Sherwin-Williams, the largest U.S.-based paint supplier, says that metal roofs with their combination of durability, strength, fire resistance, and architectural design are no longer just a choice for commercial projects.

“Residential metal roofs are growing in popularity across the United States as homeowners become more aware of critical benefits beyond their unique look,” says Sherwin-Williams. “A properly installed metal roof protects a building from fire, strong winds, hail, snow, and debris.”

IMPs: Branch Out from Industrial, Cold Storage Markets

Metal Construction News editor Marcy Marro wrote in June that insulated metal panels (IMPs), a perfect fit for industrial and cold storage projects, are now in the running for projects of all varieties.

“While IMPs have traditionally been used in [cold storage and industrial] projects, they are now being used on buildings in every industry sector,” wrote Marro.

Sherwin-Williams says that while the longevity of metal roofing can be enjoyed by all – metal roofs last an estimated three times longer than asphalt singled rooks – building owners in certain regions will achieve unique benefits owing to weather conditions.

IMPs Stand Up to Extreme Weather Conditions

“Because metal roofing offers great weather protection, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommends it in areas that are prone to natural disasters,” says Sherwin-Williams. [Metal roof owners] in areas known for high heat, humidity, and other extreme weather can enjoy even greater advantages with a weatherproof metal roof.”

IMPs, such as Green Span Profiles wall and roof systems, can meet strict building codes in hurricane zones.

“A metal roof can withstand decades of abuse from extreme weather like high winds, heavy snow, hailstorms and even wildfires. Metal roofing has a 140-mph wind rating, meaning it can withstand wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour,” says the Metal Roofing Alliance.

Protection from extreme weather is more important than ever, with Google search trends showing that queries for “heat wave”, “floods”, and “drought” this summer are replacing terms such as “pandemic” and “COVID-19”.

Metal Roofing: Region by Region Benefits

The contiguous United States (aka The Lower 48) is an expansive area stretching some 2,802 miles from Florida to Washington state and running 1,650 north and south. These 160,820 square miles include four regions with their own unique weather issues.

Sherwin-Williams looked at these four U.S. regions and what weather issues metal roofing is tasked with combating:

• South
  o   Weather Conditions: Mold, Heat, Wind, Hail, Flooding

o   Sherwin-Williams says, “Metal roofs have the ability to withstand high winds, up to and including hurricane-force gusts (some systems are rated up to 160 mph). This is because they are installed with a continuous piece that stretches from the eave to the ridge, reducing the chance for wind and moisture to penetrate the roof. Metal roofing also has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than any other roofing material and is attached to the roof-deck with screws, making it resistant to high stress loads from hurricanes and high winds."

o   While other types of roofing may remain damp for extended periods in humid conditions, metal roofs will not absorb moisture helping it to resist the growth of algae and mildew.

o   Metal roofs also do not transfer the heat into the inside of buildings in the summer, making them a great choice to fight high temperatures and rising energy bills.

• Northeast
  o   Weather Conditions: Ice, Snow, Hail

o   Sherwin-Williams says, “Metal roofing is an excellent choice for protection against winter storms because of its ability to stand up to ice and snow. And, because metal roofs function as ice- and snow-shedding systems, they reduce the chance for roof leaks.”

o   Regular freeze and thaw cycles that may damage other types of roofing material, does not damage metal roofing.

• Midwest
  o   Weather Conditions: Wind, Ice, Snows, Hail

o   Sherwin-Williams says, “The Midwest region has long been known for its susceptibility to extreme weather, from tornadoes and strong winds to snowstorms and hail. In particular, roof damage from hail represents one of the most common homeowner insurance claims.”

o   Builder owners can gain insurance premium discounts by installing impact-resistant roofing such as IMPs.

o   Like the Northeast, metal roofing is a bonus here to resist the freeze and thaw cycles.

• West
  o   Weather Conditions: Fire, Earthquake

o   Sherwin-Williams says, “Wildfires can occur anywhere but are most common in areas that are heavily forested and have a drier climate, such as California and Texas. Because metal roofs are noncombustible, they’re a safe, smart choice for regions that carry a greater risk for wildfires.”

o   Metal roofs are fire resistant and will not spark and ignite into flames like some other roofing material.

o   Lightweight, structurally-sound metal roofs can help protect buildings when earthquakes strike.

“Providing an all-in-one continuous insulation system, IMPs serve as an exterior rainscreen, air and moisture barrier, and thermal insulation that reduces mold and corrosion,” wrote Metal Construction News Senior Editor Mark Robins.

Contact Green Span Profiles today to learn more about their diverse line of eight different insulated metal wall panel profiles and their standing seam roof offering which can provide your building with weather protection in any region.