Roofers: Metal Roofs Fly Away Due to Poor Installation During Storms

After a severe storm in Zagreb, which caused metal roofs to be torn off buildings, the question arose whether they should be banned. Watching some footage, it was evident that they flew close to cars and could certainly have injured people who were outside at the time of the storm.

However, metal roofs should not be banned, believes the roofing expert from Virovitica, Zlatko Lukač. From his 30 years of experience, he explains, it is clear that the biggest problem is not with the metal roofs themselves, despite their varying qualities, but with the installation on the building.

– Much depends on the craftsmen who do the work, that is, on the boarding, then the outer part must be completely sealed; otherwise, it takes very little for the wind to blow it away. There are numerous additional factors, such as the position of the house or building, which must also be considered when installing the roof… The issue is primarily about proper installation – explains Lukač.

Still, if he had to choose, he would prefer clay tiles or concrete tiles, which are of higher quality and can better withstand impacts, of course, with proper installation. But in no case should metal roofs be banned; rather, oversight of construction should be strengthened because it seems that the profession has failed here, at least regarding damaged roofs.

His colleague from Zagreb, Vladimir Makoter, echoes this sentiment, reminding us of the footage of flying metal roof sheets that also show the battens.

– Battens should not fly away at all, which means they were not properly secured. The issue is the education of roofers, but the fact that not all metal roofs were ripped off buildings proves that many of them were well installed – says Makoter.

He reminds us of the legal obligation that all roofs on the Adriatic must be secured, but due to climate change in recent years, he suggests that roof manufacturers include recommendations for securing roofs on buildings constructed on the continent in their brochures, not just for metal roofs but also for those made of tiles.

– Metal has its comparative advantages. For example, it is lightweight, easy to transport, and easy to install, but it is a thin-shelled covering under which water vapor condenses, so if the attic is not well ventilated, the substructure deteriorates – explains Makoter.

Although there are quality metal roofs, he says his favorite is still tile, which has proven to be very high quality and reliable so far.