Back How Would Your Roof Stand Up in a Storm?

Date: 18 February 2025

Strong and Resilient Roofing for all Weather

When freak extreme weather events strike, there’s often nothing humanly possible that can prevent the devastating outcome, such as the recent tornado in Mangawhai. When we are at the mercy of mother nature, we question how safe we really are within our homes, or any building. We ask, is there anything available to offer more protection from extreme weather?

What is the Right Roof Product for your Environment?

Strong, Resilient Roofing Options According to Environmental Category*

EXTREMELY SEVERE CONDITIONS
Colorsteel Altimate™	Colorcote AlumiGard™	Rooflogic Membrane Systems
SEVERE TO MILD CONDITIONS
Colorsteel Maxam®	ColorCote MagnaFlow™	Viking Enviroclad	Viking Warm Roof System	Rooflogic Warm Roof System
MODERATE CONDITIONS
ColorCote ZincaCore™

Take a look at the full comparison chart >

Roofs Designed to Withstand Extreme Weather Conditions

Not all roofing products are equal, in terms of strength and resilience. Some roofing solutions are designed specifically to withstand extreme conditions for buildings in exposed areas with prevailing winds. We outline comparisons on which roofing products offer the most protection, have the highest wind rating and what wind speed we might experience if a storm or tornado hits in Auckland.

How would your Roof Stand up to a Storm?

When the tornado ripped through in the beachside community of Managwhai, north of Auckland in January 2025, it was a stark reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature. In its wake, roofs were torn from homes and buildings, leaving behind a devastating scene of destruction. It’s estimated wind gusts reached 120 - 150 km/h* at its peak during this weather event.

What’s the Average Wind Speed of a Tornado in NZ?

According to NIWA, tornados occurring in New Zealand generally reach a max wind speed of 100 - 180 km/h. That’s classed as small, with a rating of EF0 or EF1, and it’s rare for a tornado in NZ to exceed this. The highest ever wind speed was recorded in Hamilton in 1948, during a tornado rated EF3 with wind speeds reaching 220 – 265 km/h.

Roofing Systems for Extreme Weather: What’s the Best Choice?

In the face of Auckland's unpredictable weather patterns, choosing the right roofing system is essential for ensuring the safety and durability of your property. From heavy rain and high winds to the occasional tornado or extreme heat, it’s important to select a roofing product that can stand up to the elements.

Roofing Products Designed for ALL Weather Conditions

ROOFING PRODUCT	ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
ROOFING PRODUCT	Extreme	Severe	Moderate	Mild
COLORSTEEL® ALTIMATE™ - Metal	✓	✓	✓	✓
Ultimate Protection for Extreme Environments Combining marine grade aluminium substrate with exceptional resistance to corrosion with COLORSTEEL® paint system offers further protection and a premium finish.
COLORSTEEL® MAXAM® - Metal		✓	✓	✓
Excellent Corrosion Protection It is the next generation of COLORSTEEL® taking durability and corrosion resistance to the next level. Developed to withstand higher atmospheric salt concentrations. Durability and corrosion resistance from alpine to urban city centres.
COLORCOTE ALIMIGARD™ - Metal	✓	✓	✓	✓
For the Harshest Conditions Same marine grade substrate used for boats. AlumiGard™ PLUS sub-brand, for industrial strength corrosion resistance when greater paint protection needed due to corrosive chemicals in the atmosphere.
COLORCOTE MAGNAFLOW ™ - Metal		✓	✓	✓
For Added Corrosive Protection The technology provides long term protection against corrosion MagnaFlow™ PLUS sub-brand, provides greater paint protection if corrosive chemicals are in the atmosphere.
COLORCOTE ZINCACORE™ - Metal			✓	✓
Durability and Value Offers design flexibility, long lasting durability and low cost. ZincaCore™ PLUS sub-brand, provides greater paint protection if corrosive chemicals are in the atmosphere.
VIKING ENVIROCLAD - Membrane		✓	✓	✓
Keeping Water on the Outside Used in flat or low-pitched roofs. Strong UV and puncture resistance, with latitudinal strength if there’s movement. Energy efficient - BRANZ appraised, green star points.
VIKING WARM ROOF SYSTEM - Membrane		✓	✓	✓
Weathertight & Energy Efficient Superior insulation system, ideal for thermal & energy efficiency. Suitable for roofs needing extra protection from cold, heat or noise reduction. Uses F.A.S.T. adhesive technology which provides greater strength and wind uplift resistance. BRANZ appraised, green star points.
ROOFLOGIC WARM ROOF SYSTEM – Metal or Membrane		✓	✓	✓
Insulation, Protection & Performance Combines insulation with weather protection. Ideal for homes or buildings requiring extra thermal resistance in extreme weather, acoustic reduction, design flexibility and some overlay options for existing roofs.
ROOFLOGIC MEMBRANE SYSTEMS - Membrane	✓	✓	✓	✓
Impact & UV Resistant Single-ply membrane with excellent UV and water resistance. Suitable for flat roofs in severe weather conditions, fire resistant
The Right Roof for Your Environment * Environmental classification for roofing requirements in Auckland ranges from mild, moderate, severe to severe marine according to the site exposure. Wind, heat, humidity and salt spray are all varying factors which impact the longevity and warranty of each roof system.

Key Points from the Roofing Products Comparison:

Wind Resistance: Colorsteel Maxam® and Colorsteel Altimate® have wind resistance up to 200 km/h, making them well-suited for regions with severe storms or cyclones. Colorcote products also offer excellent wind resistance, ensuring they can withstand high winds typical in extreme weather zones.
Corrosion Resistance: The Colorsteel Maxam® and Colorsteel Altimate® are both designed with advanced coatings (Zincalume® and Aluzinc®) to resist corrosion in coastal areas or areas with high humidity. Colorcote products also offer excellent corrosion resistance, with coatings that are specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions like UV exposure and salt spray.
Membrane Roofing Options: Viking membranes offer exceptional UV, wind, and water resistance. These are ideal for flat or low-pitched roofs in areas that experience heavy rainfall, high winds, or coastal conditions.
Warm Roof Systems: Both Viking and Rooflogic Warm Roof Systems combine weather protection and insulation, making them perfect for buildings in areas with high thermal demands and exposure to extreme weather. Ideal for energy efficiency.
Durability: The Colorcote and Colorsteel products have a long lifespan ensuring a reliable and durable roof in areas that experience constant severe weather conditions. Viking and Rooflogic membrane options are similarly designed for long-lasting performance, ensuring protection against water, UV, and wind.

Which Roofs Provide the Best Protection in High Winds?

Long run metal roofing and membrane roofing provide the best protection, as opposed to tiled roofing.

Although some roofing products can withstand winds of up to 180 - 200 km/h, the wind resistance depends on factors like the profile it is formed into, the building's design, and the installation method. Durability also varies according to atmospheric and other environmental factors which can make it more corrosive prone.

Benefits of Long Run Metal Roofs & Membrane Roofing vs Tiled Roofs in Extreme Weather:

Wind Resistance: Metal and membrane roofs can withstand winds up to 200 km/h, making them ideal for storm-prone areas. Tiled roofs are more vulnerable to damage from high winds.
Lightweight & Durable: Metal roofs are lighter than tiles, reducing the risk of displacement or cracking in high winds.
Water Shedding: Metal and membrane roofs are better at shedding water, minimizing the risk of leaks and water damage during heavy rain.
Corrosion Resistance: Metal roofs, especially with protective coatings, are highly resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for coastal areas with saltwater exposure.
Longevity: Both metal and membrane roofing materials offer long-lasting durability, outlasting traditional tile roofs in extreme weather conditions.

Choosing the Best Roof System for Your Property

For Auckland property owners, the right roofing choice depends on your location, the style of your home, and the level of wind protection you need.

If you're in an area prone to very high winds or near coastal regions, a long-run metal roof with a wind rating of up to 180 km/h provides the strongest protection.
If your home features a low-pitch or flat roof, membrane roofing would be an excellent option, as they offer robust wind resistance and are specifically designed for those roof types.
For homes in more sheltered locations, ZinaCore roofing provide great protection with slightly lower wind ratings but still offer solid resilience against storms.

Whatever roofing system you choose, it’s vital to consider both the wind rating and the long-term durability of the material. Investing in a roofing solution that can withstand extreme weather will protect your property, people and belongings from potential storm damage.

Choosing the Best Roofing Company for Installation

It’s critical to ensure your roof is installed to exact manufacturers specifications and uses approved quality roofing accessories. There are some incredible roofing products out there, but they need to be installed by roofing professionals who are specifically trained to install them correctly, otherwise your roof is compromised.

Choose a roofing company who has a trusted reputation for delivering quality workmanship and service, backed by a guarantee. Choose Topline Roofing!

At Topline Roofing we specialise in long-run metal roofing and cladding, warm roof systems, and membrane roofing solutions. Our team is committed to helping you choose the best roofing system for your needs, ensuring your property is equipped to handle the unpredictable New Zealand weather.

Ready to secure your property with a roof that’s built to last? Contact us today for a free consultation and quote and let us help you protect your home or business from the next storm! Enquire now online or phone 0800 555 818.

_{* Every attempt has been made to ensure content is accurate, based on the following resources:}
_{https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/01/27/the-very-active-weather-system-behind-devastation-in-mangawhai/}

_{https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/540090/tornadoes-what-you-need-to-know}

_{https://niwa.co.nz/hazards/tornadoes-new-zealand-faqs}

_{https://www.colorsteel.co.nz/}

_{https://www.colorcote.co.nz/}

_{https://www.vikingroofspec.co.nz/}

_{https://www.rooflogic.co.nz/}