Weathering the Elements: Understanding How Metal Roofing Performs in Extreme Conditions

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Choosing a rigid roof to protect your home is essential if you live in an area prone to hurricanes, hailstorms, and high winds. Metal roofing is a great option.

From rust-resistant galvanized steel to the stylish beauty of zinc/aluminum-coated steel, homeowners have various options to suit their unique needs.

Wind

After major weather events, you may see images of destroyed homes or buildings; some show metal roofs in both good and bad light. However, the truth is that metal roofs are exceptionally wind-resistant.

Zinc/aluminum coated steel (Galvalume) and galvanized steel are highly durable, resisting corrosion and rust and providing extra protection against weather conditions such as rain, snow, and ice. These features make them ideal for regions prone to severe storms like hurricanes.

Additionally, standing seam and IMP metal roofing systems provide superior resistance to high winds by using concealed clips/fasteners and a four-way interlock design to prevent the panels from coming loose during extreme weather. A standing seam and IMP systems have passed rigorous UL 580 uplift tests to demonstrate their ability to hold up against winds up to 140 mph. This makes them a safe choice for any home in a storm-prone area.

Rain

From pounding rain to fierce winds, your roof is your first defense against nature’s fury. If you live in an area prone to hurricanes or other high-wind weather conditions, you’ll want to choose a roofing material that can stand up to the elements. Metal roofing has proven its strength and durability against severe weather conditions.

When considering roofing materials, some homeowners prefer the durability and resilience of metal roofing San Antonio, especially given the region’s weather challenges.

Zinc/aluminum coated and galvanized steel have become popular metal options for residential roofing. These highly durable roofing materials offer extra protection against rust and corrosion.

These sturdy metal roofs are designed to withstand wind speeds of 120+ mph and shrug off impact damage from flying debris. They also reflect heat effectively to reduce forced cooling costs in the summer and keep your home warm in the winter, resulting in energy savings over time. In addition, most formed metal roofs come with a thermal break that insulates against heat passing through the roof deck.

Snow

Metal roofs hold up well to snow without becoming brittle or sagging. Heavy snow slides off a metal roof, reducing the risk of damage to the structure below. In contrast, shingle roofs can become vulnerable to water accumulation that weighs down and damages the roof structure.

A metal roof’s overlapping panels interlock to form a waterproof barrier that resists rain penetration. This feature benefits hurricane-prone areas, reducing the chance of water penetrating an attic or living space during storms.

Many metal roofs in San Antonio also provide energy efficiency. Unlike shingles, which absorb and retain heat from the sun, metal roof panels reflect solar energy and release it into the atmosphere. This reduces energy costs and helps prevent ice dams that can melt and re-freeze at the eaves. Plus, the lightweight material doesn’t stress roof structures or building foundations.

Heat

Metal roofs reflect heat and block UV rays, helping lower cooling costs. They also shed snow and ice quickly, reducing the strain on heating systems during frigid winter weather.

They can be installed over existing shingles and are available in various colors. Their durability, strength, and sustainability make them an excellent choice for homes and commercial structures of all kinds.

In addition, they provide a variety of architectural options for architects. For instance, interlocking metal roofs can be formed into various shapes and lengths to accommodate different building designs. They are also durable enough to withstand strong winds. Depending on their design, they can withstand up to 160 mph, equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane or higher. That makes them the preferred roofing option in hurricane or high-wind areas. Moreover, they are the ideal roofing material for areas with wildfires. They can withstand high temperatures and resist corrosive fires.

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