You spend thousands of dollars on a new roof, just to have our strong Colorado winds tear it right off. Roof-damaging winds are common along the Front Range, and at any time of the year. Just last week (March 2026), Fort Collins and Loveland saw winds between 65 and 80mph. What’s worse, those winds often come right before a snow or rain storm, leaving your home vulnerable to water leaks, or worse, fire. Which is why it’s always better to have the best defense on your roof. That starts with a high wind-resistant roof.
Although asphalt shingles are the most common roof type, they are not the only option available. Metal, such as standing seam and stone-coated metal, also offers great resistance to our strong Colorado winds. Partly because screws are used instead of nails to secure them. Screws offer better holding power than nails.
Best Roofs for High-Winds
How to Choose a High Wind Resistant Roof
We understand that choosing a high wind-resistant roof is probably not your first concern. Your first concern is probably cost, or choosing a similar material to what you’re about to replace, or what your neighbors have. Regardless of whether you choose asphalt shingles, stone-coated metal shingles, concealed or exposed fastener metal, or tile, there’s a high-wind-resistant option available to you.
Unfortunately, quickly spotting a high-wind-resistant roofing material isn’t always easy. Some companies make it easy by displaying an icon that denotes a high-wind-resistant roofing material. For example, Owens Corning’s website has a little icon that does just that. What’s more, on their website, you can also choose to only show high-wind-resistant shingles by checking the appropriate checkbox. However, some websites aren’t as easy to use as Owens Corning’s. On most, you just have to click on each shingle and read the copy.
Why a High Wind-Resistant Roof Is Important
Avoid Blow-Offs
Avoid Costly Repairs
Avoid Property Damage
Avoid Personal Injury
High winds are common along the Colorado Front Range, especially in the Spring and Fall. Just last week (March 2026), wind gusts between 65 and 80 mph were recorded along the Colorado Front Range. In Cheyenne, Wyoming, some experienced 100+mph winds.
Not only can strong winds tear and remove roofing material, but they can also launch that roofing material, or other debris, such as tree branches and patio furniture, into the air and potentially cause damage to property or injury to you, your family, or neighbors.
High wind-resistant roofs can withstand stronger winds. They are also generally more impact-resistant, so they have a lower chance of becoming damaged or torn apart by strong winds.
The City of Loveland, Colorado, requires that new roofs have a minimum wind rating of 129 mph and a minimum fire rating of Class C. Below, we include links to shingle manufacturers that meet this requirement. Regardless of what your city officials say about which roof you should have, because of the strong winds and the number of hail storms we get, we recommend a roof that is at least 110mph winds, impact-resistant, and fire-resistant. Wind, hail, and fires happen here in Colorado. And, although it will cost more initially to get that high wind, impact-resistant, fire-resistant roof, it will cost less in the long run because it will last longer. What’s more, with our roof financing, it’s easier to get that new, stronger, longer-lasting roof than you might think.
Wind-Resistant Aspahlt Shingles
Several shingle manufacturers offer high wind-resistant roofing products, such as Owens Corning’s Duration Storm and GAF’s Timberline HDZ. Shingles such as these offer high wind warranties up to 130mph. When shopping for high wind-resistant shingles, make sure the product says it withstands winds of at least 110mph. Your roofing contractor can help. The Owens Corning website makes it very easy to view high-wind-resistant shingles. On their website, just check the 130 mph Wind Resistance checkbox.
- Owens Corning TruDefinition
- CertainTeed Landmark
- GAF Timberline HDZ
- CertainTeed Presidential Shake
- Tamko Stormfighter Flex
Wind-Resistant Metal
Stone-Coated Metal Shingles & Tiles
Decra and Westlake Royal Roofing offer a metal roofing product that resembles asphalt shingles. Their stone-coated steel roofing option is tested to resist wind speeds in excess of 120mph. Added benefits to metal roofing are that most are Class-4 hail impact resistant, fire rated, and 100% recyclable.
Standing Seam Sheet Metal
Because traditional metal roofing, such as concealed and exposed metal fastener metal roofing, is installed in large sheets, there are fewer edges for wind to get under. As a result, metal roofing is a great high-wind-resistant roofing material for sloped roofs.
Clay and Concrete Roofing Tiles
Clay and concrete tiles, and slate are heavy, which is why they are good in high winds. They must be properly installed, however. If installed improperly and in strong winds, clay and concrete tiles can still be blown off.
And if they are blown off, they are a serious threat, again, because of their weight. If tiles are what you’re looking for, Westlake Royal Roofing offers a collection of Class-4 hail-rated profiles. These concrete tiles are also Class-A fire-rated.
The Bottom Line
Asphalt shingles are a decent, high-wind-resistant roof. However, a metal roof, such as standing seam, resists high winds better, thanks to the screws used when installing it. If you’re shopping for a new roof in Colorado, seriously consider metal. Not only is metal more resistant to wind, but it’s also more resistant to hail and fire. What’s more, metal is also recyclable in our area, unlike asphalt shingles.