Monroe County in the Florida Keys may soon require metal on all new and replacement roofs. The area is highly exposed to severe hurricanes. A recently proposed local ordinance aims to harden homes against such storms. The Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA), in turn, has used the news to show what metal roofs can do in extreme weather.
The proposal grew out of the damage left by Hurricane Irma. A county staff summary says inspections after the storm found metal roofs held up far better than asphalt shingles.
The MRA lists several reasons for that result. Metal roofs last an estimated 40 to 70 years, and they are more energy efficient. Many systems carry a wind rating of 140 mph, which the group compares to gusts from an F2 tornado. They also resist hail and flying debris, and they are nearly impervious to moisture and leaks.
Renee Ramey leads the MRA as executive director. She said roofs are among the most vulnerable parts of a home in severe weather. Because of that, she called metal the smart choice for long-term value, reliability and peace of mind. Homeowners everywhere, she added, need materials that can stand up to harsher conditions.
Still, the issue reaches well beyond the Keys. More than 50 million people live along the hurricane-prone coasts of the United States. The group also cites a report from Moody’s Investors Service. It projects more heat waves, droughts, nuisance flooding, wildfires and worse storm surges as the climate changes. In that light, the MRA says metal roofs can cut energy bills in extreme heat. They also offer better fire protection and lower repair costs after storms.
The Metal Roofing Alliance was formed in 1998 as a nonprofit group. It represents metal roofing makers in the United States and Canada. Its aim is to teach consumers about the looks, durability and cost savings of metal roofs. It also supports the businesses and contractors that install them.
