There are many options available to the homeowner when it comes time to find a roofing system that will best address their particular needs.
To find the right roofing systems for any home, first think through exactly what your needs are. Here are some possibilities.
Roofs for High Winds
If you live in a high and windy area, then you will want to choose types of roofing that are strong enough to deal with the overall wind load your home faces throughout the year. Regular shingles may not be the best option here. However, fiberglass shingles are very sturdy and can hold up well in strong winds. Permeated with fine stone granules and soaked in asphalt, they offer strength and a more cost-effective roof system than some of the other material options.
Clay tiles and slate roofing are both good for windy areas, too, so long as they are properly installed. Additional adhesives are recommended to help counteract these conditions. Wind-resistant roofing options cost more than average conventional roofing. Therefore, your total cost will depend on the quality of the roofing materials you choose, the extra workmanship that is required, and the level of wind-resistance that is necessary.
Roofs for Extreme Heat
Similarly, if you live in an area with very hot summers then you will also want to make sure you purchase a correspondingly appropriate solution for your roof. For example, if you have a cathedral ceiling with no attic space, shingle colors can make a significant difference in the heat absorbed and the temperature of your home. Or, metal roofing with foam insulation can work well for these homes, too. Likewise, clay tiles or slate roofs make excellent choices for extreme heat.
Low Slope Roofs
Do you have a very low-pitch roof? A standing seam metal roof can also be a good option for low slope roofs. Since you need the water to run off properly, metal roofing is an excellent choice, as it sheds water so easily.
In some cases, asphalt shingles can be used depending on whether building codes will allow it for the pitch of your roof. However, it is necessary to install the proper underlayment to help prevent water build-up and leaking. A waterproof roof membrane, ice and water shield will help defend susceptible roof areas against ice and water damage.
Snow on the Roof?
For those who live in an area that gets lots of snow, there are roofing solutions that you can invest in that are designed to be extremely strong and durable against heavy snowfalls.
Roofing systems in cold climates necessitate that the material can withstand the demands of heavy snow, ice, freeze and thaw cycles, plus strong winds. Moreover, if possible you’ll want a roof that will also provide some additional insulating characteristics to help keep your home warm. In extreme cold, every little bit helps. So, if you can enjoy lower heating bills and minimize the potential for ice build-up on your roof, those are really important things.
Possible cold weather roofing solutions include fiberglass asphalt shingles, metal roofs, slate tiles, and synthetic roof tiles (more on these shortly). Some of these types of roofing can be expensive and usually need to be installed by a professional roofer.
Fortunately, if you live in a fairly mild type of climate where there aren’t lots of extreme weather conditions, there are some less expensive alternatives available.
Asphalt Roofing Systems
Asphalt shingled roofs offer good protection, lots of color options, and some great warranties. Architectural shingles (or dimensional shingles) provide a nice visual texture as well as excellent durability and protection.
Plus, as an added benefit, these kinds of roofing systems can often be installed in just one day and are very cost-effective. And as mentioned in other places in this article, fiberglass shingles can be an excellent all-around choice.
Composite Shingles
Synthetic composite shingles, or synthetic roof tiles, are roofing products that imitate the appearance of other kinds of shingles made of natural materials. These beautiful, lightweight synthetic shingles can copy the look and texture of wood shakes, slate tile roofs, and even ceramic tiles. And since composite shingles are engineered roofing products, you can get them in just about any solid color or color blend.
Furthermore, composite shingles promise to have excellent durability. While they haven’t been on the market long enough to really know for sure, their expected lifespan is up to 50 years or more. An added bonus is that they will look good over the long haul because additives are mixed into the material in order to defend against color fading as well as structural breakdown.
Choose a roof system that makes sense and makes you happy.
And finally, as you consider all these types of roofing, you will also want to take into account your personal preferences. You will most likely spend a fair amount of time outside your home. And you want to be proud of how it looks as well as feeling secure in your investment as a homeowner. So, it’s a good idea to choose a roof that you think looks great, as well as providing the durability you need.
The roofing specialists at Roof Lux will be glad to answer any questions you may have in order to help you make this important choice. Call or contact us anytime; we’ll be happy to be of service.
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