Many popular options for adding outdoor storage really only work well in certain climates. Weather…
Timber has been the traditional garage building material for a long time, but people are starting to prefer metal. Metal is gaining traction because it offers fast and easy installation. It’s also far sturdier than its wood counterpart.
However, the most important quality of any garage building material is how it performs against bad weather. Here is what you need to know about metal garages in bad weather.
Strong winds
Metal garages can withstand strong hurricane-force winds. That is because many of them have been tested in the most severe weather conditions, such as hurricanes. This is important because some cyclones have wind speeds of 157 mph or higher.
Metal roofs also have a high strength-to-weight ratio. This means that they are lightweight, easy to install, and can withstand forces with strong torque, such as winds. Accordingly, a properly installed and designed metal garage usually remains attached to the structure and will prevent flying debris from entering your garage.
If you want your metal garage to reach optimum performance, you must ensure the correct size and spacing of the substructural framing. It will also help if the panel attachment method, sequence, and style are tested in strong wind conditions.
All in all, metal garages perform best against strong winds because they have fewer exposed edges. Moreover, the garages don’t require self-sealing adhesive strips like other types of garages.
Solar radiation
The American weather can be very hot. This can cause most roofing materials to break down quickly. For instance, metal garages can crack, curl, or disintegrate. This can reduce the lifespan of your garage and call for regular replacement or maintenance.
Fortunately, metal garages are not susceptible to extreme solar radiation and UV rays. As a result, metal garages can retain their color, strength, and durability even in the most extreme weather. However, this will only happen if you use special metal garage roofing products.
Many metal garages come with PVDF coatings. The coating has a strong molecular structure that holds pigments in place, even in the face of high solar radiation.
Another key advantage of metal is that it is reflective. Thus, metal garages reflect the sun’s rays instead of absorbing them all into the garage. In addition, metal garages are lightweight, which means that they cool down quicker than other types of garages. As a result, you don’t have to worry about your cargo being exposed to extreme temperatures.
Nevertheless, there are some things you must do to ensure that your metal garage is not affected by solar radiation. For instance, you should choose a light color for the garage, such as gray or white. Also, ensure that there’s enough ventilation to improve air circulation in your garage.
Extreme cold
As you plan to install a metal garage, you may wonder, “are metal garages good for cold temperatures?” The simple answer is that metal garages can withstand low temperatures from both a durability and insulation standpoint. This is because metal is one of the best thermal conductors in nature.
Ice and snow will easily slide right off a metal garage, preventing the formation of an ice dam. In addition, applying sealants and underlayments can enhance this watertight ability.
Metal garages also tend to distribute a load of snow evenly. Similarly, metal garages can take on any color choice. This means you can select a color that will help your garage shed snow more quickly. For instance, you can choose dark colors like red, brown, and grey to retain more of the sun’s energy and heat. Again, this will help to thaw your garage faster.
Hail
Hail damage is a significant worry for property owners in areas where hail storms are common. Fortunately, metal garages can handle hail better than other garage types. While some massive hailstones can dent a metal garage, normal-size hail will not. This is because metal structures are extremely durable and strong by their very nature.
Generally, a thicker metal panel will resist impacts and punctures. And even if the metal garage is hit by hail and either punctured or dented, this is just a cosmetic problem that can be solved without investing in any structural improvements to the garage.
Lightning
Lightning strikes on metal garages are a genuine concern for people considering upgrading to a metal garage. The short answer is, no, a metal garage won’t make lightning more likely to strike. Metal is a safe material since it will conduct the lightning energy straight into the ground without affecting your garage.
Metal is also a non-combustible material. So in the unlikely event that your garage is struck by lightning, the metal garage won’t burst into flames. Consequently, the threat of danger to your loved ones and potential garage damage is lowered when you install a metal garage.
Rust
Rust is an electrochemical process that happens when metals are exposed to electrolytes. While metals such as aluminum, copper, and steel, for example, are used as garage materials, only metals that contain iron, like steel, can rust. This means that some types of metal garages will rust, particularly when exposed to rainy weather conditions over a long period.
However, with advances in paint finishes, systems, and other technologies, a metal garage will overcome rusting and oxidation for most of its lifetime. For instance, the metal garage can be tested, coated, and engineered to prevent rust formation for as long as possible.
Fire
Grassfires and bushfires are common throughout the United States. Unfortunately, while tile or wood garages are standard, they don’t have fire-resistance capabilities. On the other, metal garages are non-combustible, meaning embers and flying sparks will not set your garage on fire.
Metal garages will have different fire-resistant capabilities depending on the type of material used. In most cases, stainless steel has one of the highest heat and fire resistance properties of any metal. Other recommended metal options include titanium, tantalum, nickel, molybdenum, and tungsten.
Heavy downpour
Water may look like an innocent weather element, but it can cause a lot of damage to structures. Therefore, you need a garage that can keep your vehicle and other stuff dry, no matter how hard and long it rains. A metal garage is the best option, as it provides more reliable protection and is longer-lasting than many other garage styles.
Metal garages can hold up against heavy rain, snow, and hailstorms. Metal is also not porous, and this can prevent mildew or mold growth. However, keep in mind that this type of garage can be loud during storms.
Get the best roof styles for your garage
Are you still thinking about metal garages in extreme weather? Metal Carports offers metal garages that are easily customized to work for all kinds of uses. You can choose from multiple customization options, such as regular roof garages, vertical roof garages, and A-frame metal garages.
We offer a 20-year warranty, certified structures, competitive pricing, and a 90-day workmanship warranty. The aim is to combine style and affordability in a single package ideal for all homeowners. Contact us to learn more about our services or to request a free quote.
