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Are Metal Roofs Hurricane Proof? It Depends.

When it comes to overall hurricane safety, your roof is the most important part of your home.

Shingle roofs remain a common option here in the Sunshine State, but more homeowners are choosing something new: residential metal roofing. Metal roofing in Central Florida has come a long way since the time when you were most likely to see it on a barn or grain silo!

Drive through the countryside and you’ll still see metal roofing in use on many agricultural buildings. But the next generation of metal roofs are now a stylish alternative to shingle. Not only does it look good – it can last longer than a shingle roof. In fact, it offers some benefits no other roof does.

Most people are drawn to metal roofing because it has the potential to last 30, 40, or even 50 years in comparison to about 20 years for shingle roofs in Central Florida. Because of its high reflectivity, much solar radiation bounces right off it. This leads to staying cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

But there is no one “perfect” roof – they all have their own advantages.

And a big question many homeowners ask is: “Are metal roofs hurricane proof?”

Let’s take a closer look at the facts.

Pound for Pound, Newer Roofs Are More Hurricane Resistant Than Older Ones

No matter what kind of roof you have, a newer installation is more likely to stand up against a hurricane than an older one. The reasons go beyond the obvious questions of wear and tear, too. There are some aspects of wind mitigation that simply can’t be taken care of except when a new roof is installed.

Florida’s wind mitigation standards specify a number of optional features that a roof may or may not conform to. The reason, not all Central Florida roofs meet the highest standards is because some are related to the structural elements of the roof, which can only be accessed on rare occasions.

When you’re getting an all-new roof, whether it is shingle or metal, your Central Florida roofer has the chance to make sure the roof and underlying structural elements are fully anchored as they should be.

Likewise, full roof replacement in Central Florida means an opportunity to replace the waterproof membrane that sits between the structural elements and the top layer of your roof. In recent years, new materials have become available that allow this underlayment to contribute to your hurricane safety.

So, don’t feel like you need to be able to install a metal roof to meet the highest standards of hurricane protection. Just by getting a new shingle roof, you’ll have opportunities to greatly strengthen the home.

Metal Roofing Is Highly Resistant to Wind Uplift During Hurricanes

Metal roofing beats shingle roofing for wind resistance thanks to its attachment methods and the way metal panels interlock to create a waterproof surface. Done right, it can be engineered to resist almost any force imposed by high winds. Structural standing seam metal roofs are the most effective in this arena.

There are multiple standards of testing for wind resistance. Metal roofing manufacturers put products through these tests to verify high standards of performance, including those required by Florida’s tough building codes. Always ask your roofer about the standards a roof has met and what they mean!

Defense against wind uplift is a major benefit for metal roofing because if the roof is not anchored, the change in pressure as outdoor air meets the indoor space effectively destroys the interior in a matter of moments. That said, not even the best roof available does the job of hurricane safety all on its own.

To Get the Most Value from Your Roofing, You Need to Protect Your Home in Other Ways, Too

Florida has some of the highest wind safety standards not just here in the United States, but all over the world. To lower your risk as much as possible, roofing is a big part of your strategy, but not the only part.

We strongly recommend all Central Florida homeowners take advantage of the amazing innovations in technology that have hit the market over the last few years, including storm shutters that withstand not only sustained winds from severe hurricanes but heavy impacts from flying debris.

Your roofing works together with the other parts of your home to keep you safe, and a failure anywhere will critically undermine your protection. Every piece counts – and a sound roof is the best place to start.

Contact Sheegog Contracting to learn about your roof replacement options here in Central Florida.

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