BELFAIR, Wash., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Strong images remain of the demolished homes and concave roofs left behind from last season's devastating storms. Because the roof is the first barrier against high winds, installing a durable metal roof is a key strategy for strengthening a home's defenses against hurricanes and other severe weather. New Orleans resident David Rossano experienced the durability of a metal roof first-hand when Hurricane Katrina tore through the region, destroying the roofs of his neighbors' houses. "Everybody had roof damage but me. Everybody - 100 percent," exclaimed Rossano. Built in 1995, Rossano's home is located in the New Orleans suburb of Harvey, just south of the Mississippi River. He put a metal roof on his home in 2004. "All my neighbors had massive damage inside their homes where the roof leaked through and caved in the ceilings and just destroyed all their belongings. I'm high and dry," Rossano continued. Industry experts aren't surprised to hear stories like this. "Most metal roofing materials interlock, forming a protective barrier that other roofing materials do not provide," says Bill Hippard, president of the Metal Roofing Alliance. "This interlocking makes the roof stronger and more resistant to high winds." Many metal roofing systems have a 120-mph wind rating and uplift resistance that exceeds new building code requirements. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused total devastation and brought about major building code changes in Miami-Dade County, Florida. Because metal roofing meets or exceeds all of these strict codes, many Florida homeowners now choose it for their homes. For example, metal roofing systems are subjected to rigorous examination including: testing the panels for wind uplift resistance; testing panels and rim conditions to 110-mph wind driven rain and salt spray testing of coating for 1000 hours. Metal Panels under 22 gauge are also subjected to a brutal 2x4 impact test. Only panels that cannot be perforated by a 2x4 launched at high speed will meet the code and be installed. Many states, particularly in the Gulf region, are amending building regulations to reflect the strict Miami-Dade codes. Because of the increased level of protection a metal roof offers, many insurance companies give discounts of up to 35 percent to homes with metal roofs. In addition, the U.S. Energy Policy Act of 2005 provides tax credits for homeowners that install metal roofs that meet federal Energy Star standards. Investment-grade metal roofing also boosts a home's energy efficiency. According to a study conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, installation of reflective metal roofing can save homeowners up to 40% in summer cooling energy costs while highly emissive metal roofs can reduce urban air temperatures by as much as 12 degrees F. Along with providing superior protection, a metal roof also increases a home's resale value. The 2005 Residential Cost Handbook(TM) reports the appraised value of a home increases by $1.35 per square foot when a metal roof is installed. "Homeowners are looking for high-quality, low-maintenance solutions. Metal roofing is a long-term investment that offers tremendous financial returns," says Hippard.
