Key Takeaways:• Weather-resistant metal roofs provide long-term protection against high winds, hail, UV exposure, and heavy rain and snow• Third-party testing validates product performance while the ICC-ES Evaluation Report documents code compliance• Metal roofing helps contractors deliver lasting value to home and building owners through superior weather resistance, energy efficiency, low maintenance, and a 40- to 60-year service life
A roof has one job above all else: protect the home or building and the occupants inside it from the elements. And now more than ever, homeowners, contractors, and even insurance commissioners are re-evaluating traditional roofing materials and putting metal roofs’ weather resistance to the test.
When subjected to the most extreme climates, metal roofs still boast lifespans of 40 to 60 years, which is 2 to 3 times longer than the service life of asphalt shingles in ideal conditions. Additionally, a metal roof has an excellent ability to withstand the damaging effects of inclement weather throughout its lifecycle.
As the construction industry continues to favor building products that offer enhanced resilience, roofing contractors who understand the importance of a storm-resistant metal roof can contribute significant value to residential and commercial projects.
The ability to withstand damaging weather comes from the combination of multiple components, starting with what is under weather-resistant metal roof panels. Rigid roof insulation panels provide high and stable R-values to resist temperature extremes. Above this, underlayment acts as a barrier against moisture from rain and melting ice and snow.
Above these unseen components, premium metal roof panels begin with a durable substrate finished in resilient polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF, also known as Kynar®). These panels are seamed together and attached to a roof deck, often via a clip system. The combination helps these roofing systems shed snow, stop water penetration, resist impact from hail and windblown debris, and withstand the damaging effects of hurricane-force winds. Knowing how they do this involves understanding data from third-party verified test standards.
Strong winds can cause complex pressures on roofing systems. If a roof fails during a windstorm, penetrating air can damage other parts of the built environment, including load-bearing systems. Because this can put occupants at risk, it is crucial for any roofing system to be able to withstand high-force winds without failure.
Metal roof systems can provide wind resistance of up to 120 miles per hour. More than that, they can resist static, cyclic, and dynamic pressures. For instance, Drexel Metals’ metal roofs are certified to the following wind-related test standards:
• UL 580 Wind Uplift• TAS 125 Wind Uplift• UL 1897 Extended Phase Wind Uplift• ASTM E1592 Uniform Static Pressure Uplift• ASTM E1680 Air Infiltration
These third-party verified performance capabilities demonstrate a metal roof can stay strong against hurricane-force winds. Not only does this ability earn metal roofs approvals from the Florida Building Code, the Texas Department of Insurance, and for use in Miami-Dade County and other High Velocity Hurricane Zones (HVHZ), but it also translates to real-world value.
While performance data from independent testing laboratories are crucial for understanding the extent to which a metal roof will defend against extreme weather, they are not the only helpful piece of documentation.
For example, ICC-ES Evaluation Reports demonstrate compliance with applicable International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) requirements through an independent technical review. Drexel Metals recently published an ICC-ES Evaluation Report to help project teams extend the benefits of metal beyond the roof to a building’s exterior walls. ICC-ES Evaluation Report ESR-5838 verifies that select Drexel Metals wall panel systems comply with applicable building code requirements, giving contractors the technical information needed to confidently and efficiently install these weather-resistant systems while helping streamline project planning and code compliance.
Beyond wind, rain, and snow defense, metal roofs can withstand impact from hail and wind-driven debris. This is due to the combination of strong and durable substrates finished in high-quality PVDF. Drexel Metals’ metal roofs are certified to UL 2218 Class 4 Hail Impact and ASTM E1886 Missile Impact.
As these certifications demonstrate, metal roofs can shield homes and buildings from the impact of hailstorms as well as falling tree limbs and windblown debris. This type of resilience also bolsters the ability of a metal roof to resist corrosion by mitigating vulnerable spots caused by impact.
While storm protection is crucial, extreme weather encompasses more than just storms. Intense and prolonged UV exposure can damage traditional materials and prematurely age them, leading to structural and aesthetic compromise. Further, intense sunlight can heat a roof and require HVAC systems to expend more energy to keep the indoor environment comfortable.
Metal roofs help address both challenges. Their high thermal emittance and cool roof technology reflect more sunlight and absorb less solar energy than conventional roofing materials, helping keep buildings more comfortable, reduce strain on air conditioning systems during peak operating hours, and lower energy costs. These benefits are often achieved through color selection.
Drexel Metals offers a wide range of durable, fade-resistant colors that reflect and re-emit solar radiation. Available across nearly any metal substrate and profile, these finishes allow contractors to achieve both the desired aesthetic and improved energy efficiency.
With their ability to protect homes and buildings from intense weather conditions, metal roofs allow roofing contractors to provide long-term value to a wide range of projects.
Contact us today to learn more about how Drexel Metals can support your next project and help grow your roofing business.
