Living on the Florida coast means hurricanes and tropical storms are a part of Florida life. While Mother Nature’s decisions are unchangeable, there are steps you can take to protect your home from severe storms. Installing a metal roof is one of them.

After a hurricane, it’s not unusual to find roofs that have been damaged by wind. A metal roof is one of the strongest roofing materials and can protect your home from a hurricane. Here are 3 ways metal roofing protects your home from a hurricane.

1. Refrain from stumbling

Wind flow is impeded by a house, which causes air pressure and airflow changes over the home’s surfaces. Wind uplift is when the air pressure under the roof is higher than the roof.

High winds cause a drop in the pressure at the roof’s surface, but an increase in the pressure inside the building due to air infiltration through cracks and openings. This causes a push-pull effect that separates roofing materials and the roof deck. The roof deck may also fall off the supporting structure in the worst case.

Metal roofing is very wind-resistant and can withstand high winds without losing its durability. Metal roofs can withstand winds up to 140 mph. This makes them great for areas that are susceptible to hurricanes. Standard asphalt shingles, however, can only withstand winds speeds up to 60 mph.

The superior wind resistance of metal roofs can be attributed primarily to the design and construction. Because the panels are interlocked on all sides, there is little chance for hurricane-force winds or uplift to penetrate beneath them.

Moreover, metal roofs are often joined with hidden fasteners that aren’t exposed. This reduces the chance of deterioration or failure. Hidden clips and screws allow for greater expansion and contraction, without compromising the roof’s structural integrity.

2. Wind-Blown Debris Impact Resistance

Windborne debris can cause roof damage in strong winds events like hurricanes. Metal roofs are able to withstand the strong hurricane-force winds and debris. Metal panels are strong and can withstand windborne debris.

Many metal roofs are classified as having a Class 4 Impact Resistance rating. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) assigns Class 4 as the most impact-resistant category. A 2-inch-diameter steel ball is used to test the roof covering’s resistance to impact. It can be dropped from different heights onto the new roofing material. A metal roofing panel cannot crack, split, break or tear upon impact to be given a Class 4 rating.

Your metal roof can sustain damage even in severe hurricanes. A dented roof may be unsightly to some homeowners but it will not cause your roof to leak or fail if it is severe enough.

To prevent denting, some metal panels may have a pebbled coating.

3. High durability and long service life

Metal roofs are the most durable roofing material. They can last up to ten times longer than traditional options like slate and tile. Your metal roof can withstand even the worst weather conditions if it is installed correctly.

The adhesives that bond tiles and shingles wear out over time due to Florida’s extreme heat, rain, wind and strong UV rays. Metal panels, on the other hand, are more stable than other materials and won’t be as easily removed.

Galvanized, aluminum, and zinc roofs have a life expectancy of 40-50 year. Copper roofs can last up to 100 years if they are properly maintained. For installation on various architectural styles and slopes, the material can be purchased in flat and grooved sheets.

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing which offers the best roofers in Clearwater FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.

Dustin Mullins