Harsh weather conditions such as wind speeds exceeding 50 miles an hour can rip off shingles made of asphalt or even PVC from roofs. This type of material is an effective protection from heat; however, they not as durable as some of the other materials being offered. Any building that is located where strong gusts of wind can occur need to select the right building upper covering to face such weather elements, as the roof is the part of any building that is the most affected by high winds. When considering this particular obstacle, one of the best systems available is a metal system.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular type of roof system in the United States primarily due to their low cost when compared to other roofing materials. It is appropriate to note that in locations where strong winds are frequently present, asphalt shingles are no longer the best choice. These shingles have a lower amount of petroleum content than in the past. As a result, the asphalt shingles of today tend to be more brittle than those made in the past and can be very unreliable in locations where strong prevailing winds are present.
Metal Systems
A metal roof system is now the system of choice for almost every conceivable application, especially for buildings that are located in windy areas. Buildings that are located near beaches or on hillsides often experience strong gusts of wind with a certain amount of frequency.
A metal roof can provide a durability that is difficult for other common roofing materials to match. Aside from the natural strength of this substance, the way the panels are designed also reinforces the strength of the material. Metal panels normally have vertical corrugation, the purpose of which is not just for aesthetics but to actually add structural integrity to the entire panel. Although metal is a hard material, thin sheets are too “bendy” to provide protection, so corrugation is added to reinforce the panel.
The corrugation is also used to interlock the edges of the metal roof panels. Fasteners hold the individual panels in place, and the interlocked edges prevent any movement caused by any heavy wind disturbance. When two corrugations from two different panels are joined together, it doubles as a water sealant along with the silicone caulk added between the two pieces.
A Comparison – Metal vs. Non-Metal
Aside from the superior durable design of metal panels when compared to other traditional materials, a metal roof system also offers longer service life than PVC, fiberglass and asphalt shingles. Non-metal materials will bake under the heat of the sun and any fluctuation in temperature can turn these materials brittle. Conventional roofing Houston materials such as asphalt; wood shingles; PVC; and fiberglass can require replacement as soon as ten years after being placed on a roof. A metal panel can last from 50 to 60 years before requiring replacement – quite a difference!
Despite the high initial cost of a metal roof system, any building located near high wind-prone areas will certainly benefit from investing in this roofing plan. The long service life; high durability; and outstanding colors and design that metal panels offer will be seen any time beyond that potential 10-year time frame for replacing other types of roofs.