The Value of Metal Roofing in Wildfire, Hail, and Hurricane Zones
by Brian Partyka
Real estate investors are exploring long-term asset protection and risk mitigation strategies by considering resilient building products with low life cycle costs, particularly metal roofing systems.
Metal roofs are renowned for their resilience in regions prone to wildfires, hail, and hurricanes. They are suitable for single-family rentals, multifamily complexes, and commercial properties. With Class A fire ratings, high impact resistance, and strong wind uplift performance, metal roofing can preserve property value, reduce insurance costs, and ensure operational continuity.
In today’s climate-driven and insurance-challenged landscape, comprehending the advantages of metal roofing is crucial for maintaining consistent returns across diverse asset classes.
The “Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood Technical Standard”
As wildfires grow in both frequency and severity across the country, the need to design communities that are resilient to fire, wind, and hail has never been more urgent. At the same time, these strategies should support broader goals of energy efficiency and sustainability.
One forward-thinking solution is the adoption of the Wildfire Prepared Neighborhood Technical Standard (The Standard), developed by the IBHS (Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety). This evidence-based framework offers practical guidance for building and maintaining fire-adapted neighborhoods—helping protect not just individual homes, but entire communities and their residents.
The Standard is a comprehensive framework developed to help communities systematically reduce their wildfire risk. It is often adopted or promoted by local governments, fire departments, builders, and planning departments. The Standard combines a range of best practices drawn from fire science, building codes, and real-world case studies of community losses and survivals. Key goals of the Standard include:
» Reducing the likelihood of structure ignition from embers or radiant heat.
» Improving emergency access and evacuation capabilities.
» Promoting defensible space and fire-resistant landscaping.
Since the Boulder, Lahaina and LA County fires, I’ve prioritized highlighting the critical role building materials, specifically roofing play in wildfire resilience. The roof is often the most vulnerable during a wildfire among all building components. Wind-driven embers can land on rooftops and ignite flammable surfaces, resulting in significant structural loss. That’s why incorporating fire-resistant roofing materials, especially those that meet or exceed Class A fire rating standards, is essential.
Roofing isn’t just a top layer — it’s a frontline defense. Choosing the right roofing system can be the difference between survival and devastation in wildfire-prone neighborhoods.
One of the standout recommendations in the Standard is using Class A metal roofing assemblies. Roofing materials are rated for fire resistance under ASTM E108 or UL 790 testing standards, and Class A has the highest fire resistance rating. They resist severe fire exposure, prevent flame penetration for a longer period, and minimize the likelihood of the roof itself becoming a fuel source.
Why Metal Roofing Should be Considered for Fire Prone Areas
Metal roofing is highly recommended for wildfire-prone areas due to its many fire-resistant qualities. As a non-combustible material, it provides a critical barrier against ember ignition. Many metal roofing systems feature interlocking panels that help prevent embers from penetrating the roof deck, and they are exceptionally durable — resisting high heat without degrading, unlike asphalt shingles that may crack or curl over time and create ignition points.
When part of a Class A roofing assembly, metal roofs include not only the outer panels but also fire-rated underlayment and other components that work together to deliver top-tier fire protection. The Standard incorporates this by requiring or strongly recommending Class A metal roofing in new construction within wildfire hazard zones. It also outlines vent screening specifications to block ember intrusion, encourages retrofitting of existing homes with Class A assemblies, and may offer community-level incentives or rebates to support the adoption of these safer, more resilient materials.
Investing in Complete Property Resilience
While your roof plays a critical role as the first line of defense in wildfire protection, it’s not the only factor to consider when building or living in a wildfire-prone area. A truly fire-resilient home requires a comprehensive approach that includes other key building components.
Key considerations include enclosing eaves and vents with non-combustible or ignition-resistant materials; opting for ignition-resistant materials like fiber cement, stucco, or fire-rated metal panels for siding and exterior walls; utilizing dual-pane and tempered windows and glazing; choosing non-combustible materials such as metal, concrete, or fire-rated composites when constructing decks and balconies; using non-combustible materials for fencing; and finally, using solid-core exterior doors with proper gaskets, and ensuring garage doors have ember-resistant seals around the edges.
When combined, these measures create a much stronger barrier against wildfire threats and help protect the structure and its occupants.
Why Construction Details Make or Break Performance
Even the highest-quality fire-resistant materials won’t perform effectively if installed incorrectly. Builders must ensure tight seals at all critical junctions, including roof-to-wall intersections, valleys, and penetrations. Metal flashing should be installed wherever combustible materials meet the roof or siding, and roof features like combustible ridge vents or exposed foam should be avoided altogether.
For builders working in wildfire-prone areas, meeting the Standard isn’t just about passing inspections, it’s about building homes that can withstand real wildfire threats. The Standard is essential for creating safer, more resilient communities in fire-prone regions.
As climate change challenges traditional building practices, these standards enable us to live more safely in fire-adapted environments. They encourage a comprehensive approach that incorporates flame-ignition-resistant materials like metal roofs, windows, doors, and siding alongside effective neighborhood planning, appropriate structural density, and appropriate vegetation maintenance.
Metal Roofing Across Risk Zones and Energy Goals
Wind
After years of doing business in Florida, one thing is clear: durability matters — and metal roofing consistently proves its value in high-wind zones. Florida’s strict building codes, rigorous product approval process, and active hurricane season demand materials that can stand up to extreme weather.
Metal roofs meet — and often exceed — those expectations, with many systems rated to withstand winds exceeding 140 mph. Properly installed standing seam metal roofs outperform traditional shingles in wind uplift resistance, offering a level of storm protection that’s become essential for property owners across the state. Insurers have taken notice too, frequently offering premium discounts for homes with metal roofs due to their proven resilience against wind, hail, and fire.
Beyond strength, metal roofs offer added benefits like energy efficiency, moisture resistance, and modern curb appeal — making them a smart, future-proof investment in Florida’s challenging climate.
Hail
In regions where hail is a frequent threat, metal roofing has become a go-to solution for property owners and real estate investors seeking long-term protection. With a Class 4 impact resistance rating — the highest available — metal roofs outperform traditional materials in safeguarding structures from hail damage. This level of durability not only helps maintain the roof’s integrity but also prevents costly interior water damage from punctures.
Insurers often recognize the value of impact-resistant roofing by offering policy discounts, which can help offset the higher initial investment. While severe hailstorms may leave minor cosmetic dents, these do not affect the roof’s performance or waterproofing capabilities.
Energy Efficiency
Metal roofing systems offer significant energy efficiency benefits that can directly impact an investor’s bottom line. Engineered with highly Infrared reflective coatings, metal roofs deflect solar radiant heat rather than absorb, have a thin (but strong) thermal mass and help in reducing cooling loads. This translates into lower energy bills, increased tenant comfort, and improved performance in green building programs such as LEED, and Title 24.
Also, metal roofing systems cool quickly at night, further enhancing thermal performance.
Snow Loads
In heavy snow regions, metal roofs provide critical performance benefits that help protect structures and reduce long-term maintenance. Their smooth, non-porous surfaces promote faster snow shedding, which reduces the risk of excessive snow buildup and the associated structural stress. Metal roofs are highly resistant to expansion, contraction, and water infiltration. Additionally, many metal roofing systems can be outfitted with snow retention solutions to control the safe release of snow and ice — protecting walkways, entry points, and landscaping.
For investors, this means fewer structural concerns, lower repair costs, and improved tenant safety throughout the winter season.
Solar-Ready Solutions with Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are inherently solar-ready and are one of the few roofing options that can outlast your solar panels. With standing seam metal roofs, photovoltaic (PV) systems can be attached directly to the seams — eliminating the need for roof penetrations and reducing the risk of leaks. These raised seams also provide an added layer of shade beneath the panels, boosting the overall energy efficiency of both the roof and the solar array.
Additionally, metal roofs can be coated with reflective “cool roof” finishes to further reduce heat transfer into the home. And, combining a Class A metal roof, solar panels, and battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall or Enphase) can offer grid independence and a reliable emergency power source during wildfire-related outages or utility shutoffs.
Final Thoughts
As extreme weather events become more frequent and insurance requirements more demanding, metal roofing systems stand out as a smart, future-ready investment. For real estate professionals focused on asset longevity, tenant safety, and portfolio resilience, the benefits are clear: reduced maintenance, lower total cost of ownership, and enhanced protection across diverse property types. Incorporating metal roofing isn’t just a tactical upgrade—it’s a strategic imperative in today’s risk-aware real estate market.
