How Metal Roofs Protect Your Home Against Extreme Weather

The most common roofing type is asphalt shingle roofs, and while they do a great job of keeping your home safe, many homeowners also look at metal roofing, and for many reasons. Metal roofs can be beautiful and add a modern twist to your home, but by far, their biggest selling point is durability. Extreme weather is a tough match for metal roofing, but how exactly do metal roofs accomplish this?

Why Roofs Fail in Extreme Weather

Before you evaluate the benefits of a metal roof, it's good to know about the risks that weather poses to roofing structures. We can all recall images of hurricanes tearing off roofing shingles or throwing large trees onto a home. Here are some more common ways a typical roof might fail in a hurricane, snowstorm, or another extreme weather event.

• Poor installation
• Failing components (roofs, windows, gutters, etc.)
• Excessive wind speeds
• Wind-driven rain that causes moisture penetration
• Flying debris that damages panels

Metal Roofs — The Strongest Option on the Market?

Metal roofs are a good fit for many homeowners, with various styles and colors to match. But what separates this roofing system is how strong it is. For starters, metal roofs can last several decades or longer with proper roof maintenance. Additionally, they often contain recycled material and can withstand the summer heat by reflecting solar radiation. Extreme heat is one of the many reasons your energy bills skyrocket in the summer, but a metal roof can help keep more heat out. Take a look at how a metal roof handles these weather conditions.

Strong Winds

Strong winds are one of your biggest enemies if you're in a location that often deals with hurricanes or severe blizzards. They can rip off asphalt shingles, damage gutters, and throw objects in your way. Many metal roofing systems are tested and rated for very high wind speeds, helping keep you safe during some of the worst storms.

Cold Weather

Homeowners in cold weather regions like New Jersey and Northeast Pennsylvania battle snow and sleet every year. Metal roofing is extremely sturdy and resistant to the constant pounding of sleet or snow, and its smooth surface helps snow slide off. Standing-seam panels also have raised seams designed to keep water out.

Summer Heat

Metal roofs reflect a large share of the sun's heat, especially lighter colors and panels with reflective coatings, and homeowners can add coatings and finishes to take their metal roofs up a notch. Their smooth, non-organic surface also resists the moss and fungal growth that can take hold on other roofs.

How Metal Roof Design Plays a Major Role in Its Strength

The design of your metal roof and the way it's installed can also impact performance. Fastening systems and clip spacing affect the wind resistance of the entire structure. Uplift is one of the biggest wind-related issues, so the panel system matters. Additionally, narrower and heavier-gauge panels generally perform better against dangerous weather conditions. Many metal roofing systems also carry a Class A fire rating, the highest rating for roof coverings.

Additional Ways You Can Keep Your Roof Protected

Whatever your roof is made of, there are some things you can do to give it the best conditions to repel the worst of nature for years to come. Protect your roof by following some of these tips:

• Make sure water flows away from the foundation of your home. Pooling water can weaken the structure and increase the impact of wind and rain.
• Ensure all gutters and downspouts are free of debris.
• Seal windows, doors, and cracks to protect your home and prevent wind and rain from penetrating.
• Don't forget to keep up with your maintenance schedule for your roof!

Choose the Right Roof — and the Right Installer

Not many products can overcome a poor installation, and as we highlighted, one of the biggest causes of roof failure is poor installation. If you choose metal, hire a contractor who specializes in metal roofing. Our roof replacements use architectural asphalt shingles installed by a GAF-certified crew, built to stand up to the storms the Northeast throws your way. Still weighing materials? Read our comparison of metal roofing and shingle roofing.