How Do Metal Roofs Hold Up in Strong Winds?

Hurricane season is here. Roofing is a large concern for home owners during this time. Anything can happen during a hurricane and it’s important to be prepared. Is your home ready for the risk? Many have questions about what might help protect their roofs from being damaged or torn off their homes during a storm.

Tips for Keeping Your Roof Safe

For many, roof safety isn’t necessary; however, if you live in an area where hurricanes are likely to happen, it can become necessary. Knowing how to care for your roof or ensure when it’s installed that you’ve got something to withstand hurricanes is important. How do you know what to look for? These tips are great ways to make sure you’ve got the best roof for the job:

• Work with a contractor who’s licensed and experienced
• Use appropriate materials
• Match new materials to the underlayment

Experienced and Licensed Contractor

Roofing can be a DIY job, but that’s not always the best option. In locations that generally suffer from extreme weather conditions, doing a DIY job on your roof can be dangerous. It’s important to know the materials and the proper way to piece everything together. This is where a licensed contractor comes in. A contractor that is licensed and experienced in putting roofs on homes in extreme weather areas will know the safest route. He or she will understand how important it is for your roof to withstand the high winds and treacherous weather conditions.

A licensed and experience contractor will know the differences in material and be able to explain this to you so you’ll understand you’re getting the best option. They’ll also be able to piece everything together without issues or concerns about whether or not the work is done properly. It’s important to choose the right contractor for the job. Research contractors in your area, or in other areas that might be willing to travel, and find the best choice for the job.

Appropriate Materials

Knowing the worst weather in your area can help in this category. If you have high winds and hurricanes or live in an area with heavy rain and snowfall, you’ll want materials designed to resist water or withstand heavy winds. There are many options (discussed later) that could work, but it’s important to know which will work best for you. Having the best option for the job makes the work easier and you’ll feel better knowing your home is protected.

Matching Materials

An underlayment is a great option to repel moisture, but if you don’t have the right materials to fasten the metal to the underlayment, you could wind up with a major safety issue. High winds could remove your metal panels and they could be dangerous if they become completely detached from the roof. It’s important to make sure you have the appropriate fasteners for the metal pieces to attach to the underlayment. This will also help increase the wind resistance in your roof and ensure you’ve got what you need to protect your home.

Material Options

There are many choices for metal roofing materials. Some are more water resistant, some more wind resistant, some are better off for looks. It’s important to know which ones you’re getting before you purchase. Knowing the type of roofing you need will help you choose the best materials for the job. These three main types are used for an array of projects and work best for water and wind resistance:

• Standing-seam hydrostatic systems
• Hydrokinetic panels
• Metal shingles

Standing-Seam Hydrostatic Systems

Hydrostatic panels are generally standing-seam systems and provide protection against water infiltration. Their standing-seam design raises the joints above the water line so the panels are protected and able to protect your home. These systems are generally used in areas with heavy rains and snowfall to reduce the risk of water buildup on the roof and the damage that can cause. Most of these systems are structural, however, if proper decking is provided, you might be able to use architectural panels for your metal roofing and have the same effect.

Hydrokinetic Panels

This roofing system doesn’t have the setup of the hydrostatic system. It requires a steeper slope and underlayment for best results. These options provide protection against an array of water buildup and are mostly architectural in look. Hydrokinetic panels can have concealed clips, be through-fastened, or have the appearance of tile when installed. It’s important to know what your home requires with this type of roofing to ensure you’re getting the right one. Choosing the wrong roofing can be dangerous – and in some cases costly – in the long run.

Metal Shingles

 

Metal shingles are a form of hydrokinetic panel and, therefore, require a steep slope and the appropriate materials, including underlayment, for installation. It’s important to know which style you need, as this option can come in an array of styles. These shingles can simulate the appearance of wood and tile, if requested. Be sure you know which roofing style is best for your home.

Concerns

Research has found some metal roofing systems have the ability to withstand heavy winds and protect the home while others don’t. Some roofing types are easily blown off the roof, allowing water to enter and damage the building at the site of missing metal. It’s difficult to know which system will be safest. It’s important to remember important steps to finding the best option for the job.

One of the biggest concerns is that many people don’t follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing their roof. The instructions by the manufacturer are important because they created the product and know the best way to make it work. If it’s not installed properly, you could lose your roof when the winds pick up and more damage could be caused in the long run. It’s also important to know building code requirements and follow those as well. Your area building codes are designated by law to make sure your home is safe. These codes are important when putting a new metal roof on because they could dictate the type of materials or design you’re allowed to use.

Another concern is the load on the roof. It’s important to know the maximum option for what could happen to your roof. Whether it’s the wind or rain, there is a load against the roof and it could cause the roof to pull away from the house or cause other damage. Finding the highest possible load will help you determine which roofing options will be best for you.

Uplift loads, while a type of load, are different when it comes to roofing. It’s important to know how much force could possibly work from underneath the edges of the roof to work at forcing the roofing up and off the house. It’s important to know which type of roofing is best in this scenario. Be sure you’re checking local laws in your area for building codes referring to the testing of metal roofs.

Design of the roof system can also be a concern. If not properly designed, the installation will be incorrect and it could lead to damages or problems with the roofing in the future. It’s important to understand each system and its design to ensure you’re properly installing it. Another important item to remember is to use professionals for assistance. Installation of your roof is important and should be done correctly. If you’ve never done a roof installation before, it’s important to contact a professional contractor that has experience and knowledge in this area. Be sure they’re able to perform the work properly and get your roof installed the best way possible.

Construction and Installation

It’s important to be sure your construction and installation of a metal roof is done properly. You want to make sure your roof isn’t going to be a problem in the future. Ventilation is important when installing a metal roof. Having proper ventilation will ensure there aren’t any high-pressure areas that might cause the decking under the metal roof to separate or move. Keeping close watch over the roofing while installing it can help you find areas that might need more ventilation.

It’s also important to check the fastening of the roof. If the fasteners are broken or not applied correctly, your roof will not have the level of wind resistance it’s been tested for. If you live in a hurricane area, this could be a major problem and cause a lot of damage in the long run. It’s important to make sure your roof has the appropriate fastening system when you’re installing it.

Installation is important for metal roofing. If the materials are improperly installed, it could result in leaks, damage to the home, or problems with the metal roof itself. If you’re in a hurricane area, proper installation is a critical element of having a metal roof. Fastening, connecting, and even trim installation can all have an impact on the outcome of not properly installing a metal roof. The best way to know if you’re installing the roof properly is to check building codes in your area or acquire a professional contractor with experience installing metal roofs.

Factors Against Wind Resistance

There are some factors of your metal roof that could cause it to be less wind-resistant and cause damages or other issues in the event of heavy winds or hurricanes. One of these factors is age. Many forms of metal roof are able to retain their resilience over time, but there are some versions (and other materials) that may not age as well. It’s important to know how old your roof is and what type of materials were used to install it. You may possibly need a new roof before the next big storm hits.

Another factor is debris. It can cause a lot of damage to your roof if large, heavy debris were to come in contact with it during a storm. Knowing how sturdy your roof is and what it might be able to withstand is a major part of keeping your home safe and your roof intact. This factor can be one of the biggest issues in roof care and resistance.

Wind direction can also be a factor. If the wind is in more of a swirling motion, it can come over the front of the roof and act as a vacuum of sorts. This could damage the back of the roof and, in some cases, remove the roof from the decking. It’s important to know the type of roofing you have and how additional pieces might be able to help protect your home. Some roofing systems provide options for directional trim, which would be a great way to help protect against wind damages resulting from swirling winds at high speeds.

Conclusion

With so many roofing choices, it can be difficult to choose the best one. The most important choice is the roofing system that protects your home best. Always be sure you’ve done your research and know your building codes and materials before working on a roof. It’s also important to keep an experienced and licensed contractor in mind in case you need additional help. Metal roofs can be tricky to install, you want to make sure it’s done right to keep your home safe in a storm.

Be sure you’re always using appropriate materials and following the necessary codes and manufacturers installation guidelines. These factors will help you ensure the safety of your home when you need it most. Contractors with the knowledge and experience of installing and maintaining metal roofs are always a great option when working to install a new metal roof on your home. Once you’ve researched the materials, codes, and contractors, you’re ready to move forward with installation.

Always keep in mind the importance of proper installation. You don’t want your roof to need repairs or replacing long before it should because it wasn’t properly installed the first time. This could cause damages and dangers if a storm arises before you’ve had the chance to resolve these issues.