At Best Choice Roofing, we know that living in North Carolina means beautiful coastlines, vibrant cities, and, unfortunately, a real risk of hurricanes and high winds. Our team proudly provides high-quality architectural asphalt shingles for homeowners across the state, along with expert emergency roof repairs and weather response services. However, for residents in the state’s hurricane-prone zones, asphalt shingles may not always offer the level of protection your home truly needs.
North Carolina’s hurricane season officially runs from June through November, with peak activity typically between August and October. Coastal regions like Wilmington, Morehead City, and the Outer Banks are at particularly high risk, but even inland cities such as Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Goldsboro can face powerful wind events from tropical storms and hurricanes. That means homeowners across much of NC need to think seriously about wind damage, roof repair strategies, and whether their current roofing materials are truly up to the challenge.
The Limits of Asphalt Shingles in Hurricane Zones
Best Choice Roofing installs architectural asphalt shingles, which are a popular, cost-effective, and durable option for many homes. These shingles are designed to last longer and resist damage better than traditional 3-tab varieties, making them ideal for general weather conditions.
However, during hurricane-force winds, even architectural shingles can struggle. While many are rated to withstand winds of up to 110–130 mph, that may not be enough when gusts from major storms exceed those limits. Over time, high winds can lift, curl, or even rip shingles off your roof entirely, exposing your decking to moisture and causing long-term structural issues.
If you live in a high-risk area of North Carolina, you might want to ask: Are asphalt shingles enough to protect my home from the worst-case scenario?
A Stronger Option: Metal Roofing for High Wind Zones
One of the best alternatives for homeowners in hurricane-prone zones is metal roofing and we provide that at our Greenville location. We believe it’s crucial to understand your options and choose the best solution for your home’s needs, especially if you’re in an area where storms are frequent and severe.
Metal roofs are known for their superior wind resistance, with some systems tested to withstand gusts of 140–160 mph or more, depending on installation and panel type. They’re also more durable overall, less prone to impact damage, and less likely to allow water intrusion after wind-driven rain. Metal roofing can be a long-term investment in resilience, especially in zones where storms are a near-annual concern.
If you’re not ready to make the switch to metal, upgrading to high wind-resistant roofing shingles is another smart move. Some shingle manufacturers offer wind-resistant roof shingles rated up to 150 mph, which can offer significantly better protection than standard materials. Best Choice Roofing can help you explore these options and determine what’s best for your location and home.
What to Do After Wind Damage to Your Roof
Whether you already have a wind-resistant roofing system or not, hurricanes and tropical storms can still wreak havoc on even the best-prepared roofs. After a storm, it’s essential to look out for red flags of wind damage to your roof, including:
- Missing, cracked, or curling shingles
- Exposed underlayment or roof decking
- Leaks or water stains inside the home
- Shingle granules accumulating in gutters or downspouts
- Sagging or drooping areas on the roof
If you suspect wind damage, act fast. Delaying repairs can lead to worse, more expensive issues down the line. Best Choice Roofing offers emergency roof repairs to get your home protected quickly after a storm. Our experienced team is trained to assess weather damage, recommend the best solutions, and handle the full roof wind damage repair process, from temporary tarping to full shingle replacement.
Why Wind Ratings Matter for NC Roofs
Not all shingles are created equal. If you live in a hurricane-prone part of North Carolina, you shouldn’t just look at the style and color of your shingles; you need to consider their wind rating. This rating tells you how much wind your roof can withstand before materials begin to lift or fail. Homes in high-risk areas should always be outfitted with high-wind-resistant roofing shingles or alternative materials like metal, depending on the home’s layout, slope, and exposure.
Trust Best Choice Roofing to Keep You Covered
At Best Choice Roofing, we’re committed to helping North Carolina homeowners make smart, storm-resistant decisions for their roofs. While we specialize in architectural asphalt shingle roofing, we also provide metal roofing and are passionate about educating customers on wind-resistant roofing materials that may offer greater long-term value and protection, especially in vulnerable hurricane zones.
If your roof has dealt with wind damage or if you want to prepare your home for the next big storm, contact Best Choice Roofing today. Let us help you choose the right shingles for your region, schedule a wind damage inspection, and explore roofing materials that keep your home safe year after year.
Learn more about wind-resistant roofing options here!
