Storm damage often shortens the life of standard shingle roofs. These roofs usually come with a life expectancy of 12 to 20 years. They might even have a warranty that covers the full 12 to 20 years. Many people would have a much better return on their investment and fewer repairs if they made a big change after storm damage. You can keep repairing shingle roofs every time a storm causes a major problem, but you could do even better by changing your roof to a metal one.

Most people don’t know what kind of durability they will get from a metal roof. Metal roofing is made to last about 70 years. Some industrial roofs have lasted closer to a century. Metal roofing will typically last two to three times longer than a durable shingle roof. They are less prone to damage over their entire life span. A metal roof is built to withstand all kinds of stormy weather. This type of roofing is created for the toughest storm climates. It will outlast other types in places like Miami-Dade County.

Switching to metal roofing can lower your maintenance and repair costs. Many people love that cooling costs are significantly lower with metal roofing. Homeowners may also be able to get a lower home insurance rate with a metal roof. These benefits can add up to a very attractive return on investment. Metal roofing comes in many styles and colors. Homeowners have many options when it comes to enhancing curb appeal as well as protecting their homes.

Here are some of the major reasons you should switch to metal roofing after storm damage.

1. Metal Roofs Withstand Extreme Wind

Wind is a primary issue when it comes to roof damage. Storms can throw a lot of different natural forces at a roof. Wind is the major cause of missing shingles and impact damage from flying matter. Metal roofing is manufactured to stand up to extreme winds.

Metal roofing is designed to withstand sustained winds of up to 140 miles per hour. It can handle gusts of up to 180 miles per hour.

The way metal roofing panels connect to each other provides a lot of natural wind resistance. Shingles can come off in pieces as the wind tears away at the edges. The flexible shingle will bend at first. Then, it will tear and probably lose a couple of nails when the wind finally gets it. The roof is prone to picking up in larger and larger pieces as the wind causes damage. Metal roofs don’t have a lot of edges that are prone to wind damage. The design of the metal panels and the structural strength of the metal keep damage from debris at bay.

2. Metal Roofing Comes With an Impact Rating

There is not a lot a homeowner can do about hail or debris when it comes to regular shingles. Metal roofing comes in many different gauges. People who live in an area with a lot of hail can prevent damage with a metal roof.

Metal roofing comes rated for impact. The major standard for the rating is the UL 2218. To get a rating on the UL scale, testers drop steel balls on the panel. The balls are held 12 feet above the metal panel in question. They range in size from 1.25 inches to two inches. The highest rating is Class 4. This rating means that the panel did not crack when the ball was dropped on the same spot twice. The ball must have a diameter of two inches for a Class 4 rating.

Metal roofing that is rated Class 4 can be an added expense for some people. You can also opt for a lower rating if you don’t need the heaviest metal on the market. A Class 1 rating is tested with a ball measuring 1.25 inches. A Class 2 rating is tested with a ball measuring 1.5 inches. A Class 3 rating is tested with a ball measuring 1.75 inches.

No roofing material is completely safe from hail or debris damage. Metal roofing with a high impact rating is by far the most durable on the market. Impact damage can be one of the hardest types of damage to catch in time on other roofing. It can also be the most dramatic type of damage and lead to an early roof replacement. Choosing metal roofing can give you incredible peace of mind when it comes to impact from hail and debris. The damage can be unexpected and costly in all kinds of impact cases.

3. Metal Roofing Resists Fire

Metal roofing can also be rated for fire resistance. It can be rated Class A, B, or C. Class A provides the most protection. Metal roofing can be made in several different ways to achieve this type of rating. One method relies on coating steel panels with stone. Metal roofing is extremely hard to melt to start with. Homeowners can get metal roofing that will offer even more protection for fire-prone areas.

A Class A rating offers other important types of fire protection. Metal Class A roofing can withstand 15 cycles of gas flame ignition as it goes on and off. This is a common risk for homes that have been evacuated. Class A metal roofing is also certified to minimize the spread of flames. Flames can spread a maximum of six feet on the metal panel. Metal Class A roofs are also certified to withstand two to four hours of continuous flame before igniting. They are highly resistant to ignited brands that may land on the rooftop. The Class A certification means that a metal roof can withstand a 2,000-gram brand measuring 12 inches by 12 inches. This is an important feature in areas at risk for high winds. Fallen electrical lines, gas fires, and other accidents accompany many storms.

Relax With Help From the Pros

Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar is a customer-centric company providing metal roofing services in Tampa, FL, and the surrounding areas. We offer metal roof installation, maintenance, and repairs for both commercial and residential customers. Our highly trained technicians can recommend styles that will help you achieve the look you want. We have experience with many types of metal roofing. Some of our options include metal tile, metal slate, metal sheet, and metal shingle roofing.

Our company offers a full range of HVAC services, indoor air quality solutions, and solar services. We work on ductless mini-split systems and offer heat pump services. We also offer ductwork installation, insulation services, and air duct cleaning. Our customers rely on us for all kinds of roofing repairs and roofing inspections. We offer GAF products and work on tile roofing as well as shingle roofing. We are storm damage experts who always offer clear, fair pricing. We respond to emergencies 24 hours a day. Furthermore, our team has strong local roots and takes great pride in our community values. Contact Protek Roofing, Heating, Air & Solar for more information today.

ProTek Roofing, Heating & Air

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