A powerful storm system swept through multiple regions of the United States last weekend, causing extensive roof damage, interrupting business activities, and leading to a spike in repair requests for roofing contractors across the country. 

The National Weather Service reported that gusts approaching 90 mph and hail as large as golf balls battered communities in North Texas, while similar high‐wind conditions and heavy precipitation affected parts of the Midwest and the South. 

At least 42 deaths were confirmed nationwide as areas of the South and Midwest saw tornadoes, flooding and even dust storms.

Roofing professionals are now fielding an uptick in repair and replacement jobs, with many estimating that repair costs for larger commercial and residential structures could exceed tens of thousands of dollars.

The storm system, which developed rapidly from a low‐pressure area over the Great Plains, produced an unusual mix of meteorological hazards. According to the National Weather Service, strong southerly winds pushed a warm, moist air mass into otherwise dry, sunlit areas. 

Meteorologists noted that the combination of high winds and heavy hail presented a double threat to roof integrity across regions in both urban and rural settings.

Regional Damage

North Texas:

One of the most affected areas was North Texas. According to CNN, early Saturday morning storms unleashed damaging winds and golf ball–sized hail, tearing roofs off commercial buildings and residential homes.  

In Ennis, overturned semi-trucks and collapsed storage sheds illustrated the storm's sheer force. In Waxahachie and Stephenville, multiple reports confirmed considerable roof damage, leading local officials to urge residents to seek professional assessments immediately.  

Roof damage in these communities left homes vulnerable to further weather threats and jeopardized the operational stability of businesses that rely on secure roofing for energy efficiency and structural safety.

Midwest:

Throughout the Midwest — particularly in states like Missouri and Illinois — the storm system appeared as a combination of strong winds, occasional tornadoes, and destructive straight-line winds. 

Various damage assessments by local NWS offices highlighted roof uplift and structural failures in residential areas. 

In some central Missouri neighborhoods, significant portions of roofs were reportedly ripped off due to wind uplift, whereas suburban Chicago experienced minor roof damage exacerbated by fallen tree limbs. 

While many events in the Midwest were linked to tornadic activity, non-tornadic wind damage was also notably severe, impacting commercial warehouses and older residential homes. 

Damage evaluations suggest that repairing a single residential roof could cost between $5,000 and $20,000, with commercial repairs potentially exceeding $100,000 in extreme cases.

The South:

In parts of Alabama and Mississippi, severe winds from the storm system caused extensive damage to buildings and public facilities in the community. 

Preliminary information released by the NWS Paducah, Ky., Office said that a twister cut a path nearly 16 miles long. In the Sikeston, Miss, area, the weather service confirmed an EF-1 tornado that traveled four-and-a-half miles.

In Winterboro, Ala., a tornado severely damaged the roof of a high school gymnasium, illustrating the storm’s destructive capability even on code-compliant structures. 

In these southern areas, where older roofing materials are prevalent, the combination of wind, hail, and, in some instances, heavy rain-induced water intrusion left numerous roofs urgently needing repair or replacement.

Roofing Material Performance

Preliminary assessments by roofing industry professionals suggest not all roofing materials perform equally under severe storm conditions. 

• Asphalt shingles, the most commonly used roofing material in the United States, are particularly vulnerable to high wind speeds and hail. 

When wind gusts exceed 60 mph, the adhesive bonds holding the shingles in place can weaken, making them susceptible to uplift. 

• In contrast, metal roofs — although not entirely immune to the impacts of high-velocity winds — often exhibit superior performance under such conditions. 

Metal panels tend to flex rather than fracture, reducing the likelihood of complete roof loss. However, hail can dent metal surfaces, compromising the roof’s aesthetic appearance and, in extreme cases, its waterproofing integrity.

Some roofing systems that use impact-resistant materials and enhanced techniques to withstand severe weather fared better, particularly those that offer high-grade, impact-resistant asphalt shingles with better wind ratings and granule adhesion. 

In areas facing more frequent severe weather, contractors advise clients to consider these options for roof replacements. 

Experts stress that while no material is entirely impervious to nature's destruction, modern design and installation can reduce damage and long-term repair costs.

Industry Implications

The recent storm system represents both a challenge and an opportunity for professional roofing contractors. With the significant increase in roof damage incidents across diverse regions, contractors anticipate a surge in emergency repair and replacement projects. 

Many roofing companies are already reporting a marked uptick in service calls, with some smaller firms struggling to meet demand due to supply chain constraints on key materials such as impact-resistant shingles and high-grade underlayment.

Contractors also note that many clients are re-evaluating their roofing options due to the storm’s damage. 

Industry experts warn that this shift in demand, alongside increased material costs due to tariffs, could lead to temporary shortages of certain advanced materials, potentially driving up costs and delaying repairs in some areas.

5 Takeaways

• Severe Roof Damage: Winds near 90 mph and golf ball-sized hail caused significant roof damage across North Texas, the Midwest, and the South.
• Rising Repair Costs: Residential roof repairs may reach $20K, while extensive commercial repairs could exceed $100K.
• Material Vulnerabilities: Asphalt shingles faced high failure rates, while impact-resistant materials performed better.
• Supply Chain Pressure: Contractors report delays in securing key materials like high-grade shingles and underlayment.
• Insurance Considerations: Homeowners are urged to document roof damage thoroughly to support claims processing.

The heightened workload is anticipated to give the roofing industry an economic goose. With repair costs for extensively damaged roofs reaching tens of thousands of dollars per project, contractors could see increased revenues alongside greater operational demands. 

Additionally, insurance providers are currently assessing claims for storm-related damage, and many roofing professionals are recommending that clients meticulously document all roof damage to facilitate future claims processing.

Beyond urgent repair necessities, the storm has triggered conversations among building code officials and industry groups regarding revising standards to enhance roof resilience against increasingly severe weather events. 

Certain state and local governments are exploring incentives for adopting upgraded roofing materials that have proven effective under extreme conditions. This development could influence future market trends and boost demand for high-performance roofing products.