Florida County Proposes Metal Roof Mandate 

Proposed local building code change involving a metal roof mandate would require better protection for homes in hurricane-prone area.

MONROE COUNTY, Fla.—The frightening increase of monster storms hitting the U.S. is not only causing homeowners to think twice about the roofs over their heads, it’s also earning the attention of local city and county officials.

In Monroe County located in the Florida Keys, an area especially prone to the wrath of severe hurricanes, a recently proposed ordinance would require all new or replacement roofs to be metal to help “harden homes” in the area. According to the county staff summary, post-Hurricane Irma inspections found that “metal roofs fared far better than those roofs covered by asphalt shingles.”

Given the advantages of metal roofs, including a much longer lifespan of an estimated 40 to 70 years, better energy efficiency and stronger performance during severe storms, that comes as no surprise to roofing experts. Many metal roofing systems have a 140-mph wind rating, giving them the ability to withstand wind gusts equal to a F2 tornado, and they provide outstanding protection against impact damage from hail and debris. Metal roofs also are nearly impenetrable to moisture and leaks, making them a durable choice in areas that suffer severe downpours.

“When it comes to exceptional performance and protection, it’s hard to beat the benefits of metal roofing,” said Renee Ramey, Executive Director of the Metal Roofing Alliance. “Given a roof is one of the most vulnerable areas of the home in extreme weather conditions, metal roofing is the smart choice for long-term value, reliability and peace of mind for homeowners.”

Not Just the Coastlines No matter what decision is ultimately reached by Monroe County officials, the fact is that while more than 50 million people now live along the nation’s hurricane-prone coastlines, extreme climate occurrences aren’t just a coastal concern anymore.

According to a recent Moody’s Investors Services report, “Global climate change is forecast to increase exposure and vulnerability to a range of factors…changes that are projected to drive an increased frequency of extreme weather occurrences, including heat waves, droughts, nuisance flooding, wildfire and more damaging coastal storm surges.”

These forecasts are driving an increased demand for highly-durable building and material choices, no matter what area of the country homeowners live. Options like metal roofs can help reduce energy costs in extreme temperatures, offer better fire protection, and reduce damage and costly replacement or repairs in the aftermath of severe storms.

“There’s no doubt that homeowners everywhere need to consider materials that can withstand more extreme conditions,” said Ramey.  “Thankfully, there are options like metal roofs available to help them do just that.”

About Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) Representing metal roofing manufacturers in the United States and Canada, the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA) was formed in 1998 to help educate consumers about the many benefits of metal roofs. The main objective of MRA is to increase awareness of the beauty, durability and money-saving advantages of quality metal roofs among homeowners, as well as to provide support for metal roofing businesses and contractors. For more information, visit MRA.