Chris Fisher, Manager of Solar Product Development & Marketing, CertainTeed Corporation
Given its unique exposure to hurricanes and storms that spawn from both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, Florida is no stranger to high-wind events. This presents unique challenges to homeowners who may be considering roof improvements or rooftop solar.
Consumers in wind-prone areas are more likely to want stronger products that can survive a battering. This puts additional pressure on roofing contractors who may have to recommend or sell stronger roofing products in order to satisfy the needs of their customers.
While there are many roofing products on the market, many manufacturers offer premium, higher-performing versions of traditional roofing products designed to withstand extreme weather. These products may allow you to better meet the overall needs of your customers. Here are some products Florida roofing contractors should consider adding to their arsenal.
For most homeowners, three-tab or architectural shingles are going to be their go-to choice. Architectural shingles are typically thicker and more durable than three-tab shingles, and are designed to create the appearance of more expensive roof materials like wood shake and slate. The nailing pattern of certain architectural shingles can also be a blessing for steep-sloped roof applications and may stand up better to wind and the natural forces of gravity.
Many manufacturers offer dual- and tri-laminate versions of their most popular architectural shingles, which can often provide greater wind and impact resistance. This ‘good-better-best’ approach gives homeowners more asphalt shingle options and can be useful for older homes that may not have the structural support to accommodate heavier roof coverings such as tile or slate.
Metal roofing provides excellent wind resistance, with many versions designed to survive wind gusts up to 130 miles per hour. Thanks to a high strength-to-weight ratio, metal roofing can stand up to hail, hurricane-force winds, lightning and other weather extremes. Because metal roofing is often made of lightweight steel with a protective paint coating, metal roofing provides solid protection at a fraction of the weight of traditional roofing materials like slate and tile.
For many reasons, concrete and clay roof tile are an extremely popular roofing material in Florida. In addition to traditional Mediterranean charm, clay tile lasts for decades, is insect- and rot-resistant and stands up well to heavy rains and inclement weather. However, tile is extremely heavy, expensive and fragile. Extra structural supports are often required to install a tile roof, and
individual tiles crack easily when under foot. Metal roofing can emulate the look of tile while providing the same great protection at a fraction of the weight (600-800 pounds less per square).
Metal roofing is also among the most sustainable roofing materials available today. When installed properly, metal roofing can often last for more than 50 years without the need of repair or replacement. Some metal roofs are 100-percent recyclable, leading to less waste when replacement is necessary. For discerning clients concerned about sustainability and permanence, offering metal roofing options can be a savvy business move. Metal roofing is also highly fire-resistant, which can mean lower insurance premiums.
The demand for rooftop solar has grown as more homeowners seek to reduce their energy consumption and rely on renewable energy sources. Many Florida residents, however, live within hurricane-prone regions. Florida Building Code (FBC) for Miami-Dade County categorizes high velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ) for buildings and structures into four wind-speed risk categories:
■ Risk Category I: 165 mph;
■ Risk Category II: 175 mph; and
■ Risk Category III and IV: 186 mph or greater.
For Broward County, those risk categories (I, II and III/IV) are 156 mph, 170 mph and 180 mph, respectively. Wind speeds of this magnitude present a challenge for traditional rack-mounted solar systems, which tend to be the least expensive option for most homeowners. These systems consist of solar panels that sit on top of a rack which is bolted through the roof to the structural members of the roof. Consistently high-wind speeds over time can stress modules and racking components to the point of failure.
In many regions of Florida, rooftop structures must accommodate an uplift load rating of about 50 pounds per square foot (PSF), or 2,400 pascals, which is suitable for most rack-mounted solar systems. However, high-risk areas within high-wind zones can require up a 116 PSF rating (5,600 pascals). Low-profile solar roofing systems can be a great option for homeowners living in high-wind
areas, as they are typically approved for use in high velocity hurricane zones (HVHZ). These systems integrate into existing asphalt or concrete tile roof systems and install directly onto the roof decking. In essence, a solar shingle or tile replaces the section where an asphalt shingle or concrete tile would be, resulting in a streamlined solar roofing system that sits flush with the roof. This design
gives the system much greater wind resistance, which can be a selling point to homeowners who may be reluctant to invest in rooftop solar.
Working in wind-prone areas requires some additional planning and different marketing strategies. With the right product offerings, however, roofing contractors can deliver satisfaction to their clients despite the weather conditions.
Chris Fisher is Manager of Solar Product Development & Marketing and is responsible for Research and Development, as well as Marketing for CertainTeed’s solar division. He joined CertainTeed in 2009 as a Product Development Engineer and has been responsible for new product development activities leading to the commercialization of several generations of solar and solar roofing products. Prior to joining CertainTeed, Chris was the Manufacturing Manager and Head of Process Optimization for a solar module manufacturer. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Villanova University.
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