The increase of storms hitting the U.S. is not only causing building owners to think twice about the roofs over their heads, it’s also earning the attention of local city and county officials.
In Monroe County, located in the Florida Keys, an area prone to the wrath of severe hurricanes, a proposed ordinance would require all new or replacement roofs to be metal to help harden buildings in the area. According to the county staff summary, post-Hurricane Irma inspections found that metal roofs fared better than those roofs covered by asphalt shingles.
Given the advantages of metal roofs, including a longer lifespan of an estimated 40 to 70 years, increased energy efficiency and performance during severe storms, that comes as no surprise to roofing experts. Many metal roofing systems have a 140-mph wind rating, giving them the ability to withstand wind gusts equal to a F2 tornado, and they provide protection against impact damage from hail and debris. Metal roofs also are nearly impenetrable to moisture and leaks, making them a durable choice in areas that suffer severe downpours.
“When it comes to performance and protection, it’s hard to beat the benefits of metal roofing,” says Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “Given a roof is a vulnerable areas of a building in extreme weather conditions, metal roofing is a smart choice for long-term value, reliability and peace of mind.”
Not Just the Coastlines
No matter what decision is ultimately reached by Monroe County officials, the fact is that while more than 50 million people now live along the nation’s hurricane-prone coastlines, extreme climate occurrences aren’t just a coastal concern anymore.
According to a Moody’s Investors Services report, “Global climate change is forecast to increase exposure and vulnerability to a range of factors; changes that are projected to drive an increased frequency of extreme weather occurrences, including heat waves, droughts, nuisance flooding, wildfire and more damaging coastal storm surges.”
These forecasts are driving a demand for durable building and material choices, no matter what area of the country. Options like metal roofs can help reduce energy costs in extreme temperatures, offer increased fire protection, and reduce damage and replacement or repairs in the aftermath of severe storms.
“There’s no doubt that building owners everywhere need to consider materials that can withstand more extreme conditions,” says Ramey. “Thankfully, there are options like metal roofs available to help them do just that.”