Western Canada continues to face growing instances of severe weather each year. In Alberta alone last year, over 8 billion dollars of insured losses were recorded due to snow, hail, lightning, and storm damage. Protecting our residential homes and commercial/agricultural buildings has proven to be essential – utilizing metal roofing products like the ones provided by Forma Steel is a smart solution for long lasting defense against extreme weather.

Not only do metal roofing and siding products offer robust protection against extreme weather conditions, but they can also help reduce the rising costs of insurance.  Insurance companies across our country are increasing premiums due to the frequency of severe weather events. 

Fire Protection

Manmade fires and natural wildfires can annually destroy thousands of structures and cause billions in damage in Canada alone. Steel is non-combustible and won’t heat up as quickly as wood or asphalt, making it an ideal choice for roofing and siding. Metal roofing can also minimize structural damage if the fire comes from inside the home, as they are less likely to collapse than tile or asphalt. Metal roofing materials like ours at Forma Steel carry a Class-A fire rating (the highest level) making them a much safer choice especially in fire-prone areas.

Rob Arnold, Sales Manager at Forma Steel, had this to say about the importance of metal roofing against fire:

Snow and Hail Protection

If you’ve spent a winter in Alberta or Saskatchewan, you know full well just how much snow and hail we can get. Forma Steel offers roofing material in a high-density gauge, making them extremely durable and strong. Our flagship panel and strongest profile, FC-36, offers an overlap anti-siphon channel to keep the weather outside, and a Class 4 Impact Resistance Rating.

Of our previously stated number of over 8 billion in insurable losses last year, 2.8 billion were just from one Southern Alberta hailstorm. People often have misconceptions with regard to hail damage on a roof. They picture golf-ball sized dents destroying the aesthetic of their home. But this is nothing compared to the costly damage hail can have on asphalt shingles or tile. Building your roof in steel will protect the integrity of your property and of those inside.

Hail can also cause damage to the sides of your building. Metal siding (the profiles of which often mimic the appearance of wood panels, like our Board & Batten cladding) is another useful option in preparing your property for storm damage.      

Lightning Storms

Protection against lightning during a storm is another area people often have a false impression about, as “lightning magnet” is an incorrect stigma commonly mentioned alongside steel roofing.

The truth of the matter is that because steel is a non-combustible, conductive material, it’s actually safer than traditional roofing materials in the event of a lightning strike. The metal allows the current to disperse and conducts the electricity to the ground, greatly reducing your risk as a home or business owner.

Josie Heggaton, Junior Sales Advisor with Forma Steel, explains:

Conclusion

Whether you’re building your first home, a large barn or storage shed, or a commercial property, metal roofing is the safest and strongest path to protection against the elements. If you have any further questions about utilizing Class-A rated steel material, please contact Forma Steel today.