Don’t let a damaged roof take the wind out of your sails
The best shingles for high winds will have good wind resistance ratings, as well as high impact resistance to prevent damage from wind-blown debris. The GAF Timberline HDZ roof shingles are some of the best in the industry for resisting high winds, with outstanding wind and impact resistance, affordability, wide availability, and 18 color options. In this guide, we’ll explore some high-quality options from top roofing manufacturers and help you decide which is best for your home.
GAF Timberline is the best-selling roofing product in the United States, and for good reason. The Timberline HDZ shingles have the highest wind resistance ratings available for asphalt roof shingles, including a Class F rating under ASTM D3161 testing conditions—resists wind speeds up to 110 mph—and a Class H rating under ASTM D7158—resists uplift in wind speeds up to 190 mph.
This product line also comes with a 15-year warranty specifically covering unlimited wind speeds and a limited lifetime warranty, and it has the highest possible impact and fire resistance ratings.
GAF Timberline HDZ shingles are widely available due to their popularity, so you should have no issues finding a local roofing company that works with the product. They’re also available in 18 color options for customization.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Max wind resistance | Warranty only valid if you install four or more accessories |
| Max impact resistance | Not a very unique look |
| Wind warranty | Color options are limited in certain areas |
Best for: Homeowners who are concerned about wind and impact from severe weather
The Vista AR product line from Malarkey also comes with the highest resistance ratings available from a roof shingle. That includes Class 4 impact resistance, top ratings for wind and wind uplift resistance, and the best possible fire resistance rating. This product from Malarkey comes with a wind warranty, but it’s limited to 110 mph, unlike GAF’s unlimited wind speed warranty.
The company is also GreenCircle certified and is a member of the United States Green Building Council, so its products are more sustainable than many other options.
Malarkey shingles aren’t as popular as those from GAF, so you may spend a bit more time finding a roofer that works with this brand. The shingles also come in half the color options as GAF Timberline HDZ, and they tend to be more expensive.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Max wind resistance | Only 9 colors |
| Max impact resistance | Lower availability |
| Sustainable | Limited wind warranty |
Best for: Homeowners who want maximum performance and are also concerned with sustainability
IKO Nordic shingles have the highest possible wind, impact, and fire resistance ratings, so they should stand up well to intense winds that reach up to around 190 mph. The shingles come with a limited lifetime warranty, as well as a wind-specific warranty for wind speeds up to 130 mph.
IKO Nordic shingles only come in eight colors, and while they’re available from many roofing contractors, the Nordic line isn’t available in some areas, and you may struggle to find the product at home improvement stores if you’re planning a DIY roof project.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Max wind resistance | Only 8 colors |
| Max impact resistance | Lower availability |
| Lifetime warranty | Limited wind warranty |
Best for: Homeowners who want less common color options to make their homes stand out
The TruDefinition Duration line of products from Ownes Corning boasts the highest wind resistance ratings and fire resistance ratings possible, so they’re likely to resist damage through even the most severe winds. They come with a limited lifetime warranty, although it’s not transferable, as well as a wind-specific warranty for winds up to 130 mph.
They have the second-highest impact resistance rating, so they will be more susceptible to damage from wind-blown debris than some of the best options out there.
This product line comes in 16 stock color options, but the company offers affordable printed posters for different color options so that you can see what the new roof will look like. This is particularly helpful for matching new roofing to old roofing in the case of a partial replacement or roof repair after storm damage.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Max wind resistance | Lower impact resistance |
| 16 color options | Can’t transfer warranty |
| Color matching | Limited wind warranty |
Best for: Homeowners who need roof repairs or partial replacements who want to match their existing roof color as closely as possible
The Landmark shingles from CertainTeed are affordable but still boast the highest possible wind resistance ratings, including a Class F rating and Class H rating under ASTM D3161 and ASTM D7158 testing conditions, respectively. They come with a limited lifetime warranty, as well as a similar wind warranty to the product from Malarkey, which guarantees your shingles will resist wind speeds up to 110 mph.
These shingles have a lower impact rating than the previous two options—a Class 3 rating under UL 2218 testing conditions, so they are more likely to sustain damage from wind-blown debris.
The Landmark line is available in 20 colors and is widely available.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Max wind resistance | Lower impact resistance |
| Wide availability | Limited wind warranty |
| Affordable |
Best for: Homeowners looking for an affordable roof that still has outstanding wind resistance
If you live in an area that sees a lot of extreme weather, choosing a high-quality, high-resistance roof is crucial for limiting damage. There are four primary things you should look for when shopping for the best shingles for high winds.
First, check the ASTM D3161 rating of the shingles you’re considering. This rating tells you the sustained, direct wind speeds your roof can handle without sustaining damage. Look for Class F, or base the rating on the wind speeds possible in your area:
Class A: Resists winds up to 60 mph
Class D: Resists winds up to 90 mph
Class F: Resists winds up to 110 mph
A different testing protocol—ASTM D7158—tells you the uplift wind speeds your roof can withstand, which is particularly important at the bottoms of roof slopes where they meet exterior walls. Look for Class H, or base the rating on the wind speeds your home could reasonably see:
Class D: Resists uplift wind speeds up to 115 mph
Class G: Resists uplift wind speeds up to 150 mph
Class H: Resists uplift wind speeds up to 190 mph
Most roofing products include a limited lifetime warranty, but you should also consider looking for a wind-specific warranty, which specifically covers wind damage to roof shingles. GAF is the leading manufacturer in terms of wind warranties, with no limit to the wind speed under which your product is warrantied. Other manufacturers include limits to the wind speeds, often between 110 and 130 mph.
Finally, a high impact resistance can help protect you from damage and roof leaks caused by impact from wind-blown debris. Look for Class 4 impact resistance for the best protection.
