One universal concern for homeowners is the occurrence of extreme weather and how it affects their homes. North, South, East, and West all boast unique weather tendencies and potential hazards, and finding the right building materials for your climate is imperative.
Metal roofing is a versatile material and a great choice for any climate; it is resistant to extreme temperatures and harsh weather and provides enduring performance throughout the country.
Rain
When properly installed, metal roofing systems offer decades of weathertight performance.
Interlocking panels join to form a metal roof, and features like standing seam design and hidden fasteners create an effective barrier to leaks and moisture. These cleverly designed concealed fastened systems do the job without exposed screws and washers, which can shrink and crack over time. This extends the life of the system and ensures a more weathertight product. Other roofing materials, like shingles, can be easily damaged by weather and wind, making those areas vulnerable to leaking.
Another common question homeowners often ask is whether a metal roof is extra noisy when it rains. Are you curious? Learn the answer in the video below!
Wind
From Louisiana hurricanes to the sweeping winds of the Great Plains, high winds can be of great concern around the country. In addition to wear and tear on traditional shingle roofs, high winds can also launch debris and projectiles at roofing systems, causing damage that might go unseen and lead to leaks and quick deterioration. Metal roofing systems undergo rigorous wind-resistance testing and are rated to perform under intense wind pressure. Capable of withstanding wind speeds of up to 140 miles per hour, interlocking metal panels are perfectly designed to resist damaging uplift. While no roof can be labeled “hurricane-proof” or “tornado-proof,” research and testing prove that metal is the superior choice for safety and endurance in extreme weather.
Hail
According to the National Weather Service, the United States experienced 6,962 hail events in 2023, a significant uptick from the 4,436 events reported in 2022. As you can see, it’s increasingly important to consider how your roof will hold up under hail.
Hail is formed when falling raindrops are caught and carried upwards in a thunderstorm draft and become layered clumps of ice. As they become too heavy to be sustained by the draft of wind, they begin a rapid descent and make a big impact when they land. Ranging in size from tiny beads to baseballs, they can have smooth, rounded edges or more jagged, damaging shapes.
May through September are generally considered “prime” hail months, but spring months are also vulnerable to these weather patterns.
So, how do you defend against these damaging balls of ice? Choose your materials wisely!
Metal roofing systems offer superior performance in the most extreme weather conditions, and hail storms are no exception.
Metal roofs have a Class 4 rating, meaning they have been tested and assessed to provide an extremely high level of impact resistance. The Underwriters’ Laboratory (UL), a not-for-profit independent testing organization, created a national standard for roof impact resistance by rating roofing materials based on their resistance to impact testing. This is called the Class 1 – 4 scale, with Class 1 being the most susceptible to damage and Class 4 being the toughest.
The testing method involves dropping different-sized steel balls from various heights to simulate hail and other destructive elements. The rigorous testing resulted in metal roofing being awarded the industry’s highest rating, a Class 4 rating.
While metal roofing can occasionally experience denting from severe hail, it usually maintains structural integrity and keeps you and your possessions in the dry. Many other products can’t boast the same.
This compelling case study is a great example of a customer who experienced the devastating impact of hail on an asphalt shingle roof and the decisions they made in the wake of that experience. Class 4-rated metal systems offer safety and peace of mind in severe weather and offer long-term cost savings too.
Snow
If you live in a climate with heavy snowfall, you know the perils of snow accumulating on your roof. Metal roofs allow snow to slide off, precluding the risk of heavy pressure on the roof. While this is advantageous for the health of your roof, it might cause concern about avalanches sliding off and causing injuries or damage to other parts of your home.
If you anticipate heavy snowfall, we recommend adding a snow retention system, which prevents the sudden release of snow buildup. The retention system uses friction to slow the snow down, allowing it to melt and run off slowly instead of sliding off all at once. McElroy Metal partners with outstanding manufacturers like S-5! for snow retention systems.
Go On The Defense
While we can’t always predict what Mother Nature will throw our way, homeowners can choose materials that defend against the elements and provide safety, peace of mind, and enduring performance. Metal roofing systems are your best choice for weather defense!
Learn everything you need to know about Residential Metal Roofing. Check out our metal roofing resources for inspiration and answers to your questions.
About McElroy Metal
Since 1963, McElroy Metal has served the construction industry with quality products and excellent customer service. The employee-owned components manufacturer is headquartered in Bossier City, La., and has 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States. Quality, service and performance have been the cornerstone of McElroy Metal’s business philosophy and have contributed to the success of the company through the years. As a preferred service provider, these values will continue to be at the forefront of McElroy Metal’s model along with a strong focus on the customer.
Topics: FAQ, Residential, Wind/Hail
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