One of the main functions of a roof is to protect occupants from inclement weather. While the occasional light rain or snowstorm poses little cause for concern for most roofing materials, larger storms like tornadoes, hurricanes and blizzards can noticeably damage some roofing materials. These weather events can also create small breeches in a roof’s surface, which could worsen over time or cause costly structural damage.
In addition, climates with extreme temperatures can exacerbate the risks posed by singular storms. For example, in a colder region, snow and ice can quickly build on rooftops, potentially causing damage to eaves and gutters. When the snow and ice begin to melt, it can also cause injury and property damage when large chunks fall from commercial roofs.
Homes and buildings in regions that experience extreme weather need roofs that can take on the added strain these climates exert. Metal roofing systems are not only resistant to rain and snow (thanks, in part, to their durable finish), but they can also withstand high winds. They can also sideline issues associated with perennially cold or hot climates. These qualities make them suitable for most climates. But how can a material be ideal for such disparate considerations? The following points examine how metal roofs can provide protection from a variety of weather conditions.
Metal roofs can provide wind resistance of up to 120 miles per hour, which is equal to the gale force of an F2 tornado. Unlike other roofing systems, panelized metal roofing systems extend from eave to ridge and interlock with adjacent panels to minimize the points where gusts of winds can lift and damage the roof. Metal also has a substantial strength-to-weight ratio. This means individual panels can withstand direct wind without increasing the overall weight of a roof. It also means that the places where panels interlock have the strength to endure extreme wind forces.
Tropical storms combine the high winds of tornados with torrential rains. Metal roofs with interlocking panels protect against wind but also offer substantial protection against leaks when installed correctly. With several profile styles and finish colors available, metal roofs can protect without compromising a home or building’s design aesthetic. As such, many building- and homeowners in tropical regions are turning to metal roofs to provide a durable and visually pleasing roof.
Metal roofing systems can also be backed by weather-tightness warranties to offer peace of mind that a roof’s seams will stand up to inclement weather without leaking.
Sudden rooftop avalanches can damage eaves and gutters around a home. When snow and ice fall from a commercial building’s roof, it easily can cause injury and property damages. Snow and ice can also work against energy efficiency when it accumulates on a roof. Metal roofing systems disperse solar heat across their entire surface to quickly melt snow to help stop rooftop avalanches before they happen and to mitigate the cooling effect of accumulated snow.
In addition, Drexel Metals has developed an optional snow guard system to help control the melting of ice and snow. This system helps metal roofs shed snow in a predictable and consistent manner to sideline the risk of avalanches—and the damages they can cause to gutters, eaves, people and property below. The only system warranted for the life of the roof, Drexel’s snow guard product can provide protection for decades.
Metal roofing systems can also be ideal for hotter climates. When finished with lighter colors, they can be certified to cool roof standards to support sustainable homes. These roofs reflect the majority of the sun’s rays, which reduces the amount of heat retained during sunny days. Further, because metal disperses heat across its entire surface, roofs made with metal panels can cool quickly in the evening, reducing the energy needed to lower the temperature inside a building after the sun starts to set.
With high strength and premium performance capabilities, metal roofing systems can sideline damage caused by several types of extreme weather. They can also be fitted with optional systems and finished with paint certified to cool roof standards to enhance their resistance to weather. While knowing that metal roofs provide substantial weather-resistance is important, knowing the details can allow roofing contractors to help their customers pick the best materials, profiles and finishes for their particular needs.
