Different Roofing Materials For Different Seasons
Roofing is one of the last steps of any construction process. As it protects the occupants from the outdoor elements, it must be stable, solid, and capable of bearing heavy loads and pressure. Roofing styles and materials differ, depending on the climate of the region. In fact, the climate is the most crucial factor that decides what kind of roofing will be used for your home.
Choosing the suitable roofing material and style can make or break your house. With the suitable materials and style, you can expect your roof to last you for a long, long time, no matter what climate you are living in.
Why Climate Matters?
As mentioned above, the climate is the most significant factor that decides the final design of your home, including the roofing. If you are living in an area where heavy snow loads are expected, sloping roofs of durable material will be used so that snow can slide off the top of your home. In places where storms are common, strong and resilient materials are used in the roofing to withstand the heavy wind pressure.
Here are some climate factors that need to be considered when choosing roofing style and design.
- The average temperature of the area
- How temperature changes between changing seasons
- Possibility of natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, forest fires, etc.
- Common weather patterns, like snow, rain, or high winds
- Amount of sunshine
- Average wind speed and direction
- Local geography
- Precipitation levels
- Presence of wildlife
What Other Factors Effect The Roofing Style And Material Choices?
Other than weather and climate, the following factors have to be considered when choosing roofing styles and materials.
- Sloping: how the roof will drain the water from rain and other sources.
- Architecture: what is the design of your home? What will look good on it?
- Maintenance: How much maintenance you can do.
- Energy efficiency: heating and cooling retention of your home. Additionally, if you want to use solar panels, then roofing material will matter. The thermal properties of each material and style can cause a lot of differences.
- Weight: the heft and weight of materials
- Earthquakes: how often do such natural disasters hit your area.
- Lifespan: how long can a specific roofing material function.
- Price Range: what can you afford?
Types OF Roofing Materials:
Clay and Concrete Tiles:
If you are a fan of textured and elegant roof styles, then clay and concrete tiles are the best. These tiles are heavy, hefty, and must be installed by a proper professional. Because of their heavyweight, additional framing is required. However, they are highly durable and will last you for a long time. Additionally, they are energy efficient, so you can say bye to high energy bills. Most important of all, they are non-combustible. They come in different designs; ribbed, flat or scalloped, etc.
To summarize, there are both pros and cons of using these tiles; however, the pros far outweigh the cons. They cost around $300 to $500 per square yard and can last for 40 to 5o years with proper maintenance.
Asphalt Shingles:
Due to their low price and ease of installation, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material across America. They look beautiful, and further enforcement with organic materials and fiberglass does not change the original look of the materials. However, their popularity is declining due to their shorter life span.
It comes in a wide variety of colors. With proper maintenance, it will last for 30 years in moderate climates and costs around $70 to $120 per square. Keep in mind that they do not come with an insulating material, making them a black hole in retaining heating and cooling.
Wood Shingles and Shake:
Another commonly used material, wood shakes, create beautiful grey colored roofs that look perfect with rainy weather. They can come with fire resistant coating for additional safety and give a natural vibe. The design looks rustic.
Commonly used woods are redwood, cedar, and southern pine. Although it's not expensive, it can rot, mold, or split, not suitable for rainy climates with heavy moisture. It will last you for 25 to 30 years if you are careful.
Metal Roofing:
It is an honest opinion of many roofing companies that metal is the best roofing material. It is durable, fire resistant, energy efficient, sleek, lightweight, and suitable for most weather conditions. Their advantages are endless. They can be recycled and do not cost a penny in terms of maintenance or repair.
Aluminum, zinc, copper, and stainless steel are commonly used materials in metal roofing and come in shingles and penal style. Although it is a bit expensive, it will last you for a generation.
Slate:
Slate roofs are the most elegant roofing system you will ever find. With its beautiful design and sleek appearance, you would not want any other option for your home. They come in various colors; gray, black, red, green, and purple, etc. The most significant advantage of this material is that it is long lasting. It is exceptionally durable, as well as fire resistant. Additionally, it is a sustainable roof. It is suitable for harsh weather conditions.
However, it is expensive and needs extra framing because it is heavy. It costs around $600 per square and upwards. Because it is a long lasting material, it will last you for a whopping 50 to 100 years.
Synthetic Roofing Products:
If you want a change from traditional materials, then you can choose the option of synthetic roofing. This means that your roof will be made of manufactured materials fabricated to look like natural slate or wood. These materials include plastic, polymer roofing, and rubber. You can get a fire resistant option easily. Additionally, these products are made to be durable and require less maintenance.
They are easier to install and doesn't cost much. It is not fragile, but some of these materials are absorbents, which is not suitable for any roof. They can last you up to 50 years and more.
Why Hire Professional Roofing Companies:
For many reasons:
- They are professional.
- They have experience.
- Professional roofing companies have all the proper tools and equipment to do maintenance and cleaning, other than initial construction.
- They will complete the whole project in a relatively short amount of time.
- They can suggest you the individualized designs and styles for the roofing style.
How To Find The Best Roofing Companies Near Me:
Follow the following steps to find the best roofing companies in your area.
- Ask for recommendations from people you know. Keep in mind that the only viable options are those companies whose services have been availed before by your friends or contacts.
- Limit your search to the local area. You can find many reliable ones at close distances.
- Don't be stingy. Sometimes, contractors who demand high amounts have their service quality to back them up. However, that does not mean that you should agree to unreasonable amounts.
- Go for those who have many years of experience. The more working experience they have, the better their service will be.
- Search for the lists of best roofing companies near me. You will find a lot of them online. Make sure your location is on when you are doing that. You can also input your location in the search tab.
- Ask for their qualifications. You have the right to ask this, and reliable contractors and companies will be more than happy to provide you with their certifications.
- Check if they have proper licenses and certificates to operate in your local area.
- Ask them if they know the basic safety procedures implanted in your region.
- Ask for their insurance policy. Negotiate who will be paying compensation for any property damage.
- Get quotes from multiple roofing companies. Compare all the estimates, and hire the contractor who will be most suitable for your wallet.
Conclusion:
Choosing the suitable roofing material and style is an important decision. The final decision depends on several factors, like climate, energy efficiency, life span, durability, and your budget. Also, the architecture and design of your home plays an essential role. Sure, durability and structural integrity are necessary, but how will your house look good with an unsuitable roofing material?
For more details, contact the best roofing companies near you. It is the work of general contractors to hire roofing companies as subcontractors, but it will still be better if you are involved in the final decision.