The Resilience of Metal: A Hurricane’s Test in the Florida Keys

When Hurricane Irma roared through the Florida Keys in September 2017, it left behind a trail of devastation. The storm, one of the most powerful hurricanes on record, tore through the archipelago, battering homes and businesses with torrential rains, gusting winds of over 130 miles per hour, and storm surges that submerged entire islands. But amidst the destruction, one feature stood out for its remarkable resilience: metal roofs.

For years, metal roofs had been regarded by some as an alternative, more durable option to traditional shingle roofs, but it was during Hurricane Irma that the true value of this roofing choice came to light. As the storm began to approach, many residents in the Florida Keys, both full-time residents and seasonal homeowners, braced themselves for the worst. Thousands of homes had traditional asphalt shingle roofs—relatively inexpensive and widely used—but those roofs would face the ultimate test against the fury of a Category 4 hurricane.

The Challenge of Shingles

Shingle roofs, though common, have a significant weakness when faced with high winds. In Irma’s extreme conditions, these roofs struggled to hold up. The sustained winds and gusts tore at shingles, ripping them away in large sections. Once the shingles were torn off, the underlying roofing material, usually plywood or OSB, was left exposed to the elements. Rain poured in, causing significant water damage to ceilings, insulation, and walls.

In many cases, the damage was immediate and catastrophic. The loss of shingles didn’t just result in leaks; it compromised the entire integrity of the home. For many homes in the Keys, replacing a shingle roof meant starting from scratch, stripping away what was left, and rebuilding entirely.

The Strength of Metal

Meanwhile, homes with metal roofs stood in stark contrast. Though not invincible, metal roofs were far more resilient to the intense winds that came with Hurricane Irma. Metal roofs, particularly those made from standing seam panels, are designed to be highly durable, able to resist uplift and deformation under extreme wind conditions. With their interlocking panels and fasteners, metal roofs remain intact much better than their shingle counterparts, especially when the winds start to gust past 100 miles per hour.

For the homeowners who had invested in metal roofing, the experience of Hurricane Irma was notably different. While debris and damage to other parts of their homes were still significant, the roofs themselves often emerged largely unscathed. The metal did not blow off. The interlocking panels held tight, and while a few dents might have been visible from windblown debris, the roof remained intact, protecting the structure underneath.

One resident of Marathon, a small island city in the Keys, recalled how, after the storm passed, she walked out to survey the damage to her home. “I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “The roof was still there, as solid as ever. No leaks, no missing shingles. I could see homes just down the street with entire roofs gone. I was so grateful I chose metal.”

Post-Storm Comparison

In the aftermath of the hurricane, contractors and insurance adjusters quickly noticed the difference. Homes with metal roofs required far less attention and repair. Many of the homes with shingle roofs needed to be completely reroofed, which meant not just replacing the shingles but also repairing water-damaged interiors. In contrast, homes with metal roofs only required minor repairs, such as fixing a few minor dings or replacing small sections of trim or flashing that had been damaged.

Insurance companies also took notice of the stark contrast in damages. While claims for homes with shingle roofs were higher due to the need for extensive repairs, homes with metal roofs saw far fewer claims for roof damage. In the long term, this would lead to lower premiums for metal-roofed homes in hurricane-prone areas, as insurers began to see the value of a more durable roofing option.

The New Norm?

In the years following Hurricane Irma, the trend toward metal roofing has only grown in the Florida Keys and other coastal regions. Contractors report a steady increase in demand for metal roofing, as homeowners seek a more secure way to protect their properties from the inevitable hurricanes. Local building codes, already stringent in the Keys, have also begun to favor metal roofs for their durability and storm-resistance.

While the cost of metal roofing remains higher than that of asphalt shingles, many residents now see the investment as one that pays off in the long run. After all, the destruction caused by a hurricane can be devastating, but knowing your home’s roof will hold up against the fiercest winds provides a peace of mind that no shingle roof can match.

In the Florida Keys, where hurricanes are a part of life, metal roofs have proven that they are not just a choice—they’re a life-saving investment.