Prepare Your Roof for the Elements
7 Part Series
Best Roofing Materials for Your Climate
Modern roof materials are suitable for just about any climate, but if you live in an area subject to weather extremes, you might want to keep certain considerations in mind when making your selection. With so many roofing options available now, finding one that's right for your home's location is a relatively easy task.
Choosing Roof Materials: Climate Considerations
To avoid problems down the line, you want to select a material for your new roof that is compatible with your area's climate. Here are the various available roofing products and how they fare against the elements:
- Shingles: Roof shingles are used everywhere in the country generally without problem. However, high winds can affect them, so if you're in an area subject to coastal storms, you may lose some shingles on occasion. Extreme sunlight can also fade roof shingles, which is a consideration if you're in the Southwest.
- Tiles: Roof tiles can withstand just about any weather condition, but they're subject to breakage. If you live in an area that receives large hail, you might opt for different roof materials. In areas with heavy snowfall, your roof's frame must be able to handle the combined weight of the heavy tiles and the snow.
- Wood Shakes: Without proper maintenance, wood shakes can get moldy and rot in damp climates. Therefore, they're perhaps not the best choice for the Pacific Northwest.
- Slate: Slate roofs are similar to tile ones in that they're durable and do well in nearly all weather conditions. However, slate, too, is heavy, so, again, your roof's frame must be able to handle the load of the slate and snow for extended time periods.
- Metal: While metal roofs are durable, large hail or wind-strewn tree branches can dent them. With the latest technologies, metal roofs don't fade in extreme sunlight.
- Composite Shingles: These roof shingles are a good alternative to slate or wood shakes. They're durable, attractive, and resistant to color fading from the sun. They don't have the moisture problems of wood shakes or the weight issues of slate.
Prices vary widely between all of these common roof materials. To receive a quote for your home, you may fill out the form to the right or consult with a reputable local contractor. A roofing contractor also should be able to advise you on the best roof materials for your home and your region's climate.
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Tips to Maintain Your Roof
Roofing vs. Reroofing
If you come to find out that your roof has been damaged and needs to be fixed
then there are two main approaches you can take. You can either decide to make a
roof repair or replace the entire roof. Roof repairs will generally save you
time and money, but in most cases a new roof is the best option. As a general
rule of thumb, if the existing roof on is only one layer and there are no
problems with the roof deck, a new roof is not necessary.
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