Ever been under a steel roof in a hail storm, Brad? I have. The noise level was literally deafening. We were at
the range, and the hail was nickel sized, yet we all had our hearing protection on, and it was almost impossible
to communicate. Max volume yelling at range of 12" would barely suffice. I suppose steel would survive large
hail better than asphalt shingles, but it would look so bad you'd probably replace it anyway.
We had 2.5-3" hail here a couple of years ago, new roofs on home and shop under insurance. The damage was
amazing. But it never leaked. I do believe that would have caused substantial cosmetic damage to a steel
roof.....but maybe not, perhaps it is tougher than I imagine. I have installed galvanized steel roofing on
a shop building with my father many years ago. It stood up for at least 20 years before we moved.
Keith, it would be interesting to know what surface coating is used on the steel house. Maybe just paint it with
oil based paint every 5 years or so? Of course much of that sort of exterior siding has some baked on coatings
which are supposed to be very durable.....but 70 years?! If it is original, I would be quite impressed.
I have never heard of that kind of a roof, winelover, that is impressive. I have done some engineering design
work for high wind loads on walls and the loads are pretty amazing. 220 mph roof shingles is flat out
amazing, must be a heck of a good design. Now, keeping the whole roof assembly attached to the
walls at that speed....a whole added challenge. And then keeping the walls attached to the foundation,
is the next issue. Most homes are held down by their weight and toenails of the studs into the plates
which are bolted every 6 or 8 ft to the foundation. There are better designs, but they are mostly ignored.
Bill