingles are by far the most affordable roofing option, which is why they are chosen by a majority of homeowners.

• Cons:
  • Out of all the roofing options listed here, asphalt shingles have the least amount of wind resistance. But, for the most part, they’ll probably stay on even in high winds.
  • On the other hand, they are not very durable upon impact and will not protect your roof from falling branches or trees.
  • They start out being easy and affordable to repair, but over time they can become brittle and easily crack when moved.

How do I decide which roof type is right for me in a wind storm?

In order to decide which roof type is best for you, you need to consider your budget, your environment, and your preferences. Ask yourself these questions to help you decide:

• Is my top priority getting the best wind storm-resistant roof?: If the answer is yes, then your best choices are Euroshield or 24-gauge steel. Both of these roof types offer excellent strength, durability, and wind resistance that will help immensely to protect your home from damage. It will also reduce the amount of times you need to repair or replace your roof due to damage.
• What is my roofing budget?: Unfortunately, all of these options are expensive. Most people choose to get an asphalt roof because it is the most affordable option. If that’s what you’re looking for, then asphalt shingles are probably what you want, despite the fact that they do not offer the best protection in a wind storm.
  • If you want the most affordable option that offers better protection, then consider choosing Euroshield or synthetic shingles. These have better wind resistance and are stronger than asphalt shingles.
  • Cedar shake is durable and has good wind resistance, but it is expensive to maintain it (on top of what you pay to install it). If you like the look but not the price, you might choose a synthetic shingle. They are cheaper and easier to maintain but still have decent wind resistance.
• How often do I get wind storms?: If you live in an area that gets a lot of wind storms and you’re tired of repairing or replacing your roof all the time, then it might be worth the investment to choose Euroshield or 24-gauge steel. However, if you only deal with wind storms a few times a year, you might decide on an option that is not as durable, like synthetic shingles or tile.
• Do I live on a property with trees?: Even if you’re looking for a roof that does well in a wind storm, remember that you still have to deal with that roof all the time. Trees can be quite a nuisance when it comes to maintaining your roof.
  • For example, metal roofs and synthetic shingles can easily get slippery and dangerous to walk on if you live in an area with trees that drip sap and debris on them. This build-up of slime can be a deciding factor between metal and Euroshield because Euroshield does not get slimy.
  • Also, asphalt roofs need to be regularly cleaned to make sure that debris from trees does not trap moisture and deteriorate the shingles. Euroshield, metal, tile, and synthetic shingles don’t have the same problem because they don’t absorb moisture.

Choosing the Best Roof for Wind Storms in Seattle

When it comes to protecting your home during Seattle’s frequent wind storms, selecting the right roof type is crucial. From durable Euroshield to budget-friendly asphalt shingles, each material has unique strengths and challenges.

By considering factors like your budget, the presence of nearby trees, and how often you experience storms, you can choose a roof that balances cost, durability, and maintenance needs.

Want more information on the roof types covered in this article? Check out our article “Roof Types: Pros and Cons of 8 Options to Help You Choose the Best One for Your Home” to learn how these roofs perform in everyday Seattle weather conditions.