Met-Tile Hurricane Update

Met-Tile's Proven Hurricane Performance

Met-Tile is popular for both residential and commercial projects in hurricane-prone areas due to its proven performance in these conditions. After Hurricane Iniki devastated the Hawaiian island of Kauai, local roofers reported that Met-Tile held up better than any other type of roofing.

An inspection of nearly 100 Met-Tile roofs revealed that all but four of the roofs were intact after the storm. And, of the few that did experience major damage, all four came off in one piece, still firmly attached to the rafters. Even under winds as high as 225 mph, the roofs did not really fail – they were lifted off after flying debris punctured the sides of the houses, creating a funnel for the wind to enter.

Hurricane testimonials

After Hurricane Ike hit Galveston, Texas, in September 2008, it was declared one of the most destructive storms of all time. But Paul Gandhi, a Galveston builder, reports that the Met-Tile roof over his 7,000 sq. ft. beachfront vacation home remained intact, providing his property with the critically needed protection. Only the lower level sustained some minor damage from flooding. Click here for full story.
Charles Orphanides of Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, credits his Met-Tile roof with saving his home. “We were hit by three of the four 2004 hurricanes, and there was terrible devastation all around us. But thanks to the Met-Tile roof, our house is still intact with no damage,” he reports.
In Grand Cayman, homeowner William McTaggart reports: “Approximately 15 years ago, I replaced my roof with Met-Tile roofing panels. Five weeks ago, we experienced the wrath of Hurricane ‘Ivan the Terrible’ and I was glad I had Met-Tile as my roof. While other roofs were severely damaged or destroyed, Met-Tile held firm.”
Of the hundreds of properties roofed with Met-Tile in storm-ravaged parts of the Southeast, the company has received no reports of damage to its roofing systems.
This remarkably wind-resistant product has even withstood the rigors of Category 5 hurricanes. After Hurricane Iniki devastated the Hawaiian island of Kauai, local roofers reported that Met-Tile held up better than any other type of roofing. An inspection of nearly 100 Met-Tile roofs revealed that all but four of the roofs were intact after the storm. And, of the few that did experience major damage, all four came off in one piece, still firmly attached to the rafters. Even under winds as high as 225 mph, the roofs did not really fail – they were lifted off after flying debris punctured the sides of the houses, creating a funnel for the wind to enter.
Shingle roofing caused ongoing problems for Oscar Norris of Carolina Beach, North Carolina. Located in a storm-prone area, the roof on his home required repair on at least seven occasions due to wind-related shingle blow-off. The switch to a Met-Tile roof has put a stop to the ongoing maintenance headaches. Click here to see full story.

Met-Tile hurricane performance data

Met-Tile is popular for both residential and commercial projects in hurricane-prone areas due to its proven performance in these conditions.

Met-Tile has an unsurpassed 230+ mph wind rating based on UL wind uplift testing. The long-length, tile-look panels are tightly fastened to seal out wind and weather and prevent the blow-off that often occurs with shingles or tiles under high wind conditions. Met-Tile carries a full range of Certifications & Approvals including Metro Dade County, FL (#MDC-75).

Tips on choosing metal tile roofing for optimum hurricane safety

Metal tile facsimile or “tile panel” roofing satisfies the demand for tile-roof aesthetics while also offering the performance benefits of metal panel roofing – including light weight, low maintenance, durability, weather resistance, fire resistance, and recyclability.

If you are looking to roof your property with a metal tile panel product in a hurricane-prone area, it’s a good idea to comparison-shop before you buy. Differences in product appearance will be obvious, but other product variations may be subtler. Here are some features to look for:

Long-length panels: Metal tile panels come in many sizes and shapes. Some are fabricated in small sections that equal the coverage of six or eight conventional tiles. Other systems consist of long-length, extra-wide sheets in varying lengths: A single panel may cover as much roof area as several dozen tiles. Generally speaking, the greater the coverage, the better the potential for a more rapid and weather-tight installation.
Maximum wind rating: When you compare tile panel systems, ask the manufacturer: Does the system offer 200+-mph wind resistance? The lower wind ratings (80-120 mph) of many products on the market may not be adequate if a severe hurricane hits.
How is the system fastened? Screw fasteners provide stronger adhesion than nails or adhesives.
How are the panels installed? Panels applied vertically from eave to ridge provide the most wind-resistant installations. Also, some tile panels require a gridwork of battens or special framing underneath: This can add a costly installation step compared to products that install directly over a plywood deck and felt underlayment.
What certifications and approvals does it carry? The Met-Tile system carries a full range of Certifications & Approvals including Metro Dade County, FL (#MDC-75).