Roofing for Every Weather

When people think of home remodeling, they usually think of upgrading their bathroom or kitchen. But what about the roof? Your roof protects you from weather through different seasons every year.

The roof is one of the most expensive home repairs, no matter if it needs repairs or replacements. As the most exposed component of your home and the highest point, your roof takes a lot of abuse from the outdoor elements over the years. That’s why it’s so important to make sure your roof is installed to last for as long as possible and made from quality materials. However, even the most durable, strongest rooftops can be vulnerable to shifts in weather—and there are extreme conditions that can cause even a high-quality roof to deteriorate prematurely and become damaged.

All roofs are not made the same. Innovation and technology in building materials, especially in the last 20 years, mean that you can also choose products for your home’s specific needs beyond choosing shingle style, material, and color. One of the main areas of innovation has been dealing with extreme weather. Some questions for your contractor and a little research can go a long way in choosing the right roof.

The kind of residential roofing material you choose can make or break your home. You can choose from various options, including shingle roofing, flat roofing, tile roofing, metal roofing, and rubber roofing. Every type of roofing has its own unique pros and cons, ranging widely in durability and price.

What Is a Weather-Resistant Roof?

Weather-resistant roofs can withstand extreme weather conditions such as very strong winds or scorching heat. Depending on your weather-resistant roofing installation, there should be no damage to your roof from the elements as water and wind are prevented from getting underneath the material.

Are All Roofs Weather-Resistant?

Unfortunately, all roofing materials are not made the same. Although asphalt shingle roofing may be a more popular and affordable choice for its customizable aesthetic appeal, it still needs regular maintenance. Tile roofing may be a bit more expensive but has a longer lifespan. Another option worth considering is a rubber roof. It is cost-effective, as installation requires it to be glued down. Rubber roofing is resistant to some elements such as fire and mold and extreme weather conditions. Still, installation is subject to specific weather conditions, and it can be pierced by sharp objects easily.

The Most Weather-Resistant Materials

With various roofing materials on the market, it can be hard for a homeowner to make the right choice. You want to find a roofing material that will protect you from unforeseen weather conditions and ensure that your loved ones and your home are safe. Shingles are usually able to withstand high winds, but it depends on the single and its composition. Clay tiles can also withstand high winds, and they are also energy efficient but can be hazardous if installed incorrectly. Metal roofing also needs proper installation in order to be durable in extreme weather conditions. As you can see, you can choose an affordable roofing material to suit your budget, but the most important thing of all is the installation of those materials.

Wood Shingle Roof

Produced from wedge-molded parts of standard lumber, such as yellow or evergreen pine, wood shingle roofs provide a particularly eye-catching look. Wood shingle roofs are easy to set up and popular, but they come with increased fire risks; for this reason, they are not the best option in places where fires are common.

Composite Asphalt Shingle Roof

Composite asphalt shingle roofing is the most popular of all roofing supplies. A typical American house probably has a composite asphalt shingle roof. This material either has a fiberglass or carbon base that’s covered on both sides with asphalt. Composite can be made from several sources, including schist, ceramic particles, slate, and/or quartz. It is fairly inexpensive, and easy to set up and lasts for a long time.

Asphalt Roll Roof

Produced from large cylinders of the material that is used in asphalt shingles, asphalt roll roofs are often used for reasonably level pitches such as slanting shed roofs. It is a simple roofing material to set up, and it’s best used for garages, shacks, and perhaps doorway roofs.

Urbanized Roofing

Urbanized roofing is a layered roof produced by interchanging sheets of roofing felt together with water-resistant resources like a hot asphalt blacktop and fiberglass. Typically used on roofs that are level or have a minor pitch, it’s economical and fire-resilient but hard to set up.

Standing-seam Metal Roof

Standing-seam metal roofs are a progressively popular type of roofing, especially in fire-prone areas, and are produced from large steel boards. Metals used are typically aluminum or steel. These roofs are very long-lasting and practically maintenance-free but require professional installation.

Metal roofing materials are:

Durable. Metal roofs can last 50 years or more with proper maintenance. They are resistant to rot, rust, and insects. They are almost resistant to penetration. Metal roofs made from steel or aluminum shingles can last for over 50 years and often longer, while zinc and copper roofs can last much more than 100 years.
Weather-resistant. A metal roof resists hail, snow, rain, ice, and sun due to tough panels and minimal seaming. It can withstand strong winds of up to 140 miles per hour. Usually made from continuous sheets that run the entire span of a roof, it has fewer edges and seams so that wind can’t penetrate.
Energy Efficient. Metal roofs can reflect much of the sun’s energy. They balance the temperature between the supporting structure and roof deck which means you’ll need less energy to cool and heat your home, helping you reduce monthly utility bills.
Low maintenance. Metal roofs retain their structural integrity and aesthetic appeal with little maintenance. If a reputable contractor installs them well, they will need minimal upkeep.

Are you thinking about a home improvement project? Feel free to contact 1-800-HANSONS for a free estimate.