Shielding from the Elements: Metal Roofing

If you own property, serious weather conditions can be a daunting prospect. When you experience hail, hurricanes, snowstorms, or similar conditions, the integrity of your roof could be at risk. To make matters worse, roofing repairs can be expensive and stressful to take care of.

Additionally, a strong and durable roof is needed to keep your household protected. If your roof becomes damaged due to extreme weather, any residents or physical assets could be placed at risk.

Certain roofing materials are more prone to weather-related damage than others. Most notably, even though asphalt shingles are one of the most popular materials, they also fall short when it comes to durability.

Those who live in regions prone to extreme weather should consider having a metal roof installed. A properly installed metal roofing system is highly durable, allowing it to stand up against hailstorms, hurricane-force winds, falling tree branches, and more.

How Does Metal Roofing Protect Against Extreme Weather?

There are several qualities of metal roofs that make them so tough against harsh weather.

For example, it’s nearly impossible for moisture to penetrate a metal roofing system. Whenever a leak develops, this can quickly turn into a serious problem for homeowners. The longer a leak is left unrepaired, the more severe the water damage can become. Serious water damage can be expensive to repair, and the subsequent growth of mold can pose a health risk.

If you reside in an area that experiences frequent snowstorms or heavy rain, installing a metal roof can be a fantastic way to prevent water damage.

Metal roofs also feature impressive fire resistance. So, if your home is struck by lightning during a storm, it’s less likely to catch fire than if you had an asphalt roof. Unlike metal, asphalt shingles are a flammable material.

Can Metal Roofing Protect Against Strong Winds?

Homeowners living in areas prone to hurricane-strength winds can benefit from installing a metal roofing system.

Whether your current roof is made of shingles or tile asphalt, extreme wind conditions can pose a serious threat. For instance, powerful gusts of wind can slip beneath shingles and cause them to detach from the rooftop. When shingles are blown off or become loose, the roof is at an increased risk of water or ice damage – especially if the damaged shingles aren’t repaired quickly.

Metal roofs are the stronger and more durable option, allowing them to withstand extreme winds. With a metal roof, the risk of serious roofing damage is far lower.

Can Metal Roofing Protect Against Extreme Temperatures?

Whether the temperature outside is freezing or sweltering, extreme temperatures pose an issue for homeowners.

When a roofing system isn’t well-insulated or reflective of heat, it can be more difficult to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. Then, when an air conditioner or furnace has to work harder to cool or heat your home, this leads to elevated utility costs.

To reduce your utility bills during extreme temperatures, metal roofing is an effective solution.

On a day with sweltering heat, the last thing you want is for your roof to absorb these temperatures. When asphalt shingles are exposed to heat and sunlight, however, they tend to absorb rather than reflect. This leads to heat being transferred inside your home, making the job of your AC much more difficult.

Metal roofs, on the other hand, reflect heat rather than absorb it. This stops extreme temperatures from being transferred into your home. This reflective quality is also useful when the temperature is low; because heat isn’t being absorbed into the roof, ice and snow can melt more quickly. Then, moisture can easily slide off of the roof, keeping your home protected from damage.

Can Metal Roofing Protect Against Storms?

It isn’t uncommon for residential roofing systems to be damaged by stormy weather. Whether it’s the result of torrential rain or lighting, it’s easy for most popular roofing materials to suffer damage.

Stormy weather can cause shingles to be torn off a rooftop, in the case of asphalt or tile shingling. Metal roofs are more durable and capable of withstanding critical storm conditions.

Because of metal roofing’s resistance to snow and ice, they can also hold up better in the event of hailstorms or freezing rain.

Many other types of roofs become dented when they’re faced with hail. Homeowners with a metal roof installed are less likely to be left with denting (or other common forms of damage) in their roof.

The Importance of Metal Roof Maintenance

It’s true that metal roofs require less maintenance than other popular materials. Even though these roofs are more durable, however, it’s still a good idea to stay on top of routine maintenance. By keeping your metal roofing system in its best shape, it will be better able to withstand weather damage.

To keep your home protected against extreme weather damage, make sure you’re performing the following maintenance duties:

• Keep gutters, surface drains, and downspouts clear of leaves and other types of debris; this allows water to flow freely off of your rooftop.
• To prevent flooding or damage to your home’s foundation, make sure water is always able to flow off and away from your house – you should never allow water or moisture to build up on your rooftop.
• Avoid planting shrubs very close to your home; this can lead to damming, which can subsequently cause damage to your foundation (or other forms of water damage).
• Ensure that windows and doors are adequately insulated; by creating a tighter seal, it’s easier to prevent wind or water intrusion.

So, if you’re regularly dealing with extreme weather conditions (including hurricanes, earthquakes, hailstorms, and torrential rain), make sure your roof is strong enough to withstand the weather.

Tile or asphalt shingles can quickly become damaged in the event of a storm or other serious weather situation. Shingles can be torn from the rooftop and water damage can develop.

Metal is the top roofing material if you’re looking to prevent damage during extreme weather. To ensure that your roof is properly installed, reach out to a reputable roofing company in your area.