Metal’s Performance During Irma

Written by: David Eng, P.E., Gulf Coast Supply Technical Services Manager

As we look back on the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, it seems like there was not a family or community in the state of Florida that was not somehow touched by the storm. I got to help a friend muck out a house that for a few days was mostly filled with the Santa Fe River…cleaning out is of course just the first step…now for the rebuild.

As individuals and neighborhoods across the state continue the recovery and rebuilding efforts, we are proud to play our part in the rebuild, turning out roofing materials as fast as we possibly can to meet the needs of communities around the state. We hear a lot of reports of metal roofs doing fairly well, and unfortunately a lot of reports that shingle roofs have been badly damaged. Some of these images from the Keys tell the story, see below.

Of course, there is some damage to metal roofs across the state as well; no system can completely withstand all the force of nature. However, studies and damage reports conducted by/for FEMA, NHC/NOAA,and FBC over the years consistently indicate that shingle damage from hurricanes is fairly common, while metal roofs tend to perform very well. As you rebuild, or whenever you read this, think about metal for your next roofing project.