From Shingles to Rubber

If your area is prone to inclement weather, you need to choose a roofing material that can withstand harsh conditions. Heavy rainfall, hail, storms, and snow can quickly deteriorate conventional roofing materials, leading to structural damage and costly repairs. Metal is one of the sturdiest materials designed for inclement weather. However, you can further improve its performance by choosing the right roofing design. With this in mind, here are four design and installation tips to consider when installing a metal roof for inclement weather.

Opt for a Sloped Metal Roof

Heavy rainfall and snow can cause extensive damage to flat roofing systems. The flat roof design allows water and snow to accumulate on the surface. Over time, moisture can weaken the materials, causing roof leaks. Conversely, a sloped metal roof is ideal for snow and heavy rainfall areas. The pitched design prevents pooling and allows the structure to shed snow and rainwater easily. You can even install snow guards to prevent ice dams from forming on your roof.

Choose Thick and Ribbed Metal Panels 

Do you live in a hail-prone area? If so, metal roofing is a perfect choice for your home. Standard metal panels are sturdy enough to withstand the impact of hail without suffering dents. Most of the damage is cosmetic, and you can fix it by re-coating the panels. You can further improve the roof's performance by investing in a thicker material. Thicker metal panels hold up better to hailstorms and suffer minimal or no hail damage. Choose ribbed metal panels as they can deflect hailstones and reduce their impact on the structure.

Design a Sturdy Support for the Roof

One of the leading causes of hail damage on a metal roof is a poorly designed structure. If the roof deck is open in certain areas, the roof may suffer damage from hail and debris. When an object hits the panels, the metal dents inwards due to the absence of an underlying support system. Therefore, you can prevent damage by designing adequate structural support for the roof. Install a thick underlay over the decking to support the metal panels and prevent them from being pushed inward on impact. 

Invest in a Roof Heating System

Snowstorms can cause snow and ice to accumulate on your metal roof, despite its steep slope. If your area experiences heavy snowfall, you can further protect the structure by investing in a roof heating system. Roof heaters heat the roof's underside, making it warmer than the outside temperature. The heat melts the bottom layer of snow and ice on the roof, preventing ice dams and structural damage.

Consider these metal roofing tips if you live in an area with severe weather.

To find out more, contact a company like Diversified Roofing.