DECRA Metal Roofing vs. Traditional Roofing Materials in Tornado Regions

By DECRA Metal Roofing. 

Tornado season is among us. Make sure you let homeowners know to consider stone-coated metal to protect their homes.  

Tornado Alley used to be limited to Oklahoma, Colorado, Texas and Kansas, but recently these storms have been spreading beyond these states; and tornado touchdowns are rapidly increasing. Even without the threat of an actual tornado, the ingredients for tornados, like severe thunderstorms, destructive hailstones and damaging winds can wreak havoc on a roof. With tornado activity becoming more and more frequent, now is the best time to upgrade to a DECRA metal roof. Read on to learn more about how DECRA is designed to stand up to tornado conditions, making it an excellent option for those who live in tornado-prone regions.

Wind warranty rating 

DECRA Metal Roofing products carry a warranty rating for winds up to 120 mph and are lab tested at twice that velocity. Additionally, DECRA roofs use a unique interlocking system that helps the profiles remain firmly in place. 
 
Asphalt shingles are prone to cupping, splitting, warping, delaminating, loosening around the fasteners, and fish mouth curling over the years, which can increase the risk for wind uplift. Clay tiles and wood shakes can be vulnerable to wind uplift, so most aren't covered by wind warranties at all. DECRA metal roofs are resistant to cracking and splitting that can make roofs more vulnerable to damage from wind, hail, and rain. 

Impact resistance 

The same, severe thunderstorms that generate tornadoes can also assault the roof with intense hail barrages. DECRA has the highest possible UL2218 Class 4 impact rating and is warrantied for hail up to 2.5 inches in diameter. Clay tile roofs are so vulnerable to impact fracturing and that they aren't rated for impact at all.

Weight and shear strength 

Shear strength is the capacity of the roof to withstand the parallel “side forces” and the stresses of high winds in tornado regions, and even the vibrations and structural stresses of tremors in earthquake zones. In earthquake and hurricane zones, DECRA roofs add shear strength to reinforce the roof deck. Traditional roofing materials add more weight and stress to the underlying structure of the roof without contributing additional shear strength. At just 1.4 to 1.6 pounds per square foot, DECRA metal roofs are one of the lightest roofing materials available, averaging just 3,700-4,500 pounds as compared to clay tile at 18,000 to 45,000 pounds and architectural shingles at 7,500-12,000 pounds. 

DECRA provides durability with beauty 

From Hawaii to Canada, DECRA roofs have endured everything from hurricanes and typhoons to earthquakes and blizzards since 1957. 

Our advanced acrylic bonded stone-coating achieves the same vivid color and texture of traditional roofing materials without the shortcomings in durability. Backed by the strength of steel, DECRA metal roofs last two to three times longer than traditional roofing materials like asphalt, tile, and wood. 

Learn more about DECRA  in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit DECRA.com.

Original article source: DECRA