What to Look For in a Replacement Roof – PART 1: Durable Weather Protection
A strong, durable roofing system goes a long way towards giving you peace of mind as a homeowner. Intense weather conditions, such as tornados, hurricanes and hailstorms can easily damage your roof, leaving your interior spaces vulnerable to the elements. With global warming wreaking havoc on our weather systems and super storms battering homes throughout the country, it is more important than ever to ensure you’ve got a roof sturdy enough to stand up to even the most extreme weather conditions. Durable materials that can take harsh weather is a must.
It’s a good thing that developments in the construction industry have enabled today’s manufacturers to come up with the technologies to further strengthen and improve on roofing materials. Today, there are a number of material choices that can be relied on for their outstanding durability. Among them:
- Metal – Metal roofing has increased in popularity throughout the years. This system can be made from a variety of materials, including aluminum, copper, steel and zinc. Considered among the most durable roofing materials ever made, metal roofs are waterproof, resilient and offer remarkable longevity. In fact, these roofs can last between 50 to 70 years. They can also withstand intense weather conditions and require very little maintenance. Due to their reflective properties, metal roofs can also make your home more sustainable and energy-efficient.
- Slate – Slate roofs offer unparalleled beauty due to their deep shadow lines and striking colors. Aside from being naturally appealing, they are also very resistant. Slate roofs are known to outlast the home or building it’s installed on. Slate roofing systems can last for over 100 years if properly installed and maintained. The material has an innate durability; it is fire-resistant and practically impermeable even in the harshest weather conditions.
- Asphalt Shingle – The most popular roofing choice in the country, asphalt shingle roofs provide great aesthetics and protection against the elements. What most homeowners love about this material is that it can be installed over an existing asphalt shingle roof, eliminating the need for a costly roof removal.
- Fiberglass Shingle – Not only is a fiberglass shingle roof tough and water-resilient, it’s also non-porous, inflexible and never dries out. A relatively new roofing material, fiberglass shingles are considered a cost-effective alternative to traditional felt mats. Like asphalt shingles, they are eco-friendly and can be recycled at the end of their lifespan.
The roof is much more than just a protection system; it’s also the crowning glory of a home. In the second part of this three-part blog series, we’ll talk about ways a new roof can transform your curb appeal, so stay tuned!