Many homes in the Winnipeg and Southern Manitoba area have suffered roof
damage due to strong winds….that is – those covered with shingles! How
have the roofs covered in metal fared? Virtually – untouched!
At one time, the price gap between shingles and metal roofing was
extreme; however, now, as homeowners look for higher quality roofing options
and subsequently more investment quality options – the choice comes down to:
·
top
of the line architectural shingles OR
·
metal
roofing
Now we’re starting to compare apples to apples!
Still, metal roofing wins out as being far more resistant to wind and
hail damage!
.
Although ALL roofing materials rely heavily on proper
installation, metal roofing does not rely on tar, sealant or goop to hold
it together. Hidden fasteners and interlocking mechanical flanges
take the place of stick-together adhesives, and the result is roofing that is
much more wind-resistant.
Not only is metal more wind-resistant when first installed but
especially as the roof ages. Asphalt shingles will continue to dry out, become
more brittle, curl and crack as they age and the sun bakes the oils out of
them. Metal roofing is not subject to these changes and should be just as
wind-resistant 50 years after installation as it was on the day it was
completed.
Homeowners particularly at risk for wind damage are those most exposed
to prevailing winds. Homes situated on hills, or with little wind-cover, or in
the trough of a natural valley that directs wind currents…all of these can feel
the fiercest effects of wind damage. But it’s surprising how many homeowners
bring up excuses like these for roof failure when in fact the asphalt shingle
roof is just a failure-prone, cheap way to cover a roof.
While the up-front investment of metal roofing is higher (depending on
the system chosen), homeowners who plan to stay in their homes for the
long-term will benefit from that higher initial investment by not having
ongoing maintenance and replacement costs after repetitive spring storms like
these.
