No doubt about it, choosing the best roofing material can be overwhelming. But for building owners in hail-prone areas, it has grown difficult to deny the enhanced durability, longer life expectancy, and increased overall cost-effectiveness offered by metal roofing.
Why? Because hail-prone cities like Dallas, Denver, and Minneapolis simply have far more homes clustered together in a storm's path than they did in the past.
Not surprisingly, the damage caused by hail has been on the rise in the US with $8 to $10 billion in hail damage reported annually. Insurance carriers and homeowners alike have begun to look for ways to reduce (and even eliminate!) hail-related claims. Since storms can't be eliminated, roofing product selection seems to be taking center stage.
For decades, asphalt shingles dominated the residential roofing market simply because they were the cheapest option. But lately, between the rise in asphalt shingle prices (thanks to rises in crude oil prices) and homeowners' desire for a truly long-term roof solution, consumers are considering different options.
Today's savvy buyers want a product that is recyclable (more environmentally friendly), lasts longer, AND holds up better to Mother Nature's fury at a fair price. Enter the increase in the popularity of metal roofing panels.
In fact, the Metal Roofing Alliance article "Homes Designed to Take the Hit: Seeking Protection Against Growing Threat of Hailstorm Damage" addresses the durability of metal roofs: “In studies conducted by the Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety (IBHS), while all roof types can sustain some cosmetic damage depending on hailstorm severity, metal roofing performed best and was much less likely to puncture as compared to asphalt, withstanding even golf ball-sized hailstones without compromising performance.”
“Metal roofs are by their very nature extremely strong and durable,” said Renee Ramey, executive director of the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA). “For homeowners who need to replace their roofs due to hail damage, it’s a wise investment to go with a material that’ll better protect their home the next time a severe storm passes through.”
The best way to maximize your metal roofs durability and longevity is to work with an engineer or qualified distributor/contractor of metal roofing systems. You can find a McElroy Metal Distributor or Contractor here.