Photos courtesy Drexel Metals.
The unnerving number and intensity of the extreme weather events making headlines nationwide have made prioritizing a building’s resiliency more important than ever. However, today’s architects are typically asked to go one step further. To support positive occupant experiences and enhance a building’s aesthetic appeal, designers are creating beautiful and welcoming exteriors. While achieving one goal or the other is no easy task on its own, planning eye-catching buildings that can also withstand inclement weather is undoubtedly a huge challenge. This challenge, of course, extends to the roof, a critical part of the building envelope and, in most cases, one of the largest surfaces on a building.
When it comes to resilient roof design in residential and commercial projects, metal roofing systems that use a high-quality metal substrate offer uncompromising style in the face of today’s extreme weather. Tested to multiple standards, these systems can endure fire, wind, and rain events to last roughly two to three times longer than other roofing systems.
For example, a home in Boulder, Colo., was built with steel standing seam panels that lent striking sightlines to the 648 m2 (6,970 sf) roof. This system also helped the home stand strong against a wildfire that spread across the area in 2021. The metal roof withstood falling embers and defended the home from burning shrapnel from a nearby propane tank explosion.
This Colorado home provides just one example of how engineered metal roofs deliver performance and lasting style.
Metal roofs offer premium
wind resistance
In addition to Class A fire protection, metal roofs can provide wind resistance of up to 193 km/h (120 mph). Select systems are certified to wind-resistance testing standards such as UL 580 Wind Uplift, TAS 125 Wind Uplift, UL 1897 Extended Phase Wind Uplift, ASTM E1592 Uniform Static Pressure Uplift, and ASTM E1680 Air Infiltration.
A metal roof’s ability to withstand wind is due to its material makeup and construction. Unlike other roofing systems, panelized metal roofing systems extend from eave to ridge and interlock with adjacent panels to minimize the points where gusts of wind can lift and damage the roof. Metal also has a substantial strength-to-weight ratio. This means individual panels can withstand direct wind without increasing the overall weight of a roof.
Wind resistance was a key consideration for the roof renovation of the main clubhouse at the Medalist Golf Club, a championship course located in Hobe Sound, Fla. The metal roofing system used to cover the project resists the damaging effects of Hobe Sound’s severe coastal weather events, including hurricane-force winds and wind-driven rain. This level of dependability is critical, especially as Florida and other parts of the U.S. continue to experience stronger, costlier, and more frequent extreme weather events.
In addition to the premium wind resistance, the broad-width seam panel system lends the clubhouse a quiet luxury aesthetic with its low-gloss, dark charcoal gray finish. The system utilizes a snap lock installation and free-floating clips, allowing thermal movement to preserve the smooth roof surface and uninterrupted profile lines. The combination of durability and beauty greets club members and serves as a backdrop on hole 18 to underscore the Medalist Golf Club’s reputation as a first-class course.
Durable substrates and resilient finishes resist hail and rain
Wind and uplift are not the only aspects of extreme weather that metal roofs are designed to endure. They also protect occupants from hail and rain. Metal roofing provides reliable wet-weather performance due to its inherently durable substrate that is impervious to moisture. A metal roof’s weathertight performance can be enhanced with a proper underlayment and an advanced coating or paint finish.
Further, these roofing systems can be certified to UL 2218, which tests their impact resistance and ranks them on a class system (from one to four). Metal roofs rank highest with a class four rating, ensuring maximum protection from hail. Both rain and hail protection support more resilient roofing systems throughout the country, including coastal areas.
For example, the landmark Hotel LBI in New Jersey was topped with a broad seam snap lock metal panel system. Harkening back to the designs of early 1900s-style grand hotels, this system requires no mechanical seaming to ensure weathertight integrity. The dependability of this system is critical given that Hotel LBI is within walking distance of Atlantic beaches and is frequently hit with chaotic coastal storms. Both the metal roofing system’s weather resistance and its ability to honor the location’s history were critical goals of this project.
Rigid roof insulation panels curb
heat loss in residential and
commercial projects
While withstanding the damaging effects of extreme weather is a priority on most of today’s commercial and residential projects, it is equally as important for buildings to offer a comfortable indoor environment for occupants. Well-insulated metal roofing systems offer designers a way to create impressive exteriors while also improving a project’s thermal performance—a key consideration given that experts estimate approximately 25 percent of a building’s heat is lost through the roof.
Rigid, closed-cell polyisocyanurate (polyiso) insulation panels used in metal roof systems can provide one of the highest R-values per inch compared to other insulation products. When used in tandem with interior insulation products, roof insulation panels can meet R-value requirements for all climate zones. Likewise, rigid polyiso insulation roof panels also provide continuous insulation (c.i.) that mitigates thermal bridging. As an example, steel framing studs can reduce a building’s R-value by 40 to 69 percent, depending on size and spacing. Insulated metal roofs help ensure that a building’s R-value more closely matches that of its individual insulation systems.
Resilient roofs contribute to occupant safety and sustainable construction
Planning weather-resistant projects goes beyond protecting those who work or live in a building. It can also help protect the planet. Resilient buildings help minimize the environmental impact of construction and building operations. This approach to building design will receive more emphasis as the industry inches closer to 2030 and 2050—key dates in achieving carbon-neutral construction goals. Although metal roofs are only a part of a building’s design, they can significantly contribute to sustainability goals while elevating a project’s visual appeal.
Brian McLaughlin is a graduate of Temple University and has been involved in the metal roofing industry for more than 15 years. In his current role, he serves as the director of sales for Drexel Metals, A Carlisle Company. He has held many positions within Drexel Metals and has grown within the company and the industry as a leading expert in metal. For more, visit drexmet.com/contact-us/