That’s interesting about the standing seam—everyone talks like it’s bulletproof, but I guess nothing’s perfect if the install isn’t right. Do you think it’s mostly about the fasteners or is it more about how the decking’s attached? I’ve seen some roofs where the panels held but the wood underneath just ripped off. Makes me wonder if hurricane clips or better nailing patterns would make more difference than just picking a “strong” roof type.
Makes me wonder if hurricane clips or better nailing patterns would make more difference than just picking a “strong” roof type.
You’re spot on with that. I manage a bunch of properties down here in South Florida, and after every storm, I see the same thing: it’s not always the “strongest” roof material that wins, it’s how the whole system holds together. I’ve seen standing seam panels stay put while the decking underneath just peeled up like a sardine can. Sometimes it’s the fasteners, but honestly, the way the decking’s attached is a huge deal—especially with these newer building codes pushing for tighter nailing patterns and hurricane ties.
A lot of folks get sold on the idea that metal roofs are basically indestructible, but if the wood underneath isn’t up to par, it doesn’t matter what’s on top. I’d argue that hurricane clips (or straps) and proper nailing are more important than the roof covering itself. I had two buildings right next to each other: one got re-decked and strapped, the other just got a new metal roof slapped on top of old decking. Guess which one had issues after Ian? The “new” metal roof lost half its panels because the decking let go.
Not saying materials don’t matter—they do—but if you’re in a high-wind area, you want the whole package: good decking, hurricane ties, and then a solid roof system on top. It’s a pain to upgrade everything, but it’s way better than dealing with insurance and repairs every time a big one rolls through.
I wouldn’t call it luck if your roof survived, but I’d definitely check what’s holding it all together before the next season. Sometimes the stuff you can’t see is what really saves you.
Couldn’t agree more about the “whole package” approach. I’ve torn off plenty of roofs that looked fine from the outside, but once you get under the hood, it’s a different story. People love to brag about their fancy metal or tile, but if the decking’s held on with a handful of rusty nails from the 80s, it’s not gonna hold up when things get wild out there. Honestly, I’d rather see a basic shingle roof with tight nailing and hurricane straps than an expensive metal job over sketchy wood. It’s not glamorous, but it works.
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve seen some pretty rough shingle jobs fail way sooner than a decent metal install, even with older decking. Maybe it’s just my area (lots of salt air), but metal seems to handle the long-term abuse better, assuming the basics aren’t totally ignored. I guess it’s all about what corners get cut and where.
That’s interesting—do you think metal always holds up better, or does it just seem that way because shingle quality’s dropped off? I’m in a coastal area too, and honestly, I’ve seen some metal roofs rust out faster than you’d expect, especially when the installers skimped on coatings or fasteners. I get that salt air is brutal, but I keep wondering if folks overlook other options, like cool roofs or even green roofs, that might handle the climate differently.
Has anyone tried those? I know up here, a few people have gone with living roofs and swear by the insulation and storm protection, though I’m not sure how they’d do in hurricane conditions. Also, with shingles, I’ve noticed the installation makes a huge difference—my neighbor’s 10-year-old roof is still fine, but another guy down the street had his peel off in the last big storm. Makes me wonder if materials or workmanship matter more in the long run...
