Although Chicago earned the nickname “The Windy City” because of its numerous nineteenth-century politicians, roof wind resistance remains a valid concern for homeowners here in the Midwest. Our weather is becoming increasingly volatile and unpredictable, especially in the Spring and Summer months.
That’s why homeowners looking at roof replacement should understand roof wind resistance in the Chicago area and choose appropriate roofing materials. Roof wind resistance does matter, as does the difference between a steady 30 mph wind and a gusty 60 mph storm. If you’ve ever wondered what you need to do to protect your roof from wind, this blog is for you.
Let’s review the types of wind we see in Chicago and what to watch for your roof wind resistance.
Wind Strength and Roof Wind Resistance
30-40 mph Roof Wind Resistance
Although more typical for wind in the area, 30-40 mph winds do not typically cause immediate damage. However, a steady diet of 30-40mph winds during an extended period can start to create wear on the roof and break seals. For example, such steady winds can do the following to your roof:
- Lift shingle edges that require resealing (over and over)
- Lose granules, which accelerate aging
- Weaken sealants that cause wind resistance failure over time
- Debris buildup in valleys and gutters
40-50 mph Roof Wind Resistance
As expected, wind speeds of 40-50 mph can do greater damage more quickly. The loosening of shingles and signs of fatigue will become more evident in the higher winds. If you can see anything amiss from the ground, be sure to contact a roofing professional for a free on-site inspection to see if repair or replacement is necessary in any part of your roof.
60 mph Winds: Where Damage Begins
Any Spring or Summer in the Chicago area is bound to come with some severe weather warnings from the National Weather Service (NWS). And one of the criteria for a severe storm is the expected wind gusts. The NWS defines a severe thunderstorm as one that is capable of producing hail an inch or larger in diameter and wind gusts over 58 mph. When the wind rises to this level, your roof is at risk, as is your property.
- Wind may break large branches or topple trees and limbs onto the roof, causing damage
- Shingles may tear off (especially older or builder-grade roofs)
- Underlayment becomes exposed, causing leaks
- Flashing fails around chimneys, vents, and valleys
- Repairs shift from maintenance to insurance claims
Over the past five years, the Chicago area has averaged roughly 25–30 severe wind events annually, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). That means the need for roof wind resistance is ongoing and inescapable. In other words, if your roof isn’t built to withstand 60 mph, it has no business on a house in the Chicago area.
Roofing Materials and Roof Wind Resistance
Developing roofing materials that can withstand high winds is a feat of engineering. ASTM International tests and rates different materials for fan-induced wind resistance and uplift resistance/pressure testing. Their classifications of roofing materials, however, include:
- Class D: up to 90 mph
- Class G: up to 120 mph
- Class H: up to 150 mph
Even though materials are rated 110 mph or higher, it is also important that roofing materials be correctly installed to protect this integrity.
Not all shingles are built for Chicago winds, but the brands we install at Pro-Home Services are engineered with roof wind resistance in mind.
- GAF Timberline® HDZ
We offer this premium line of GAF asphalt shingles that resists wind up to 130 mph when installed as a complete system. Timberline further protects your home through their patented LayerLock® Technology, which improves fastening strength, and powers the StrikeZone®, which guides the roofer to their optimal installation. - Atlas Pinnacle Pristine® Shingles
The Pinnacle Pristine asphalt shingle from Atlas is larger than traditional shingles and features their HP42 technology which provides more coverage. The product’s FASTAC® double adhesive sealant line stands firm against the howling wind and helped earn its rating up to 130 mph when installed as a complete system.
- DaVinci Roofscapes Composite Roofing
DaVinci Roofing Systems are popular with our customers because they give the look of cedar shake or slate without the maintenance. However, these engineered composite shingles are built to handle Chicago’s weather. They provide excellent wind and impact resistance, as well as long-lasting durability. Their wind rating is 110 mph is fortified with a Class 4 impact rating, the highest a roofing material can achieve, providing exquisite protection against hail damage.
Installation for Roof Wind Resistance
Remember that with any roofing system you install, the only way to get peak performance from your roofing material is to ensure it is installed correctly. Of course, this has everything to do with the contractor you choose. There is a lot to look for and compare when you talk to contractors. However, Pro-Home Services uses experienced, well-trained contractors that take care to install your new roof as directed by the roofing manufacturer.
At Pro-Home Services, our roofing systems are built to perform with:
- Manufacturer-approved nailing patterns
- Starter strips and ridge cap systems
- Ice and water barriers for Midwest weather
- Full system installation—not just shingles
The contractor and the materials you choose work in tandem to offer your home a protective roof. However, after working in the Chicago area for more than 20 years, there are three essential truths that homeowners should know about roof wind resistance and how they can keep their homes from damage.
- Most wind damage we repair starts with aging, not storms. Older roofs are weaker roofs and more prone to high winds peeling off or lifting shingles. The best time to get a new roof is before major damage is incurred by a storm.
- A properly installed system can mean the difference between repair and replacement after a storm. Before your contractor begins work, make sure they are comfortable installing the selected material. Check references from previous jobs to make sure their work will last.
- Regular maintenance will help your roof withstand storms. An annual inspection of your roof and immediate repair of any loose shingles or compromised flashing can save headaches and leaks when the next storm hits.
If you think of severe weather as an adversary set on ruining your roof, roof wind resistance can be considered the armor that will keep damage at bay. Choosing the right material and the right installer will ensure your roof is ready before the next storm hits and keep your home safe and sound for years to come.