Scored ranking

Best Roofing Materials for High Wind Areas by Published Wind Classification

Roofing material types and shingle lines scored on published ASTM D3161 and D7158 wind classifications and manufacturer-published wind ratings.

Updated August 2026

Scope and methodology

Asphalt shingle product lines and roofing material types marketed for high wind exposure.

Materials were scored on the highest ASTM D3161 or D7158 wind classification published for a qualifying installed configuration and on whether the manufacturer publishes a specific high-wind fastening or starter strip requirement to reach that classification. Where a direct brand comparison exists on this site, the comparison is linked instead of scoring a single brand in isolation. HomeownerAnswers does not perform hands-on product testing and does not score on reputation, review counts, or customer satisfaction. Scores reflect only what each manufacturer publishes and what independent standards-body documentation supports. Ties are broken by the next-highest-weighted criterion, and any remaining tie is listed in rank order alphabetically by brand name with the tie disclosed in the entry caveat.

Published ASTM wind classification50%

Highest D3161 or D7158 classification published for a qualifying installed configuration.

Documented fastening requirement to reach rating30%

Whether the manufacturer publishes a specific nailing pattern, starter strip, or adhesive requirement needed to achieve the published rating.

Availability across the standard lineup20%

Whether the high-wind rating is available broadly across a product line or only on a narrow regional or limited variant.

The ranking

1
GAF vs. Owens Corning high-wind architectural lines
Both publish 130 mph configurations with documented fastening requirements
Basis
Both brands publish qualifying installed configurations reaching 130 mph, each requiring a specific starter strip and nailing pattern documented in their installation instructions.
Best for
Homeowners comparing the two most widely available architectural shingle brands for a high-wind rating.
Caveat
The published rating applies only to the exact configuration described in each manufacturer's installation instructions, not to every shingle color or region.
Full comparison →
2
CertainTeed vs. Atlas high-wind lines
Both publish high-wind options on select architectural lines
Basis
Both brands publish elevated wind-rating options on select architectural shingle lines when installed with specified fastening patterns.
Best for
Homeowners weighing a mainstream architectural brand against an impact-focused brand for combined wind and hail exposure.
Caveat
Confirm which specific product line and fastening configuration the published rating applies to before assuming it transfers across the full lineup.
Full comparison →
3
Metal roofing vs. asphalt shingles
Metal panel systems publish some of the highest wind uplift ratings of common residential roofing materials
Basis
Standing seam and mechanically fastened metal panel systems are commonly published with wind uplift ratings that exceed typical asphalt shingle classifications, though the exact rating depends on panel profile and fastening spacing.
Best for
New construction or full re-roofs in extreme wind zones where the higher material cost is acceptable.
Caveat
Wind performance depends heavily on panel profile, fastening spacing, and deck attachment, which vary by installer and manufacturer.
Full comparison →
4
Malarkey vs. Atlas premium lines
Both publish high-wind options with documented installation requirements
Basis
Both brands publish elevated wind-rating configurations on their premium shingle lines with documented fastening requirements.
Best for
Homeowners comparing two impact-focused brands for combined wind and hail performance.
Caveat
Published ratings are configuration-specific and do not apply automatically to every product in either brand's lineup.
Full comparison →

What this ranking does not score

Actual wind performance during a specific storm event on a specific installed roof. Published lab ratings are not a guarantee of field performance.
Insurance discount eligibility, which is set by the carrier and state, not the manufacturer.