When a hurricane is approaching, you are worried about two things: protecting yourself and your family, and protecting your home. One method to ease your mind regarding home damage is to install a metal roof. Metal roofing in Florida is a great precautionary measure; we all know how hurricane season can get. Although they typically cost more, metal roofs are resistant to rain, wind, hail, freezing and thawing, and more. They generally last the longest (50 years or more!) and are the most durable. With that in mind, here’s a look at five ways metal roofing protects your home during a Florida hurricane.
- Strength and Durability: Because metal is so strong and durable, it can withstand hurricane-force winds, even if the winds include other debris. You don’t have to worry about metal shingles ripping up and flying away.
- Interlocking installation: Just about all metal roofs are installed with overlapping seams between the metal panels. This overlapping area of the roof gives your home double protection from panels being blown away by the wind. To get the best wind resistance, make sure the lowest fasteners on the panels are placed close to the eave of the roof.
- Tax credits: Because a metal roof is more energy efficient than typical roofing material, it’s possible you can qualify for tax credits if you install a metal roof on your home. Check with your tax professional to find out for sure. If you do get a credit, you can further hurricane-proof your home with the savings! Some insurance companies also give a discount if you install a metal roof.
- Leak prevention: The overlapping seams of the metal panels work to keep more water out of your home during a hurricane. This is especially important to prevent water damage to the rest of your home, including the chance of mold.
- Fire resistance: If the hurricane causes a fire to start as electric lines are snapped and tossed around, your metal roof is much more resistant to the fire (and can slow its spread) than a typical shingle roof would be.
One last note: make sure you hire a Florida roofing company with experience installing metal roofs. Installation requires techniques that only specialized roofers know, and you don’t want an inexperienced worker fumbling around on your roof.
For more information on how to protect your home with a metal roof, call 1st Coast Metal Roofing Supply today!
