The extreme low weight of a metal roofi can be very beneficial in areas prone to seismic activity, compared to heavier roof systems.
Additionally, because metal roofs have some flexibility and are not dependent upon sealants or mortar to hold them together, they have a great deal of ability to move or even "float" and sustain minimal damage.
Todd Miller
2012-10-03 16:14:05.000000
Hi Jeanie,
Thanks for the question.
As far as damage to metal panels during a seismic event, I believe that the level of damage is most closely related to the damage the main framing experiences. If the main framing performs well, the metal panels would be expected to do well also. If the main framing experiences large deformations/damage, the metal panels will suffer at least localized damage. This is due to relative movement of panels and out of plane movement.
As Todd said, metal panels have low weight. This a real beneift because it results in lower seismic forces.
Regards,
David Stermer
David Stermer
2012-10-03 16:53:43.000000
I am interested in metal roofing, but live in an area that's highly earthquake prone and have gone through several in the last 20 yrs. I live near a shallow fault line through the Sound, and shallow faults can produce dramatic jerky shaking. How do metal roofs stand up to rolling and sharp earthquakes and what can be done if one suffers earthquake damage?
