Metal roofing helps homeowners get battle-ready for hurricane season
Hurricane season has become a constant for many areas of the U.S. As a result, homeowners looking to better protect their homes, inside and out.
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Rising Storm Concerns Drive Demand for Durable Metal Roofing
Hurricane season has become a constant for many areas of the U.S. As a result, homeowners looking to better protect their homes, inside and out, are increasingly turning to highly-durable materials, including metal roofing. All over the world, metal roofing has been battle-tested by Mother Nature. For homeowners who are increasingly concerned about extreme weather and storms, that makes the durability, long-lasting protection and reliability of metal roofing very appealing.
Metal Roofing: The Unyielding Guardian Against Nature's Fury
Many metal roofing systems can withstand winds in excess of 140-mph (equal to a F2 tornado) and provide protection against impact damage from large hailstones and debris. Metal roofs also are nearly impenetrable to moisture and leaks, making them a durable choice in areas that suffer heavy rainfall and downpours.
Rising Consumer Interest in Metal Roofing for Hurricane-Prone Areas in the South and Southeast
Overall consumer interest in metal roofing continues to rise, particularly in the south and southeast U.S. Many building officials in these areas of the U.S. strongly encourage all new or replacement roofs to be metal to help “harden homes” in hurricane-prone areas. In fact, recent post-hurricane inspections have found that metal roofs fared far better than those roofs covered by asphalt shingles.
For maximum performance and peace of mind, it’s always wise for homeowners and installers to work closely together and pay close attention to regional factor considerations and preferences. By doing so, the exceptional durability, beauty and long-lasting, worry-free protection of a new metal roof is an investment that will pay off for many years to come.
Metal Roofing's Strength in High Winds: Attachment and Installation
The key to exceptional performance of metal roofing is due to its secure attachment and overlapping panels, minimizing wind catch. Proper installation also is crucial. In light of metal roofing’s success in hurricane prone areas, it’s important for homeowners and contractors to pay attention to FEMA’s advice for metal roofing systems in these areas, including:
- Always follow manufacturer’s installation instructions and local building code requirements
- Calculate loads on the roof assembly in accordance with ASCE 7 or the local building code, whichever results in the highest loads
- Specify and purchase a metal roofing system that has been tested to provide sufficient uplift resistance to meet design uplift loads
- Ensure suitable roof system design components (including quality underlayment system, proper clip and fastener placement)
- Obtain the services of a professional, reputable roofing contractor to install the roofing system. For help identifying local metal roofing installers, visit our Find a Professional page.
Silent and Stylish: Metal Roofs Offer Energy Efficiency and Versatility
Properly installed metal roofs are no noisier than other types of roofs in rain or hail storms, and they are more energy efficient, helping reflect the sun’s rays to reduce energy costs. Metal roofing also comes in more styles, colors and pattern options than nearly any other type of roofing material.