Mar
25

How To Choose the Best Roofing Materials For Your Climate

Roofing materials come in many shapes and sizes. Metal roofing, asphalt shingles, or clay tiles are only a few of the available options you can choose from. Nonetheless, no matter how much you would love to have a metal roof or even clay tiles on your home, picking suitable materials for your roof is not only a case of preference but also what would work best for your area.

When it comes to replacing the roof on your home, deciding on roofing materials there are things you should consider instead of choosing at random or following your gut. One of the most important factors you should consider is the climate in your area.

Before you choose what roofing material to use, consider the exterior of your home. Do you have shrubbery or other landscaping that can be damaged during the roof replacement? What about outdoor furniture? Landscaping can be covered to avoid damage and your outdoor furniture can be stored in a self-storage unit or even your garage if you have room.

We hope that this article will provide helpful advice on choosing the best roofing material for your home and the climate in your area. Having a sturdy roof on your home not only offers peace of mind for your family but will also add value and beauty to your home.

Roofing Material, Climate and Other Factors

When it comes to choosing suitable roofing material for your home, it is important to consider what roof materials is best suited for the climate in your area. As a rule, metal roofs are not suitable for environments in where the weather in your area has drastic changes in temperate. Therefore, if you live in the northern area of the United States and your metal roof may not be suitable for climates where temperature changes are extreme. However, in climates like those in the Pacific Northwest with lots of rain your metal roofing, your roof will hold up to the water, but likely will rust after several years.

Therefore, if you live in a region with heavy precipitation like that of the Pacific Northwest you might want to consider using a different roofing material such asphalt shingles instead of metal roofing. In contrast, plastic roofing materials are not suitable in areas with heavy snowfall. So it’s important to do your research first.

Another important factor you should consider when choosing roofing materials for your home is the product’s lifespan. You should research the different roofing materials, for instance how long does a rubber roof last?. Additionally you should look at the cost of the roof material, installation, the weight of the roof material, and whether or not your chosen roofing material can be installed the roof pitch on your home. For instance, some roofing materials are not idea to be used on a steep roof. Thinking about these factors beforehand will help you make the best decision.

What Type of Roofing Material to Use Depends on Where Your Home Is

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing material is popular due to its durability, aesthetics and the low maintenance it offers. However, metal roofs it can be more costly. In fact, the price for metal roofing is approximately three times as high as the price for asphalt shingles. This is why a lot of homeowners decide to go with asphalt shingles instead. Asphalt shingles come in many different colors and textures and they last about 20 or so years before they must be replaced.

If you live in an area with a lot of snowfall, metal roofs can be a great choice. Metal roofs are more resistant to snow than other roofing materials. On the other hand, they weigh more and are more expensive than other types of roofs. If in doubt, work with pros who can dispatch estimates and invoices for roofing services so you know how much different material types will cost to buy and install, and moreover whether they’re suitable for your property.

Asphalt Shingle Roofing

Many Southern homes have flat roofs, which is why asphalt shingles are usually used in this area. However, if you live in an area with high heat fluctuations, you might want to consider metal roofing instead. If your climate has little precipitation, metal roofing will not rust. If you live in an area with heavy rainfall, metal roofing will not be suitable for your home either. This is because it is more expensive than asphalt shingles and can result in leaks due to the buildup of ice and snow.

If you decide to get a metal roof, you should know that they will last longer than asphalt shingles. It all depends on the climate and rainfall in your area. Metal roofing can last up to 50 years. On the other hand, asphalt roofs can last up to 20 years for moderate climates and up to 15 years for severe climates with heavy precipitation.

Fiberglass Roofing

Coastal homes are exposed to salt air, and therefore it is necessary to build them with materials that are resistant to corrosion. One of the best choices for coastal homes is a fiberglass roofing material. This kind of roof material is made from polyester resin and is known for its strength and durability. However, because fiberglass roofing material is not that long-lasting, you will have to replace it every 15 years or so. Fiberglass roofing will cost about one-quarter of the price of a metal roof.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles are one of the most beautiful types of roofing material you can use on your home. With that being said, it is also of the most expensive ones. Many areas especially in the south are using clay tiles for homes. Clay tiles are very durable and can last about 50 years. However, they can break easily if walked on or during high winds that carry debris. Clay tiles will also need a more sturdy roofing deck to accommodate the weight of the tiles.

Wood Shingles

If you are considering using wood materials for your roof, wood shingles may be a good choice for you. These shingles last longer than any other type of shingle available on the market. You have to replace them after 25 years or so. One major advantage of wood shingles is that they are cheaper than other materials like asphalt and metal. However, if you use wood shingles, you have to be aware that they are not resistant to fire as they will burn easily if exposed to flames for a long time.

The other problem with wood shingles is that they are prone to mold and decay if not treated properly. This means that if you install new wood shingles on your home, at some point, you will have to repaint them to avoid damage. Make sure to include the treatment in the total price of your roof replacement.

Plastic Roofing

You could also choose a polyethylene or plastic roofing. Polyethylene is a durable material that is not as expensive as metal roofing. Additionally, polyethylene roofs may not be ideal for your entire home, but works great for structures such as decks, garages and patios. However, you should know that even though there are long-lasting, roofs made of plastic have issues with UV degradation.

Final Thoughts

With so many roofing options available on the market, choosing the best product won’t be easy. Roofing materials differ when it comes to their price, durability, weather resistance, and efficiency. As such, you need to figure out what’s your priority, the kind of climate your roof will have to bear and of course the look you want for your home. Lastly and most importantly, you should determine what your budget is and stick to it.

Keep in mind that your home’s roofing is a long-term investment. As such, you often get what you pay for, so it’s better to choose high-quality materials from the start. It won’t be a cheap purchase, but in the long run it will be worth it.