Checklist for Choosing the Right Roofing Material
When comparing similar products between brands, it’s important to look out for those fine print asterisks that might be hiding at the end of their bold claims. For example, in the roofing industry, not all wind ratings are made the same.
That’s why we’ve created a simple checklist of questions to ask to help you find the right roofing material that lives up to the promises you were sold.
Whether you’re a homeowner, builder, contractor, architect, or project manager, use this checklist to avoid being misled in your next roofing project!
1. Third Party Testing
Does the material you're considering back up its performance claims?
Many roofing products advertise impressive wind, fire, or impact ratings, but not all testing standards are equal.
When evaluating a roofing system, ask:
- Has the product been tested by independent third-party organizations?
- Does it meet local building code requirements?
- Has it received approvals from recognized authorities?
Roofing materials that have undergone rigorous third-party testing provide greater confidence that their performance claims are legitimate and repeatable in real-world conditions. Enviroshake, for example, has earned approvals including Miami-Dade County NOA, Florida Building Code approval, and High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) testing.
2. Proof
Is the product backed by proven performance and testimonials?
Laboratory testing is important, but long-term field performance matters just as much.
When comparing roofing materials, ask:
- Has the product been installed for many years in challenging climates?
- Are there documented examples of performance during severe weather?
- Can the manufacturer provide customer testimonials or case studies?
A roofing system should demonstrate proven durability not only in testing facilities but also in real-world conditions such as hurricanes, tropical storms, heavy winds, and extreme weather events. Enviroshake has been installed globally for more than two decades in a variety of demanding environments. Despite Category 3 hurricane winds and direct impact from fallen trees, the Enviroshake roof at Iberostar Resort in the Dominican Republic was left without any damage after Hurricane Fiona. Watch the proof in this Global News video clip starting at minute 1:23:
3. Warranty
Does the product carry a competitive roofing warranty?
A warranty can reveal a lot about a roofing product.
Before making a decision, ask:
- Does the warranty support the performance claims being advertised?
- Are there exclusions related to wind speeds or severe weather?
- Could certain weather conditions void coverage?
Some roofing warranties contain limitations that reduce or eliminate coverage under conditions well below their advertised ratings. Reviewing the fine print can help ensure the protection you're expecting is actually included. Enviroshake's warranty does not include a wind-speed limitation.
4. Installation Guides
Does the product require special installation to meet the wind rating requirements?
The way a roof is installed can have a major impact on its performance.
Ask the manufacturer:
- Are special installation methods required to achieve advertised ratings?
- Do high-wind applications require additional fasteners?
- Will installation requirements increase project costs?
Some roofing products require modified installation techniques, reduced exposure, or specialized fastening systems to achieve their published ratings. Understanding these requirements upfront can help avoid unexpected costs and performance issues later. Enviroshake's published wind resistance ratings are achieved through its standard installation method.
Enviroshake Installation Guide
Enviroshake
Not all third-party test results are the same, not all products live up to their test results in the real-world, not all warranties are valid at high wind speeds, and not all standard installations will meet wind rating requirements.
Enviroshake offers the best ratings in the industry, and we proudly stand by our results. We hold a 4.7-star rating on Trustpilot and have over two decades of proven performance.
"Enviroshake is the best roofing product in its category! No exceptions to the quality. We have a family estate in the Bahamas, on the ocean made up of 5 buildings all adorned and under roof with Enviroshake aged cedar shingles. We have been through 4 major hurricanes, 6 named storms and NEVER lost a shingle. The product is everything and more than they promise it to be.”
– Bruce Griffin, Bahamas
“We are very pleased with your product. The wind was blowing very, very strongly from the south all day today -- strongly enough to twist the antenna on its mount -- and it was very satisfying to not have to worry about the roof at all. All is well, thank you.”
– Scot Lueck
Read more of our Reviews on Trustpilot.
