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E-mail: Lauren@larsonobrien.com
FOLLANSBEE, WV…Recently, fires wreaked damage upon thousands of homes in California, destroying approximately 500,000 acres in five counties between Santa Barbara to the U.S. - Mexico border. California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and President Bush declared a state of emergency in the affected counties. One estimate cited the damage at $1 billion in San Diego County alone.
As evidenced by the homes that were destroyed in the recent California wildfires, an extremely important factor to take into consideration when building a home is specifying the appropriate roofing material. Metal roofs come with a Class “A” fire-rating and are considered a noncombustible material by industry performance standards.
“The nation is sympathetic towards each and every person affected by the recent wildfires and as we help those individuals rebuild we hope that better building practices will help prevent another catastrophic event,” says Edward Thomas, vice president and general manager of Follansbee Steel.
For areas prone to fire, such as the Southwestern U.S., there’s simply no better choice than a metal roof. Wildfires spread not only by ground but by embers carried in wind gusts. When burning embers lifted by powerful winds are carried to neighboring homes, those clad with metal roofs will not incur the same damage as homes using other roofing materials.
It is evident to anyone who has seen aerial photos of the recent devastation that homes with metal roofs have a much better chance of surviving fire damage. Many homes with metal roofs were standing while neighboring homes were destroyed. Logistically speaking, if you’re concerned about fires, don’t put fuel on your roof.
“Safety and performance should be top-of-mind for residents looking to rebuild,” explains Thomas. “Metal roofing is not the end-all solution to wild fires but it may be a component to slow the spread and prevent further damage.”
Follansbee products, specifically TCS II®, TCS SatinTM, KlassicKolors®
Additionally, Follansbee offers an array of accessories designed to work in conjunction with their roofing products, including gutters, downspouts, caps, flashing and snow gems.
Follansbee’s highly versatile materials can additionally be specified for other unique applications, such as wall panels. Metal roofing and siding panels bring a look of authenticity unmatched by other roofing or cladding options. In addition to aesthetic properties, metal roofing is a durable and environmentally conscious product that will outlast other options.
“Metal roofing has come a long way,” continues Thomas. “There are finishes, colors and textural styles to match any architectural style. As homeowners look to rebuild, metal roofing is a logical option for safety and performance reasons and an attractive option to consider when redesigning.”
No matter what the weather, Follansbee roofing systems will withstand nearly everything Mother Nature can produce, ensuring peace of mind for the home or building owner.
