The Best Roofing Options for Homes in High-Wind Areas

Living in Georgia means dealing with heavy winds, especially during hurricane season. Whether you’re up in North Georgia or closer to the coast, your roof needs to be tough enough to handle strong gusts. Choosing the best roofing options for homes in high-wind areas isn’t just about curb appeal—it’s about protecting your family, your investment, and your peace of mind. 

At Findlay Roofing, we know that the right roofing material can spell the difference between a roof that holds firm and one that ends up in pieces across your yard. If you’re considering replacing shingles or a new roof upgrade, take a moment to explore the following wind-resistant options.

Additionally, reach out to the Findlay Roofing team for a free assessment of which roofing system will give you the best protection against Georgia’s fiercest gales. We have the tools, the team, and the know-how to build your perfect wind-resistant roof. Contact us today to discuss which roofing system will give you the best protection against Georgia’s fiercest gales. 

Choosing the Right Roofing Material for High-Wind Storms

If you live in Georgia, especially near the coast, your roof has to be ready for some serious wind. Inclement weather, such as summer thunderstorms, can easily produce winds of 50 mph or more. On average, we face 19 days per year with damaging thunderstorms and about 6 days with tornado warnings. 

Over the years, hurricanes and gale-force storms of all sorts have also put our homes to the test. When left unchecked, wind can pry loose shingles.

How can you ensure your home’s roof can withstand high winds? Consider materials specifically rated to endure hurricane-prone areas and tornadoes. 

Essential Features of a Wind-Resistant Roof

A proper roofing system design, paired with quality roofing products, will reduce wind damage and water damage when storms blow in. For a long-lasting roof that stands the test of time in high-wind areas, your roofing system should include the following elements.

Roof deck and structure

Before picking materials, you need to have your roof deck inspected.

A sturdy deck rated for hurricane-prone areas typically uses plywood or OSB. Reinforced deck sheathing, hurricane straps tying rafters to walls, and synthetic underlayment help your roof withstand high winds and wind-driven rain. If your deck is old or showing rot, replacement is the first step to any wind-resistant roofing upgrade.

Underlayment

Between your shingles and roof decking lies a layer of felt or synthetic material. In most areas, it’s two layers; in high-wind zones, it’s a heavy-duty type. This is called underlayment. 

Underlayment is like your roof’s backup system—keeping your roof deck dry even if wind-driven rain gets past the surface. Georgia requires coastal homes to have double underlayment and heavy nails.

Traditional felt underlayment may wear out quickly. Synthetic underlayment is a durable plastic sheet that won’t tear easily and adds an extra line of defense against wind-driven rain.

Fasteners

In high-wind zones, Georgia’s code calls for a special “fastening grid,” meaning nails or cap nails go into a precise pattern to hold that underlayment tight. Cheap nails or incorrect installation can lead to leaks or roof damage—even if the shingles are rated for wind.

Findlay Roofing follows Georgia’s code to the letter. For example, Georgia’s building code requires roof fastener materials for asphalt shingles to be made of:

• Galvanized steel
• Stainless steel
• Aluminum, or;
• Copper

Corrosion-resistant materials are required when fastening underlayment in high-wind areas. That means stainless steel, hot-dipped galvanized, or similar for nails and screws. Even drip-edge and flashings must be secured with these alloys so they won’t rust out in a few seasons.

Hurricane straps

In hurricane or high-wind regions, local building codes often require “hurricane straps” or metal clips that tie the roof framing to the walls so the roof structure stays connected to the house during uplift.

Wind-Rated Shingles: Choosing the Right Strength

Before you can choose a roofing material, you need to understand what materials are required under the local roofing code. Not all shingles are the same. They’re tested and given a “wind rating” based on how well they hold up under pressure. 

Georgia is divided into “wind zones” based on how fast gusts typically blow. Your roof needs to be built for the zone you live in. Zone 1 encompasses most of inland Georgia, and roofs in this zone should be able to handle winds around 90 to 120 mph. 

Zone 2 includes coastal counties like Chatham, Glynn, and Camden. These areas tend to face stronger storms, so roofs here need to handle winds up to 150 mph. 

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are a durable roofing material that balances cost and performance. Some architectural asphalt shingles can withstand up to 150 mph winds. When examining asphalt roofing materials, you might see labels such as ASTM D7158 or ASTM D3161. 

ASTM means the American Society for Testing and Materials. D7158 is the name of this organization’s test for determining how well asphalt shingles resist being lifted by strong wind gusts. 

The ASTM D7158 ratings for asphalt shingles are:

• Class D: Class D asphalt shingles are rated for winds up to 90 mph and are best for mild climates and moderate winds. Class D shingles would fare poorly in gusty storms.
• Class G: Class G asphalt shingles can take winds up to 120 mph, handling thunderstorms pretty well. However, Class G shingles may struggle in hurricanes.
• Class H: Class H asphalt shingles are rated for winds up to 150 mph.

A related test, the ASTM D3161, checks how shingles hold up under steady wind, with Class 1 being the least resistant and Class 4 being the most resistant.

Many modern asphalt shingles come in impact-resistant varieties rated for hurricane-force winds up to 150 mph and feature extra-strong adhesive strips that help them withstand winds and resist debris impact. 

Impact resistance

In high-wind areas, impact-resistant (or hurricane-resistant) materials are essential since debris may be picked up, hitting your roof with great force. Other hazards, such as tree limbs falling or hail, may pummel your roof. 

Roofing materials with the label UL2218 indicate the level of impact a material can endure. A UL2218 test rating of Class 1 is the lowest level of resistance. Class 4 is the highest possible rating. Class 4 materials can easily withstand high impact and high-frequency damage from hailstones.

Metal roofing

If you’re aiming for the best roofing options for homes in high-wind areas, metal roofing panels and shingles often top the list for durable roofing materials in high-wind storms.

Standing-seam metal roofing stands apart for sheer durability. When paired with the proper underlayment, metal roofing can stand up to 140–160 mph gusts. It is also impact-resistant against large debris that may be kicked up in windstorms. If you’ve ever seen a 2-inch hailstorm in April, you know the peace of mind that comes when your roof shrugs off nature’s worst.

The standard test for metal roofing is UL 580. Under this test, panels earn a Class 30, 60, or 90 rating—these numbers refer to the pounds per square foot of uplift that a metal panel can withstand. Class 30 is good for moderate winds, while Class 90 is built for hurricane-force winds.

Why Georgia Homeowners Rely on Findlay Roofing

Choosing wind-resistant materials that adhere to local codes is the first step, but real wind protection comes when you match those codes with careful installation. Even the best materials won’t hold up if they’re installed wrong.

With Findlay Roofing’s local know-how and certified teams, you’ll go beyond compliance to real long-term protection.

Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Code-certified installation: Our crews follow every state and local requirement—from the right class of shingles in coastal zones to precise underlayment grids.
• Local knowledge: We know Georgia’s wind zones—from the quiet inland neighborhoods to the storm-swept coast. We tailor underlayment, fasteners, and straps to each area’s code requirements.
• Safety and liability coverage: Our crew is fully insured and licensed. We carefully follow safety protocols that protect you and your home.
• Comprehensive warranties: Manufacturer warranties depend on proper installation. We back our work with written guarantees that keep your coverage intact.
• Material guidance: We’ll walk you through your options—whether it’s asphalt shingles, specialty shingles, or metal panels—and recommend the best wind-resistant choice for your budget and neighborhood.

While it’s tempting to save a few bucks with a Do-It-Yourself roof install, missing just one code detail—like the right nail type or underlayment overlap—can turn a small fix into a full-roof replacement. 

Rather than gamble with your home’s safety, turn to a local expert who knows Georgia’s codes and climate. At Findlay Roofing, we don’t cut corners. Our workmanship warranties and full liability coverage mean you’re protected if anything goes wrong.

Choosing Your Perfect Wind-Resistant Roof

Georgia weather can be unpredictable, but your roof choice doesn’t have to be. When you select only the best roofing options for homes in high-wind areas, you can rest easy knowing your home has a roof that is ready for whatever Mother Nature delivers.

Choosing the best roofing options for homes in high-wind areas doesn’t have to be a leap of faith. Contact Findlay Roofing today to schedule your roofing consultation. Let us help you pick the best roofing materials and system for your home.