The most common roofing type is asphalt shingle roofs, and while they do a great job of keeping your home safe, they aren’t the biggest and best option on the market. That belongs to metal roofing, and for many reasons. They’re beautiful and add a modern twist to your home, but by far, the biggest impact is the durability it adds to your home. Extreme weather is no match for metal roofing, but how exactly do metal roofs accomplish their goals of standing out amongst the competition?
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 perfect 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 almost half a century and even longer with proper roof maintenance. Additionally, they’re made from sustainable materials 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 even more heat out. Take a look at how the power of a metal roof tames these weather conditions.
Strong Winds Are No Match
Strong winds are one of your biggest enemies if you’re in a location that often deals with hurricanes or one that gets some severe blizzards. They can easily rip off asphalt shingles, damage gutters, and throw objects in your way. But metal roofs are designed to withstand winds of up to 160 MPH, keeping you safe during some of the worst storms imaginable.
Cold Weather? No Problem!
Homeowners in cold weather regions like New Jersey battle snow and sleet every year, and a weak roof is no match for the strength of these forms of precipitation. Metal roofing is extremely sturdy and less resistant to the constant pounding of sleet or snow. They also have seams designed to prevent pools of water and leaking. These seams and the overall strength of the roof keep your home isolated from the cold as well.
The Summer Heat Makes No Difference
As we discussed, roofs deflect heat and water, so you won’t have to worry about moisture that creates fungal growths that overtake your roof. Metal roofs also repel about 85% of the sun’s heat, and homeowners can also add additional coatings and finishes, taking their metal roofs up a notch.
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. Installing your metal panels with clips as close to the center as possible can increase the wind resistance of the entire structure. Uplift is one of the biggest wind-related issues, so panels that “snap” together should be avoided entirely. Additionally, narrower and heavier panels perform better against dangerous weather conditions. Metal roofs are also Class A fire-resistant, meaning your fire risk is lowered the moment your metal roof is installed.
Additional Ways You Can Keep Your Roof Protected
Your metal roof might do most of the work, but there are some things you can do to give your roof the perfect 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. This 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!
Want to Enjoy the Durability of a Metal Roof? Get Yours Installed by the Pros
Not many products can overcome a poor installation, and as we highlighted, one of the biggest causes of roof failure is poor installation. How can you expect your metal roof to hold up to the strength of nature if it’s compromised at the hinges? Turn to the team at Allabaugh Construction for your roof installation in Hamilton, NJ, and the surrounding areas. We take pride in installing some of the best and highest quality roofing materials in the country, and we’ll ensure that you’re protected from any storm that the northeast throws your way. Contact us to get your roofing project completed by a qualified installer today!