The Metal-Era Learning Center

For some, high winds and catastrophic storms seem like things that only happen in movies and on television, but these dangers are more common than many like to think. Additionally, roof-damaging winds are often thought of as only tied to less frequent weather events like tornadoes and hurricanes, but they are not! The likelihood of high winds, thunderstorms, and hail bringing along potential damage to your roof is much higher. 

Straight-line winds can be produced from a thunderstorm but have no rotation. If these winds meet or exceed 58 miles per hour, the storm is classified as severe according to the National Weather Service. Severe storms can happen everywhere, so it’s critical to ensure your buildings are prepared no matter their locations. 

A key part of preparing your building is making sure the edge metal is secure because:  

• The roof edge system regularly holds the primary responsibility for securing the perimeter of a roofing membrane, serving as the first line of defense against severe weather events like high winds, straight-line winds, thunderstorms, derechos – even resisting the multi-directional winds of tornadoes and hurricanes in some cases. 

• It is widely recognized that the majority of roof failures during major wind events originate with the perimeter edge metal. 

• If membrane billowing occurs, the edge can often serve as secondary protection against catastrophic roof failure. 

 Another important step to prepare for weather events is verifying that your warranty aligns to protect the lives and the property associated. This also helps cover building owners, architects, roof consultants, and contractors when a building failure occurs within a warranted wind condition.  

What do you do if you have no warranty in place? Perhaps it has run out, been voided, or you purchased a building with a non-transferrable warranty. These are only a few of the ways a roofing system may leave you vulnerable. 

Inspections by a trusted resource or certified roof consultant can be critical in evaluating your level of protection. They may core the roof, infrared scan, visually inspect, or perform a myriad of other scientific processes to determine your level of risk. It is often money well spent before re-roofing or when building a future budget or repair timeline. 

When a roof evaluation is done, perimeter edge securement must not be overlooked. Here are several ways to protect the perimeter edge metal system before severe weather hits: 

• Inspect the primary failure point by ensuring the perimeter edge metal is properly secured, especially at the corners, which is a weak spot on the perimeter. Is it loose, bent, missing pieces? Is the membrane stretched? Any signs of oil canning or warping of the edge metal? When in doubt, change it out, as doing so could greatly extend the lifespan of your roof system. 

• Update your existing perimeter edge metal that may not meet building code or current wind resistance standards. Replace it with an ANSI/SPRI/FM 4435/ES-1 tested assembly that effectively secures the membrane system. 

• Utilize an updated assembly that carries a protective wind warranty such as Metal-Era’s Anchor-Tite Fascia or Perma-Tite Gold Coping, both of which carry a Lifetime, 215 MPH Wind Warranty. 

• Significantly reduce your risk of edge failure by replacing the existing nailer assembly with an upgrade in performance, strength and durability by using Metal-Era’s Eliminailer-T or EdgeBox RI metal nailer assemblies. Both offer peace of mind, as they, too, are backed by a Lifetime, 215 MPH Wind Warranty.