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.
The gist of it is, with the ever-increasing insurance costs, it’s more important now than ever to consider non-combustible materials like steel in any building plans.
Rob Arnold, Outside Sales Manager
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.
Lightning always seeks the path of least resistance. Metal roofing provides that path automatically, bringing the lightning away from combustible materials. As a mother of three, i feel far safer during a storm in my house with a metal roof.
Josie Heggaton, Account manager
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.
