Metal roofs are not used as often in residential applications as shingles, but they are a smart choice for regions with high winds. When properly installed, metal does a great job of keeping water out of the house and will hold up quite well against strong winds. But choosing the roof is only part of the job. The roof installation should be done in a way that prepares you to face those strong winds every day.
Standing seam roofs are generally considered to be more capable of withstanding high winds than roofs with through fasteners, also known as roofs with exposed fasteners. Although, in theory, even a roof with a through lock could hold up well if it were installed with screws with integral neoprene washers, and many of them. Rain coasts are no place for nailed roofs. Properly designed and installed metal roofs often remain attached to the structure and, unless physical damage occurs from flying debris, work without leaks once the storm subsides.
If you live in an area where high winds are part of the usual weather routine, you may wonder if a metal roof is a better option than other roofing styles. Choosing the right metal roof comes down to things like the roof pitch, the shape of the building, the topography around the building, and even how close it is to the coast. Therefore, even if the weather is not the best during the winter months, there is no need to postpone the installation of your metal roof. While it's impossible to call any roof hurricane-proof, a properly designed metal roof system may be able to handle higher wind speeds than those typically experienced by hurricane-prone regions.
But how often do you consider the most important part of the house, the roof? The roof of your house protects everything you love. Aluminum metal roofs are a highly recommended option because they are resistant to many weather conditions, including wind. We have been installing metal roof systems throughout the Portland metropolitan area for more than two decades. While hurricane protection may be exaggerated, it's no exaggeration to say that metal roofs resist Mother Nature's anger better than other roofing options.
However, after a hurricane makes landfall, it's not uncommon to see photographs showing metal roof panels wrapped around a tree or buildings that lack all or part of their metal roof. Install strong 2×4 (open frame) straps together, as this will provide a good base for attaching a metal roof. While asphalt roofs are very common in this area, they simply don't have the same level of durability that metal roofs offer. Contact Mountaintop Metal Roofing today to learn more about metal roofing for your home and to schedule an appointment for your quote.
Before choosing a roofing solution for your home or building, it's important to understand what a well-designed roof entails that will hold up in its windy environment. While it's impossible to call any roofing material 100% windproof, a properly designed metal roof offers an incredibly durable and capable solution.