Why Metal is a Roof Material for all Seasons (all Regions too!)

By DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Read on to learn why metal is the ideal choice for homeowners in any area. 

When it comes to the roof, homeowners and contractors alike want a material that is strong and durable. Choosing the right roof is crucial to how well the home will be protected, and with so many options to choose from, it can be tricky to determine what roofing material is best for the climate, weather and aesthetic demands of the region Thankfully, there is a roofing material that can truly do it all: Metal. Let’s examine what factors make a metal roof the ideal roofing material for all regions. 

Metal roofing for every region

The way climate impacts the roof varies greatly from region to region. Homes in tropical regions need a corrosion-resistant roof that can withstand the humidity, rain and salty ocean air, whereas homes in snow-prone regions need a freeze/thaw resistant roof with weight-bearing strength since snow and ice can place extreme loads on the roof deck.

From Hawaii to Canada and everything in between, including Miami-Dade, Florida which has the toughest requirements for roofs in the nation, DECRA protects homes from regional climate conditions, including:

• Salt air and humidity: All DECRA Metal Roofing are precisely formed from structural quality sheet steel complying with ASTM Designation A 792/A 792‑10; grade 37, modified with a minimum elongation of 22%, and with an AZ50 coating class. This ensures our steel is protected from the environment and better resists rust and oxidation in moist and humid salt air environments.
• Rain: DECRA has performed extensive wind-driven rain testing at speeds up to 110 mph to protect its roofing profiles against water penetration under the most extreme wind conditions.
• Earthquakes: DECRA roofs provide extra reinforcement to the roof deck to withstand tremors in seismically active regions like Costa Rica. Conventional materials, such as heavy asphalt shingles and clay tiles only add dead weight, resulting in a top-heavy home with minimal extra roof reinforcement. At just 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot, DECRA roofs are one of the lightest roofing materials available, averaging just 3,700-4,500 pounds as compared to clay tile at 18,000 to 45,000 pounds and architectural shingles at 7,500-12,000 pounds.
• Snow and ice: DECRA products are non-porous, making them an ideal roofing solution for winter homes because they resist snow and ice that can freeze and thaw.

Additionally, some regions may require specific performance characteristics in order to meet building codes. For example, Title 24 requires that California residents meet minimum energy efficiency standards in new and altered buildings. Roofing plays a major role in home energy efficiency and Title 24 has specific standards requiring “cool roofs” for California residents. Many DECRA products meet Title 24 requirements, as well as provide energy savings and efficiencies for homes everywhere.

Metal roofing for seasonal weather events

Protection from seasonal weather events is equally important to consider when deciding on a roofing material, especially if you’re located in hurricane or tornado-prone areas. As these severe weather events occur more frequently and expand beyond historical boundaries, a metal roof can provide the protection you need. Here’s how:

• Hurricanes and tornadoes: DECRA roofs meet the high-velocity hurricane zone requirements of Miami-Dade, Florida which has the toughest building codes in the nation. Additionally, DECRA roofs have a unique interlocking system with high-strength fasteners that help the profiles remain firmly in place and are backed by a Lifetime Limited Warranty for winds up to 120 miles per hour.
• Hail damage: DECRA roofs have the highest possible UL2218 Class 4 impact rating and are warrantied for hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Traditional materials, like clay tile roofs, are so vulnerable to hail that many aren’t rated for impact at all.
• Fire: DECRA products carry the highest Class A Fire rating to protect homes from the threat of fire.

When choosing a roof to protect your home from the challenges of both regional and seasonal weather, a DECRA metal roof provides the protection you’re looking for without compromising on style.

Bridge the gap between strength and style with stone-coated metal roofing

No matter what region you’re in, a DECRA metal roof can provide protection against nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer. But the strength of DECRA’s stone-coated steel roofing products doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style.

Take traditional clay tile, for example. While a critical design component of Mediterranean and Spanish style themes, clay tiles are incredibly fragile and require ongoing maintenance (which is a challenge in and of itself because something as simple as walking on clay tile for routine maintenance can cause damage). Additionally, clay tiles absorb up to 15% of their weight in water which can cause structural challenges, particularly for snow-prone regions since water absorption can lead to ice dams that form at the roof’s edge. Consequently, pooled water can back up and go under the roofing system to cause cracks, leaks, and other issues.

With DECRA, homeowners can achieve the classic look of tile without sacrificing performance. For homeowners looking for the aesthetics of heavy-cut wood shingles or distinctive shadow lines of cedar shakes, DECRA Shake XD and DECRA Shake provide the rustic look and feel of wood without turning gray after a few months. 

For designs that rely on the look of asphalt shingles, DECRA Shingle XD effortlessly provides the same colors and texture as asphalt roofing, but with a lifespan that lasts two to three times longer. DECRA’s stone-coating manufacturing process involves adhering natural stone granules to the top of base steel sheets to provide a wide range of design options that can achieve the design requirements of any style.

DECRA Metal Roofing for all regions and seasons

If you’re looking for a roofing material that can withstand nearly anything Mother Nature has to offer without sacrificing style, then you’re looking for a DECRA metal roof.

As the original manufacturer of stone-coated metal roofs since 1957, DECRA products have withstood the test of time and set the industry standard for durability.

With a wide variety of styles, textures and colors (even custom colors), you’ll find the right roof for your home with DECRA. Contact us today to learn more.

Learn more about DECRA  in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com.

Original article source: DECRA