Many homeowners are considering moving from a traditional roof to metal and for good reason. Both reliable and strong, metal roofs give your home the best protection against extreme weather conditions, including 140-mile-an-hour hurricane-force winds, hail storms, heavy rain, and wildfires. Metal roofs are nearly impenetrable to moisture, making them an ideal choice in areas that suffer heavy rainfall and downpours. Plus, they are low maintenance and have a Class A rating for fire resistance.
Metal roofs are of great value, because they last 50-plus years, more than two to three times longer than other materials. This will save you money with reduced replacement and repair costs. And they are more sustainable. Many metal roofs are made from recycled materials and can be completely recycled at the end of their long life rather than ending up in the landfill. Click here for more information on how to solve your roofing problems caused by extreme weather.
Metal roofs are a perfect fit for any home and are available in a wide range of styles that look just like common roofing material, including shake, tile, or even asphalt. Metal roofs also come in an array of colors that will make your house stand out among the rest.
In the summer months, a metal roof also helps save energy. Called “cool roofs,” metal roofs reflect more solar radiation than asphalt, which typically absorbs and holds heat. They also re-emit most of what solar radiation is absorbed, which helps reduce energy costs. Furthermore, below are some of the extreme weathers we usually experienced, and check out how a metal roof helps a lot!
Snow & Ice
Most metal roofs have a fairly smooth top surface. When the sun shines, heat from the sun passes through the snow, hits the metal, and is reflected back outside. This process allows the snow and ice will melt from the bottom meaning your roof will shed the snow and ice more quickly than other roofing materials.
Ice can be just as dangerous as snow to your home. Icicles hanging along the eaves of your house may also lead to ice dams: thick ridges of solid ice that build up along the eaves. Ice dams can tear off gutters, loosen shingles, and cause water to back up and pour into your house. The heat from a poorly insulated attic melts snow on the roof, when that water pools, it gets in the house. A metal roof is the best defense against heavy snow loads and ice dams.
Extreme winds
Strong winds can spell serious trouble for roofs with asphalt or tile shingles. Depending on the pitch of the roof, wind can easily slip beneath the shingles and pull them away from the roof completely. The more loose or missing shingles a roof has, the greater the risk of water or ice damage becomes. Metal roofing presents far less potential for lift and can withstand 100-mph winds in some cases. For even greater protection against strong winds, many homeowners opt for standing seam metal roofing instead of traditional shingles. This style is particularly beneficial for climates that regularly experience tornados or hurricanes, as it can withstand even stronger winds.
Drastic Temperature Changes
Extreme weather isn’t always so easily visible. Sometimes extreme weather comes in the form of drastic temperature changes, either in the form of sweltering heat or subzero cold. Unlike other roofing materials that may absorb heat—such as asphalt, tile, and wood—metal roofs reflect heat. This maintains a cooler internal temperature throughout your home, even when the temperature outside reaches scorching heights. This heat reflection also protects against extreme cold. Snow and ice melt more quickly from metal roofs and slide off the roof much more easily than with other roofing materials. This decreases the risk of snow and ice damage during the winter and helps the home retain its internal temperature.
Sudden Storms
The most common example of how metal roofs prevent extreme weather is in the case of severe storms. When faced with torrential downpours and electrical storms, many other roofing materials will become damaged or compromised in at least some small way. A roof with asphalt or tile shingles may lose several shingles during the course of the storm. Metal roofs, however, are far more durable and can withstand heavy rain with ease. Additionally, water and rain slide off metal roofs far more easily than off asphalt roofs. This decreases the likelihood of standing water after a storm has ended, which in turn reduces the risk of leaks and lasting water damage on the roof. Metal roofs are also much more durable in the face of hailstorms and freezing rain. They’re much more resistant to ice, and they won’t become dented or damaged as easily as some other roofing materials.
Additional Tips
Here are other things you can do to help protect your home from severe weather damage:
- Keep the water flowing away from your home to prevent foundation damage or flooding.
- Ensure all gutters, downspouts, and surface drains are free from debris so water can flow freely.
- Avoid planting shrubs too close to your home. This can cause a “damming” effect and lead to water/foundation damage.
- Caulk around all windows, doors, and cracks to create a tight seal and prevent wind and water intrusion.