Protecting a Home From Severe Weather

BELFAIR, Wash., Sept. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hailstorms, hurricanes, heavy snow and wildfires can all cause extensive damage to a home.  The roof takes the brunt of extreme weather, protecting everything and everyone from the elements.  Choosing the right roofing product can mean the difference between a minor repair or a major problem.  In the U.S., approximately 10 percent of homeowners now choose a metal roof when remodeling.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120920/DC78250)

Metal roofing systems are designed to stand up to extreme weather conditions.  Washington state homeowner David Gordon experienced firsthand the importance of selecting the right roofing system.  The metal roof he chose protected his home from being engulfed by the deadly Cle Elum wildfire.  In the high wind conditions common in a wildfire, burning pine needles and debris can easily ignite a traditional asphalt roof.

"The odd thing is, we choose our metal roof primarily to help with shedding the heavy snow loads we get in our area.  As it turns out, our metal roof saved our home when the wildfire swept through our area," explained Gordon.  Sadly, many of his neighbors saw their homes burn to the ground.

For homes in hurricane-prone areas, metal roofing's durability is a key factor to consider when re-roofing.  Many metal roofing systems have a 120-mph wind rating and uplift resistance that exceeds new building code requirements.  Metal roofing materials interlock, forming a protective barrier that other roofing materials do not provide.  The interlocking system makes the roof stronger and more resistant to high winds.

In addition, naturally durable metal roofs are highly resistant to hail damage.  Hail will not penetrate a metal roof.  Metal roofing products have the highest impact resistance and hail rating granted by Underwriters' Laboratory (UL).  Most metal roofing products earn a UL2218 Class 4 rating, meaning that a sample of the product did not crack when it hit twice in the same spot by a 2-inch steel ball, which would translate into a huge hailstorm.

"Smart homeowners recognize the investment value in a metal roof,"  says Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance.  "In fact, 61% of consumers who choose a metal roof cite durability as the top reason for their choice. "

For more information on metal roofs, or to find a local installer, homeowners can visit the non-profit Metal Roofing Alliance at www.metalroofing.com.

SOURCE Metal Roofing Alliance