The roof is just about the biggest investment in any residential property. The kind of roof you choose for your home will determine the level of protection from the elements you’re bound to enjoy. It will also determine how much you spend on maintenance through the lifetime of the roof. Today, there are many different kinds of roofs by style, design, and roofing material. Before choosing any option however, it is highly important to consider the geographical location of the home you’re choosing the roof for. In other words, not all roofs are created to withstand the climatic conditions of all locations.
With this in mind, here are some helpful pointers on getting the right roof for your house based on its location.
Climate Factors
According to Mr. Mike LaPointe of Point Roof Restoration, one of the most experienced roofing contractors Boise has to offer, some types of roofs do better than others in certain weather conditions. Needless to mention, different geographic locations have different climates and weather patterns. This means that when choosing a roof for your home, it is important to consider its location as well as the following important climate/weather factors.
- Heat – Needless to mention, some locations are generally hotter than others throughout the year. If your home is built in such an area, it is always better to go for a roof with the ability to reflect heat and absorb as little as possible. This allows your home to stay cooler, which can reduce the amount of money you spend on cooling and air conditioning. Experts also suggest that flat roofing systems are more ideal for buildings in regions that generally experience hot and dry weather.
- Wind – Again, some areas are generally windier than others. In the Southern coastal areas, for instance, winds can have an average speed of 17 mph but may also be prone to high winds, tropical storms and hurricanes. In such an area, you need a roof made from thicker material that is tried and tested to withstand high winds. You don’t want to wake up and find your entire roof blown off!
- Humidity – Airborne moisture is one of the most damaging elements to roofing. If your home is built in a high-humidity area, say near the eastern coasts, you need a quality roof that can withstand just that.
- Rainfall – This is where your roof’s design will count most. In rainy regions, a sloped roof could work best as it would reduce pooling and increase rainwater drainage. When ponds of water get trapped on various surfaces of the roof, it leads to rotting, leaks, and weaknesses on the entire building. In most cases, sloped roofs are accompanied with gutter systems that help eliminate the possibility of ponding on the roof.
- Salt – If your home is built near the coastline, it is important to note that some roofs are prone to corrosion by salt from the ocean. This is especially the case with certain metal roofs. If you have to use a metal roof system, in this case, it is important to ensure that it has an alloy coating to extend its lifespan.
- Fire Risks – Some areas are prone to forest fires. For homes in such areas, it can be an extra precaution to use fireproof roofing.
Common Types of Roof by Material
- Metallic roofs – As you can tell from the name, these are roofs made from metal. The most common options include iron, copper, and aluminum roofing. As far as quality goes, copper tends to be more superior than the rest. this is because it is generally heavier and can thus withstand high winds, not forgetting its high ability to withstand corrosion by salt and moisture. Unlike iron, it is less prone to rusting. However, copper roofing tends to be a bit more expensive compared to the other alternatives. Depending on the metal type, metal roofing can last somewhere from 40 to 100 years.
- Slate roofs – This one is considered the most durable roofing options. With proper installation and maintenance, slate tiles can last up to 100 years of service. They are also excellent at withstanding the elements and can greatly increase the value of your home.
- Shingles – These are also known as asphalt or composition shingles. Most people prefer them for their enormous versatility and the fact that they come in numerous patterns and colors to choose from. Well maintained, asphalt shingles have an average lifetime of 20-30 years.
Other common options in the roofing industry today include wood shakes and EPDM (rubber) roofing, which can last from 20 to 40 years with proper installation and maintenance.
Once you get it right on the elements and choose a suitable roofing material, you just need to figure out which roof design will work out best for you. This is both in terms of functionality and aesthetic appeal. With the above tips, however, choosing the right roof for your home based on its location becomes a breeze.