Today’s weather patterns are often unpredictable and extreme. From hurricane-force winds to relentless rain and hail, homes across the country are facing tough conditions that test the limits of traditional building materials. That’s why now more than ever before, it’s all about using exterior home building solutions that deliver protection and peace of mind to the homeowner.
Synonymous with sought-after qualities like long-term performance and low maintenance, roof and wall panels made with a high-quality metal substrate are proven options. They help contractors deliver stronger, more resilient building envelopes that serve up lasting style in nearly any weather conditions.
The roof, typically one of the largest surfaces of the building envelope in direct contact with the environment, serves as a home’s first line of defense against severe weather. In regions prone to hurricane-level winds and heavy rain, metal roofing provides a level of protection that traditional roofing materials, like asphalt shingles, cannot match. In fact, tested to multiple standards, a metal roof can last roughly two to three times longer than one built with asphalt shingles. This explains why many roofing contractors working in storm-prone Gulf Coast states are moving away from asphalt shingles completely in re-roofing and new residential construction projects.
An ideal solution for any market that deals with high winds, metal roofs can provide wind resistance of up to 120 miles per hour. Select systems by leading manufacturers like Drexel Metals are certified to wind-resistance testing standards such as: UL 580 Wind Uplift, TAS 125 Wind Uplift, UL 1897 Extended Phase Wind Uplift, ASTM E1592 Uniform Static Pressure Uplift, and ASTM E1680 Air Infiltration.
Additionally, metal roofing provides reliable wet-weather performance due to its inherently durable substrate that is impervious to moisture. Underscoring this quality, metal roofing systems are certified to ASTM E1646 Water Infiltration standards and can achieve the TAS 100 Wind-Driven Rain designation. This testing standard establishes resistance to wind-driven rain by spraying water on the metal roof panels at a rate of 8.8 in/hr. while a wind machine generates wind speeds up to 110 mph. Metal roof panels that pass this test will not exhibit any water infiltration through the deck sheathing. A metal roof’s weathertight performance can be enhanced with a proper underlayment and an advanced coating or paint finish.
Further, metal roof systems rank highest with a class four rating when certified to UL 2218, which tests their impact resistance. This ensures the maximum amount of protection from hail. Both rain and hail protection support more resilient roofing systems across the country, including hard-hit coastal areas.
Contractors can extend the proven performance and lasting aesthetic of a metal roof to the entire envelope by incorporating metal wall panels into their projects for a complete, high-performance solution.
When used in conjunction with metal roofing systems, metal wall panels contribute to a structure’s ability to protect occupants during severe wind events. These panels are able to meet both ASTM E330 and ASTM E1592 standards, demonstrating their ability to withstand pressure caused by high winds and other static pressure ratings. In addition, metal wall panels offer a substantial barrier to water intrusion under several pressure conditions and can meet AAMA 501.1-17 and ASTM E331 standards. This moisture protection helps prevent damage to insulation, sheathing, structural elements, and electrical systems, while also reinforcing the roof-to-wall connection for comprehensive defense against the elements.
For homeowners who love the timeless look of wood siding but want the high-performance qualities associated with metal, contractors can turn to the Board and Batten + Timber Series from Drexel Metals. These on-trend board and batten wall panels combine realistic wood visuals with the tested resilience of 24-gauge steel and 0.032” aluminum and are available in coil widths up to 48”.
With metal panels, contractors can offer homeowners the perfect combination of form and function. Whether installed on the roof or across the home’s exterior, metal panels are a complete building solution that deliver tested protection against extreme weather events.
Contact your local Drexel Metals Representative to embrace the future of weather-resilient home construction.
