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Between the sun, rain, hail, wind, hurricanes and more, your roof battles mother nature on a daily basis. Growing up, I used to think trees were these huge, strong structures. And they are, right? But consider how many times you see fallen tree limbs versus how many times you see a metal roof blown off. It's kind of crazy to think that a metal roof can last 40-70 years; and, when installed properly, have uncompromised protection for your home.
So, how can a metal roof really "go to bat" for your home each day? Let's talk about how some common elements can put your house at risk and how a metal roof will protect your home from mother nature.
1. Metal Roofing Vs. The Sun
Metal roofs are extremely durable. They won’t corrode, crack, or peel like other roofing materials. When battling the sun, you want your roof to not only perform with protection, but also with aesthetics. At True Metal Supply, our metal roofing systems are coated with Sherwin Williams WeatherXL® paint coatings, which are backed by a lifetime warranty. We also offer textured finishes that can further aid in scratch resistance, but we're getting off topic - let's get back to the sun.
The sun doesn't just affect your roof, it affects the temperature in your home. Luckily, metal roofs are extremely energy efficient, saving homeowners up to 40% in energy expenditure. To quote Mason Burchette,
"Metal roofing is also energy-efficient, making it an excellent option for homeowners who want to reduce their energy bills. Metal roofing reflects solar heat, reducing the amount of heat that enters your home during hot summer months. This means that your air conditioning system won’t have to work as hard to keep your home cool, resulting in lower energy bills."
For more information on how metal roofing's energy efficiency, check out this article and the independent studies by Oak Ridge National Laboratories.
2. Metal Roofing Vs. Mold
This one is pretty straightforward. Because metal roofing has a natural ability to wick away water and moisture, unlike other materials that are liable to absorption, metal is actually one of the best preventative roofing options for condensation and mold. However, if you are in an area that is more prone to algae, the Watts Crossover® Chalking & Stain Remover also works great for removing biological growth. You can find this product, the Metal Roof Maintenance Kit, Cleansweep® Wipes and more on our online shop.
Also, to further protect against condensation and mold, it's a good practice to invest in a moisture barrier, ventilation system, underlayment and, of course, ideal insulation. All in all, with proper installation, metal is one of the best roofing materials to fight against mold, but you can take additional steps to further prevent biological growth.
3. Metal Roofing Vs. Wind
Have you ever noticed how after a big storm you'll often see asphalt shingles laying in the front lawn, but you never see metal roofing panels doing the same? That's because metal roofing peaks in wind performance compared to other roofing systems. As we dive into how a metal roof can protect your roof from wind, let's first define wind uplift and break down the related testing.
Defining Wind Uplift
Wind uplift is the suction created by wind forces as the air moves parallel to the roof's surface. As a gust of wind meets the side of a structure, the part of the air is directed upward then across the roof, creating a pressure differential. The air pressure atop the roof is less than that below, and as the differential attempts to equalize, a suction is created that pulls at the roof panels. The faster the wind, the more forceful the uplift will be. In extreme wind events, uplift can pull panels and shingles off buildings.
Wind uplift pressures vary depending on the location on the roof, meaning not every point on a roof experiences the same uplift pressure at the same time. The roof corners and perimeter, which are not fastened directly to the structure, are the weakest points.
UL 580 - Wind Uplift Rating
UL 580 tests a sample of roofing material that has been installed on a test platform. The material is subjected to static uplift pressure for five minutes and oscillating pressure in 10-second intervals for over one hour. The material may be awarded one of three ratings (Class 30, 60 or 90) based on how it performs.
Class 30: Material resists nominal static pressure of 30 psf and range of oscillating pressure between 22 and 42 psf.
Class 60: Material resists nominal static pressure of 60 psf and range of oscillating pressure between 44 and 83 psf.
Class 90: Material resists nominal static pressure of 90 psf and range of oscillating pressure between 66 and 90 psf.
For reference, 90 psf converts to approximately 187.50 mph, while 30 psf converts to 108.25 mph. Note, wind speed is normally measured on the ground and will almost always be greater at roof height. It is also important to specify that this test does not determine material failure in rapidly changing wind speeds and direction or show the failure rate of screw or anchors used in construction.
At True Metal Supply, both our Through Fastened Tuff-Rib and Concealed Fastened DuraLock™ Standing Seam metal roofing systems are UL580 Class 90 Wind Uplift Compliant (recall that 90 psf = 187.50 mph).
4. Metal Roofing Vs. Rain
While rain doesn't sound like a devastating element, it certainly can be for the integrity of your roofing system. If not installed properly, a roof can lead to leaks, rot and failure of your roof system if not treated accordingly. The best way to protect against rain is proper installation.
With regard to a through fastened system, your fastener can be a game changer. At True, we provide the Atlas Bolt and Screw #10 Wood Ultimate® metal roofing fastener. This fastener features a fully encapsulated head with a lifetime warranty against red rust, as well as a multi-seal washer. This technology can protect against leakage when the screw is not fastened at the perfect angle. The embedded video further explains how this fastener can prevent rain leakage.