Hurricane season has become longer and more intense in many areas of the U.S. This is particularly true in the Gulf states from Florida to Texas and along the eastern seaboard all the way to Massachusetts. Since 1851, when records have been kept, forty-one percent of all hurricanes hit Florida, and damage to property annually is now calculated in hundreds of billions of dollars. As a result, homeowners are actively turning to highly durable materials to protect their homes and find metal roofing an essential element of the solution. Metal roofing has been battle-tested by severe weather and provided superior protection, making the durability, long-lasting performance and reliability of quality metal roofing a wise investment for homeowners in hurricane and high-wind regions.
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 are also nearly impenetrable to moisture and leaks, making them a durable choice in areas that suffer heavy rainfall and downpours.
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.
The key to exceptional performance of metal roofing is its proper installation, secure attachment and overlapping panels, minimizing wind catch. In light of metal roofing’s success in hurricane prone areas, it’s important to pay attention to FEMA’s advice for metal roofing systems, including:
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.
Joe and Stacy, homeowners from Alabama, have experienced first-hand the devastation of living in a hurricane prone area. That’s why they prioritized protection, low maintenance, peace of mind, and longevity when selecting the materials for their new home. They selected a quality metal roof as they had experienced how asphalt was simply “too vulnerable for our environment”. Check out their story here.
