The aftermath of recent hurricanes in Florida, as well as islands such as Puerto Rico and the Bahamas, stands as a testament to the furious devastation a severe Category 4 or Category 5 storm can unleash on anything that stands in its path. However, one can also find examples of where homes constructed specifically to stand up to severe weather did just that. For example, take the few homes in Panama City and Mexico Beach left standing in the wake of Hurricane Michael. These homes can serve as case studies for the importance of building your home according to the stringent Miami-Dade building codes.
Specifically built beyond the strict Florida building codes established after 1992’s Hurricane Andrew, several of the surviving homes were constructed with simple reinforcements to aid in defending against Mother Nature. Through a handful of strategically placed nails and metal connectors between the walls and roof, the edges of the roofs were able to hold against the severe hurricane-force winds. However, while these installation methods can make a difference in the eye of a storm, regardless of the roofing materials you’ve chosen for your roof, selecting a metal roof can improve your ability to hurricane-proof your home exponentially. This evidence has led those living in hurricane zones scrambling to learn more about the benefits of hurricane-proofing their home with a metal roof.
Why Install a Metal Roof?
Metal roofs have been proven to withstand the extreme forces of a major hurricane and other severe weather events.
Moss and fungus proof:
In comparison to asphalt, metal roofing is not affected by mildew, fungus, and moss–shingle killers that are common in wetter climates. However, while they are resistant to mildew and fungus in wetter climates, metal roofing in coastal or marine environments should utilize non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and copper.
Severe winds from hurricanes and tornadoes:
If your area is susceptible to hurricanes or tornadoes, it may be wise to consider a metal roof. Many metal products have been tested, and performed well, against wind speeds of 140mph (F2 tornado/ Category 4 hurricane). While the wind speeds a metal roof can withstand may vary, metal roofs also provide safety against falling debris.
Hail:
One of the most common metal roofing questions is about hail and how hail affects a metal roof. Structurally, a metal roof can withstand damage that would be catastrophic to the life of an asphalt shingle. However, depending on the size of the hail, it can have cosmetic damage and have dents after the storm.
Fire:
Metal roofing, when installed with the proper system components, can meet the Class A fire rating. In other words, when you hire a licensed contractor familiar with your wildfire-prone community, your metal roofing system should be fire-resistant.
Snow and ice:
While metal roofs are popular in warmer clients for their ability to cool your home, they can also be beneficial in communities where snow and ice are common. Several styles of metal roofing encourage snow shed and can minimize the trend of ice damning thanks to their smooth surface.
Long-lasting durability
While the upfront cost can seem extreme compared to shingles, metal roofing has a much longer life span than asphalt shingles. Metal roofs are typically expected to last 40 to 75 years with a manufacturer warranty that can range from 30 to 50 years! So, while an asphalt shingle roof may have to be replaced multiple times throughout the life of a home, selecting a high-quality metal roof may be the only roof your family will have to think about.
Hurricane-Proof Your Roof
If you are considering a metal roof for your home, don’t wait until it’s in the path of the next mega-storm. The time to hurricane-proof your roof is NOW! Why take an unnecessary chance with your family’s safety and your home’s security? Contact the Roof Commander metal roofing team for a free, no-obligation inspection before the next big storm comes along. Call us today at 352-459-7599 to schedule your consultation.