Demand for durable roof replacements rises

By Drexel Metals.  

Standing seam metal roofs are reliable solutions for homeowners seeking proven protection in serious weather conditions. 

Across the United States, many homeowners are reaching a critical point as their roofs begin to show signs of age and wear. Data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) notes that most homes on the Gulf Coast, for example, were built between 25 to 30 years ago, putting a large share of roofs well within the window for replacement. For roofing contractors, this data signals growing demand for re-roofing services, especially as property owners look to more durable solutions that can withstand heat, storms and other weather-related events. We recommend contractors educate homeowners on the options available to them.  

Why asphalt shingles fall short 

A report published in the Insurance Journal states that approximately 72% of existing homes in the Gulf Coast have asphalt shingle roofs. While once dubbed the go-to roofing material, namely for its affordability and widespread availability, asphalt shingles are now largely considered a costlier and less reliable option for homeowners.   

Case in point: Insurance companies have grown increasingly wary of asphalt shingle roofs due to their weatherability and performance. As Florida Insurance Commissioner Michael Yaworsky flagged, asphalt shingles often fail to meet their advertised 30-year lifespan, especially in a climate defined by high heat, humidity and frequent hurricane-level winds.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) post-storm analysis backs this up. After Hurricane Ian, the agency found that 90% of asphalt shingle roofs older than seven years showed visible damage, compared to just 21% of metal panel roofs. That stark contrast highlights that asphalt shingles just can’t keep up with serious weather events.  

Further, in states like Florida, asphalt shingle roofs are only insurable for about 10 to 12 years (less than half their marketed lifespan). Even when coverage is available, homeowners are often left footing the bill for frequent replacements or expensive repairs every decade. So, what looks like an “affordable” roof upfront quickly becomes a recurring expense.  

And that’s before factoring in the fine print. Most asphalt shingles warranties are prorated, meaning coverage decreases as the roof ages. To make matters worse, many warranties include “Act of God” exclusions that deny protection against wind or fire damage, which are exactly the types of events homeowners in this region face most often.  

These insurance challenges give roofing contractors the opportunity to offer homeowners a roofing solution that is a smarter long-term investment: a standing seam metal roof.   

Standing seam metal roofs offer tested performance 

Standing seam metal roofs are engineered for performance, providing reliable protection against the region’s toughest weather conditions. Select systems are designed to withstand wind speeds up to 120 mph and are certified to wind resistance testing standards, including UL 580 Wind Uplift, TAS 125 Wind Uplift, UL 1897 Extended Phase Wind Uplift, ASTM E1592 Uniform Static Pressure Uplift and ASTM E1680 Air Infiltration. Additionally, metal roofing provides reliable wet-weather performance and is certified to ASTM E1646 Water Infiltration standards and can achieve the TAS 100 Wind-Driven Rain designation. Further, metal roof systems rank highest with a class four rating when certified to UL 2218, which tests their impact resistance and ensures maximum protection from wind-borne debris during hurricanes and severe storms.  

For homeowners, this level of reliability translates into extended insurance coverage, often ranging between 25 to 30 years, with reduced premiums. Metal roofs also help eliminate the cycle of more frequent roof replacements, offering significant home ownership savings. Additionally, leading manufacturers like Drexel Metals stand behind their products’ longevity and performance. Their standing seam metal roofs are backed by a 25-year non-prorated warranty, meaning the coverage stays consistent over time. There are no hidden exclusions or “Act of God” clauses, just straightforward protection that reflects the proven durability of the product itself.  

Ultimately, a standing seam metal roof overhead is a smarter long-term investment for homeowners.   

Before your next re-roofing project, reach out to your nearest Drexel Metals Rep to learn more about installing standing seam metal roofing systems.   

Original article source: Drexel Metals