That’s wild—two nearly identical roofs, totally different outcomes. Makes me wonder if the type of trees around your houses or even tiny differences in roof pitch could play a role. Has anyone noticed if green or “cool” roofing materials hold up better in storms?
I’ve seen a lot of folks assume that “cool” or green roofs are automatically tougher in storms, but honestly, it’s not always true. The material’s impact resistance and how it’s installed usually matter more than the color or energy efficiency rating. I’ve inspected plenty of white TPO or reflective roofs after hurricanes—some hold up, some peel right off, depending on how well they were fastened and what kind of wind uplift rating they had. Same goes for those “eco” green roofs with plants; they look cool, but if the membrane underneath isn’t solid, water finds a way in.
Trees are a huge factor, though. I’ve seen two houses side by side—one with a big oak shading half the roof, the other totally exposed. The one under the tree got trashed by falling limbs, while the other just lost a few shingles. Sometimes it’s just bad luck, but sometimes it’s about microclimates around your house—shade, wind tunnels, even how debris piles up in valleys or gutters.
Roof pitch is another thing people underestimate. Steeper roofs tend to shed wind better, but if you’ve got a low slope and a big gust hits just right, that’s when you see whole sections peel up. I’ve always wondered if folks with those super flat “modern” roofs have more trouble during storms, especially with pooling water.
Anybody here ever had a metal roof go through a big storm? I keep hearing they’re bulletproof, but I’ve seen panels rip up if the screws weren’t installed right or if there was rust. Just curious if anyone’s had long-term luck with them in hurricane zones.
Anybody here ever had a metal roof go through a big storm? I keep hearing they’re bulletproof, but I’ve seen panels rip up if the screws weren’t installed right or if there was rust.
Yeah, I’ve seen metal roofs both shine and fail during hurricanes. If the fasteners are solid and there’s no rust, they usually hold up. But once corrosion sets in or someone skimps on screws, that’s when you see panels peel back like sardine cans. It’s wild how much comes down to little details like screw spacing or even just using the right washers. Luck plays a part, but good prep matters more than most folks think.
Luck’s part of it, but honestly, I’d bet on the install every time. I’ve seen a neighbor’s roof hold up while the house next door lost half its panels—same storm, same metal, just different attention to detail. Ever notice how some folks skip the sealant or use the wrong screws? That stuff bites you later. Curious if anyone’s had issues with the foam closures blowing out... seems like those get overlooked a lot.
I’ve noticed the same thing with foam closures—they’re easy to overlook, but when they fail, you get all sorts of issues. On my last roof, the closures started peeling up after a couple years, especially on the windward side. I suspect it was a mix of cheap adhesive and maybe not enough fasteners. It’s wild how something so minor can end up letting in water or critters. I’m with you on the install being the real difference-maker. Even the best materials won’t save you if the details get skipped.
