In the Midwest, roofs get tested by hard hail, straight line winds, tornado-adjacent gusts, and wind-driven rain that finds weak edges. Metal roofing can be an excellent storm upgrade, but only if you choose the right system and detail the roof as a complete assembly. This guide explains which ratings actually help you compare options, what those ratings do not tell you, and how to choose a metal roof that holds up when storms hit.
The short answer
For hail, prioritize an impact-resistant roofing classification that matches your risk and expectations. For wind, prioritize a tested roof assembly and edge-zone installation plan (clips, fasteners, and perimeter detailing), not just a single marketing number. If you only optimize one thing, optimize the full roof system and install details, because most storm failures start at edges, penetrations, and accessory omissions.
Two kinds of storm damage: cosmetic vs functional
Hail can dent metal without causing leaks. That is cosmetic damage. Functional damage is when hail compromises a seam, punctures a panel, breaks a fastener seal, or damages a flashing transition so water gets in later. If you want both fewer dents and fewer leaks, you need to choose a roof style that resists visible deformation and detail the system to prevent water entry even when impacts happen.
Why this matters for buying decisions
- If your priority is maximum leak resistance and durability, focus on tested assemblies, underlayment, flashings, and edge details.
- If your priority is also minimizing visible dents, the roof profile, substrate, and surface texture matter as much as the impact class.
Hail ratings that matter for metal roofing
There are two big takeaways: impact ratings are real, but they only apply to a specific product or assembly under a specific test method. Also, an impact class does not automatically mean your roof will show no dents.
ANSI UL 2218 impact class
UL 2218 is a common impact-resistance test that results in a class rating. Class 4 is typically considered the highest level. You will often see this referenced on impact-resistant roofing products and in storm-focused product literature.
FM 4473 hail testing for rigid roofing materials
In commercial and higher-performance contexts, FM testing may be used for hail performance of rigid materials. If you are comparing products that cite FM ratings, make sure you are comparing the same test standard and the same assembly context.
What to ask for when comparing hail performance
- Which test standard is cited (example: UL 2218 or FM 4473).
- What is being rated: the panel, the shingle, or the full assembly.
- What the warranty actually covers (penetration vs cosmetic denting).
- What accessories are required to maintain performance (underlayment, closures, trim stack).
Wind ratings that matter for metal roofing
Wind failures are rarely about the field of the roof. They start at edges, corners, and transitions where pressure is highest. So wind performance is not just a product choice. It is a design and install plan.
UL 580 uplift testing
UL 580 is commonly referenced for roof uplift resistance. The important point is that uplift tests evaluate a specific assembly configuration (substrate, attachment, spacing). Two roofs made from similar-looking panels can perform very differently depending on clip spacing, fastener type, and perimeter detailing.
ASTM E1592 for standing seam uplift performance
For many standing seam systems, ASTM E1592 is a key test method used to determine uplift performance of the panel and anchor system under uniform static pressure differences. If you are choosing standing seam for wind, look for E1592 performance information for the assembly you are actually installing.
What to ask for when comparing wind performance
- Which test method is cited (UL 580 and or ASTM E1592).
- What deck or substrate was used in testing (solid deck vs open framing conditions).
- Clip type and clip spacing used in the tested assembly.
- Fastener type, diameter, embedment, and washer details for exposed-fastener systems.
- Edge-zone plan: eaves, rakes, corners, and ridge details.
The metal roof styles that perform best in Midwest storms
All metal roofs are not the same. Your best fit depends on the mix of hail frequency, wind exposure, aesthetics, and how much you care about visible dents.
Standing seam metal roofing
Standing seam can be excellent in wind when installed as a tested assembly with correct clip spacing and edge details. It can still dent in severe hail depending on gauge and substrate. If wind is your primary risk, standing seam is often a top contender.
Related reading: DECRA vs standing seam comparison guide
Stone-coated steel shakes, shingles, and tiles
Stone-coated steel profiles can reduce the appearance of dents because the textured surface and profile help mask minor deformation. Many assemblies are marketed around impact resistance for hail-prone regions. If hail is your primary concern and curb appeal matters, stone-coated profiles are often a strong choice.
Helpful comparisons: Metal roof tiles vs shingles guide | DECRA Shake XD vs Westlake Pine Crest comparison
Exposed-fastener metal panels
Exposed-fastener panels can be a value option, but wind and leak performance becomes highly dependent on fastener selection, placement, washer integrity, and long-term maintenance. If you choose this path, treat the fastener plan as the roof system, not an afterthought.
Shop category: Metal panel roofing systems
The hidden storm upgrade: the roof system stack
Even the best roofing material can fail if the system stack is incomplete. Wind-driven rain exploits weak transitions. Hail can damage flashings and closures. Missing accessories cause the majority of preventable leaks.
Minimum system items to confirm before you order
- Underlayment suited to your climate and roof style
- Correct trim stack at eaves, rakes, valleys, hips, and ridges
- Closures and sealants specified for your panel or profile
- Ventilation plan to reduce moisture risk and protect deck integrity
- Fasteners and clips sized and spaced to match tested performance assumptions
Use this to avoid missing critical components: Metal roofing takeoff worksheet and bill of materials method
Storm-zone decision matrix: how to pick fast
| Your main risk | Best-fit priorities | Systems that often fit |
|---|---|---|
| Frequent hail | Impact-rated assembly, dent-visibility control, robust flashing plan | Stone-coated steel shakes, shingles, or tiles |
| High wind exposure | Tested uplift performance, edge-zone detailing, clip and fastener plan | Standing seam systems with validated uplift performance |
| Mixed hail and wind | Balanced system: impact resistance plus uplift plan plus full accessory stack | High-performance stone-coated systems or engineered standing seam, depending on priorities |
| Budget-driven | Correct fasteners, maintenance plan, strong underlayment, correct trims | Exposed-fastener panels, but only with disciplined detailing |
5 mistakes that cause storm failures even on good products
- Buying based on a single rating. A high impact class does not fix missing flashings or poor edge details.
- Ignoring edge zones. Corners and eaves see the highest pressures, and they need the strongest attachment plan.
- Skipping the takeoff. Missing closures and trims creates leak paths that show up after the first wind-driven rain.
- Underspecifying underlayment. Underlayment is your secondary water-shedding layer when storms push water where it does not belong.
- Assuming all installs are equal. Clip spacing, fastener pattern, and penetration detailing are performance multipliers.
If you are considering an overlay approach, read this first: Metal roof over shingles pros, cons, and code compliance
CTA: get the right storm-ready roof system before you buy
Top Tier Metals is supply-only, so the best projects start with a complete, correct order: roofing, underlayment, trims, closures, fasteners, and ventilation details that match your climate and roof geometry. If you want an expert check on what to buy and what to avoid, start here.
Start my Roof System Audit and get a complete bill of materials check
Prefer a quick conversation first: Get a free metal roofing consultation
FAQs
Does Class 4 mean a metal roof will not dent
No. Class 4 generally indicates higher impact resistance under a defined test method. It does not guarantee no dents, especially in very large hail. Dents are influenced by gauge, profile, substrate, and surface texture.
Is standing seam always better for wind
Standing seam can be excellent for wind, but performance depends on the tested assembly and installation details, especially clip spacing and edge-zone detailing. Always match the install to the system requirements.
What matters more for wind: panel type or edge detailing
Both matter, but edge detailing is where most failures start. A strong panel system with weak edges can still fail in major events.
What is the safest choice for mixed hail and wind risk
A complete roof system with a validated impact-resistant product and a documented uplift plan, paired with correct accessories and installation. If you also care about dent visibility, stone-coated profiles often help.
How do I avoid ordering the wrong accessories
Use a takeoff worksheet and verify trim, closures, underlayment, fasteners, and ventilation as a single system before ordering.
