Top roofing materials for fluctuating weather

By Nick Post, KPost Company.

Extend your roof's life by choosing the right material to withstand the winter elements.

Picking out your roofing material is one of the most important steps of the roofing process. In order to pick the right material, it is crucial to understand how they each react in fluctuating climates, especially winter for those who live in areas prone to winter storms. The weather you and your home experience will help you determine which roofing material is right for your home and it’s longevity. Here at KPost Company we will discuss these roofing materials to help you find the right fit for your needs.  

The most common wintertime conditions your roof faces

As a homeowner, it’s important to know the main wintertime issues your roof will need to effectively face. This way, you can choose a material that stands up well to these issues.

One of the most common is freezing temperatures. When temperatures get below freezing, any moisture on your roof will freeze. This can lead to ice damming and other negative events. It’s necessary to choose a roofing material that is highly resistant to moisture and allows for the quick release of rainwater.  

Another issue your roof will face is severe storms. Hailstorms and thunderstorms are very common during the winter months. Picking a roofing material that will stand up well to impact damage, like hail, is a necessity. Furthermore, a roofing material with a high resistance to strong wind gusts is a must to ensure your roof stays intact during the worst of the wintertime storms.

One other factor that your roof faces is UV exposure. This ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause material fading, heat absorption and overall premature deterioration of some roofing materials. Opting for a material that is heavily resistant to UV exposure is the key to allowing your new roof to survive winters with ease.

There are several different roofing materials that will stand up well to a wintery environment. The material you choose for a roof installation or replacement will be highly dependent on numerous factors, like your budget, aesthetic preferences and so forth.

Asphalt shingles

One of the most popular roofing materials is asphalt shingles. These are very affordable for the average homeowner and come in a variety of options. Homeowners who want more durable and long-lasting shingles can opt for luxury or architectural shingles that come in a wide variety of styles and color options. Asphalt shingles typically last anywhere between 15 and 30 years with proper care. They stand up well to strong wind gusts as long as they are in good working condition and are available in lighter-colored options that can make your home more energy-efficient. Shingles are very easy to install and are widely available throughout the state.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing is an increasingly popular option that offers a life span of between 40 and 70 years, with proper care. Metal is available in standing-seam and screw-down options, depending on your individual aesthetic preferences. This roofing material is also available in a wide variety of color options, so you can find the perfect shade for your home. Furthermore, metal is highly durable, fire-resistant and fairly easy to install.

Metal roofing stands up well to strong wind gusts, heavy rainstorms and even hailstorms. You can get traditional sheets of metal roofing or opt for metal shingles that offer all the great benefits that come along with metal while giving that distinctive shingle look. Another notable advantage of metal is that it’s naturally reflective of the sun’s rays. It’s available in zinc, copper, aluminum and steel, which all have different price points. However, any metal roof will cost more than the asphalt shingle option.

Concrete or clay roofing tiles

Another popular roofing option is concrete or clay roofing tiles. These provide a very stylish look and can last around 50 years. The beauty of these tiles is they act as perfect insulators for your home, so you can keep in warm air in the winter. Both concrete and clay tiles are very low maintenance and are weather-resistant. However, like metal, they do come at a much higher price point than asphalt shingles.

Slate roofing

One of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market today is slate roofing. This natural stone is resistant to pests, fire and water absorption. It will last 100 years or more with proper upkeep. It’s important to note that slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials due to its very long life span, and it does add more weight to your roof than other materials. Slate is very eco-friendly as it can be reused for landscaping or other similar concepts instead of being thrown in a landfill. Slate roofing is a great insulator, which means more energy efficiency in your home and it provides a very prominent and unique look.

Wood shakes

Wood shakes are another roofing material option for your home. Most shakes are constructed out of cedar due to its long life span and unique appearance. Cedar shakes are a somewhat low-maintenance material that offers a timeless look. This wood is treated with preservatives to ensure it’s fire-resistant, pest-resistant and moisture-resistant and it can even stand up to strong wind gusts. Wood is not only visually striking, but it also acts as an excellent insulator.

Composite roofing

One particular roofing material that is gaining a lot of popularity lately is composite roofing. This roofing material is constructed of a combination of ingredients. These include things like synthetics, wood, slate, recycled materials and even laminate. Composite can be designed to look like other roofing materials, such as shingles or shakes. This roofing material is very durable, fire-resistant, wind-resistant, fade-resistant and even impact-resistant. Composite boasts a life span of between 40 and 50 years.

Understanding maintenance

The easiest roofing materials to maintain are asphalt shingles, metal roofing and composite roofing. Tile can require a bit more maintenance due to its high susceptibility to mold and mildew growth. Cedar shakes do require regular coatings every three years to stay in top condition. Regardless of the roofing material that you choose, it’s important that you invest in annual inspection services by a knowledgeable roofer. This will catch potential issues while they’re small and much cheaper to fix.

Opting for longevity

Some homeowners simply want to invest in one roof in their lifetime. They don’t mind that the cost is higher. Rather, they take solace in the fact that they don’t have to worry about a major roof replacement later in the future. For these homeowners, opting for slate roofing is going to be the best option as it regularly lasts 100 years or more. Another popular choice is metal as you can choose metal materials that will last close to 70 years. Cedar shakes, composite and tiles will last for around 50 years. Asphalt shingles have a life span ranging from 15 to 30 years.

Original article and image source: KPost Company