If you live in an area with severe weather conditions like high wind, heavy snow, or ice buildup, it’s important to choose a roofing material that will protect your home. In this article, we recommend three roof types that are great options for homeowners due to their durability and low maintenance. Installed correctly, some resilient types of roofs should last well over 50 years.
Resilient roofs come in a variety of colors, textures, and styles which can be customized to meet the requirements of your home as well as your own personal tastes. However, all resilient roofs share some basic similarities.
What makes a roof resilient?
A resilient roof should have three basic components: a waterproof membrane, shingles, or tiles, or another durable roofing material, and a proper ventilation system.
The waterproof membrane helps the other two parts of the roof work together which ensures your home stays dry inside even in inclement weather. The shingles or tiles are designed to drain any water that collects on top of the roof. These materials are often attached to ridge-vent or gable-vent roofs that will properly circulate air, helping to prevent moisture buildup which is the leading cause of roof damage.
Resilient roofs are constructed with several layers, which results in a durable and nearly impermeable surface that can withstand winds, rain, snow, hail, ice, sun exposure, and other damaging weather for decades. These roofs are typically covered in shingles or another protective material like tiles.
While they are often made of asphalt-based products such as shingles, other materials are also used such as concrete or clay.
Three Types of resilient roofs
Here are three of the most popular type of resilient roofing options for homeowners to consider:
1. Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of resilient roofing options. The majority of homes in North America feature asphalt shingle roofs, and for good reason- they’re affordable, attractive, lightweight, easy to install, and do not require much upkeep once installed.
Typically, asphalt shingles are classed as low-slope roofs which means they can provide a more subtle appearance for your home. They come in a variety of different textures and thicknesses too, giving you many options to choose from depending on the aesthetic effect that you’re going for. Some roofing experts like those at Mighty Dog Roofing in Katy, Texas can even show you what your house would look like with different colors and types of shingles using real photos of your property.
Asphalt shingles last around 20-30 years when installed correctly. They are also available in different grades, with more expensive grades offering increased wind resistance and durability. This means they can make excellent resilient roofing options for homeowners in areas that experience severe winds or heavy rain.
Asphalt shingles are fire resistant which is great news if your home features wood construction- a fire-resistant roof may help to slow the spread of a blaze and provide valuable time for you to evacuate your family from the building if you live in an area with a high risk of wildfires.
2. Clay or concrete tiles
Concrete and clay tiles are becoming increasingly popular resilient roofing options for homeowners who want something distinctive that will add real character to their home. There are many different varieties of these types of roofs, with clay tiles in particular offering plenty of design options to homeowners.
Clay and concrete tiles are also extremely durable- they can last for over 100 years in some cases.
These types of roofing require more upkeep than asphalt shingles because they tend to be heavier so routine inspections are necessary to ensure the roof is properly attached to the underlayment.
Clay or concrete time roofs should last for decades, making them a great resilient roofing option for weather-beaten areas with frequent storms or extreme temperatures.
3. Metal roofing
Metal roofing is available in a range of different styles which makes it an excellent choice for homeowners seeking something truly unique that will turn heads as well as provide all-around weather protection. It’s important to note, however, that metal roofs require advanced preparation during the planning stage due to their size and weight.
There are a variety of different types of metal shingles, panels, and sheets that can be used depending on your specific needs and requirements for the project.
Metal roofs come in a number of different styles from smooth and flat to ridged and angular. Metal roofs are also available in a range of colors, allowing you to choose the perfect metal roofing for your home.
Metal roofing is highly durable which means it can last for decades before needing any repairs or replacement work. It’s a great option for homeowners who want resilient roofing that will stand the test of time.
Conclusion
When looking for a new resilient roof, homeowners should always consider the benefits and drawbacks of each type of roofing before making a final decision. If you’re not sure where to begin or which option is best for your home, talk to a contractor or roof company about their experiences with installing different types of roofs- they’ll be able to provide valuable insight into the pros and cons of each type.
It’s also important to remember that installing resilient roofing can be complex- it’s best to hire a reliable contractor who has plenty of experience with different types of roofs so you can rest assured that your home is in good hands. Regardless of which option you choose, your roof will play an important role in keeping your family safe and well-protected.
