Virginians Want to Know: Can Metal Roofs Really Stand a Hurricane?

Severe weather alert. Those three words can cause a homeowner’s heart to start to race. High winds, hail, possible debris, all elements of a storm that can cause significant damage to a person’s home. When these natural disasters occur, our first thought is protecting ourselves and our families. Our next thought is our home. Will it sustain damage? Will it need repairs? What will this end up costing me? If you live in Norfolk Virginia, many of these thoughts may have already raced across your mind due to storms in the past. When it comes to roofing, you want to consider the likelihood of these events and steps you can take to protect yourself from them. One surprisingly easy solution is metal roofing.

Why Metal Roofing?

Metal roofing stands alone when it comes to proving its ability to withstand all Mother Nature would like to throw at it. When considering traditional asphalt roofing, shingles are prone to blow off. Even just the loss of a few shingles can impact the strength of the entire roofing system. Losing shingles can make your house susceptible to water and wind damage. Wood may look great, but if you live in an area that is susceptible to water damage through snow or heavy downpours, the wood is prone to rot or warp in time. With a metal roof, these issues won’t be a concern.

Metal roofing has come a long way in residential use. Many Norfolk homeowners are staying in their homes longer, leading to making the decision to invest in roofing that will last. While metal roofing is an initial investment, its ability to protect your home and your heating/cooling costs will pay for itself in time. Traditional roofing material needs to be replaced every 10 to 20 years. In areas that are often faced with severe weather, this time frame can be decreased substantially. With metal roofing, you’re looking at 40 to 70 years of roof longevity.

What Makes a Metal Roof Different?

Metal roofing has gone through extensive testing to ensure that it provides the best security during natural disasters. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) has completed numerous tests on metal roofing material with natural disasters in mind. In the MRA wind uplift test, metal roofing can withstand up to 140 miles per hour. In some studies, the material sustained its integrity up to 180 miles per hour. One factor that influences the strength of metal roofing is the attachment methods.

Interlocking/Overlapping Panel System Adds Strength

Metal roofing is installed through an interlocking and overlapping panel system. This leaves little room for strong winds to penetrate the system. When it comes to fasteners, a homeowner can choose between hidden or exposed. A hidden fastener will last longer because it is not exposed directly to the elements. An exposed fastener adds a little extra security but does need to be replaced sooner than a fastener that isn’t exposed. Either option still offers protection against severe storms. This construction of metal roofing makes it nearly impenetrable to moisture, unlike other roofing materials. This helps provide your home with added protection if you live in an area that suffers from heavy rainfall and downpours.

Metal Protects Against Hail and Debris Damage

The ability to withstand wind is not the only benefit of committing to a metal roof. Metal roofing also benefits the homeowner when it comes to its ability to withstand potential damages caused by hail or debris. Metal roofing won’t rust or crack. Metal roofing is also impact resistant. Metal roofs are highly resistant, even to the point where some insurance companies offer a reduced rate to homeowners with such roofs. It is important to note that impact-resistant doesn’t mean that it is impossible, though it is unlikely. Depending on the thickness of the metal you choose, your roofing will be protected from average hail damage. While dents are possible with larger hail, this is simply a cosmetic issue that can easily be repaired.

Class A Fire Protection

Metal roofing can also help protect your Virginia home from wildfires and potential lightning strikes. Metal is manufactured to last and offers Class A fire protection. The roofing material can’t spark or ignite when presented with a potential fire starter. In case of a fire in general, firefighters would be able to work and trust to put weight on a metal roof compared to other building materials that could become compromised due to heat and flame. This quick accessibility can make a difference when it comes to your home and extreme weather. Even with this protection, it helps to occasionally clear your roof of any debris (leaves, branches, etc.) to avoid any additional hassles.

Types of Metal Roofing

Metal roofing can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It can mimic the look of other materials. If you still want the look of wood or asphalt, but you want to better protect your investment, metal roofing is the perfect choice.

• Materials
  • Steel (galvanized, galvalume, or weathered)
  • Aluminum
  • Copper
  • Zinc
  • Tin

• Types
  • Vertical seam
  • Pre-formed panels
  • Granular coated panels

• Style
  • Shingles
  • Slate
  • Tile
  • Shakes

All these different materials, types, and styles offer the same excellent protection. Regardless of your choice in style, the basic protective elements remain the same. With the ability to not only mimic but exceed the qualities of different roofing materials, considering the switch to metal roofing is a win-win.

Preserve Your Peace of Mind

Metal roofing is strong and can last a lifetime when properly maintained. Metal roofing offers peace of mind that other traditional materials can’t. Metal roofing has been tested to withstand severe winds, hail, and other damages that a natural disaster could cause. With natural disasters at an all-time high, metal roofing can provide peace of mind when it comes to worries about damage and the costly burden of repair faced with other roofing materials. When it comes to the uncertainty of natural disasters, it helps to have a sense of security in the roof over your head.