Know Which Weather Resistant Roofing is Right for Your Home

7/11/2018

There’s more to choosing a roof than color and material. Make sure your roof is customized for your weather region.

Not all roofs are the same. Technological advancements and innovations in building materials mean that, especially in the last 20 years, your options when choosing a roof have greatly expanded. Not only must you chose shingle style, material, and color, but you also have several options to make sure your roof meets the specific needs of your home. One of the areas of customization that has greatly advanced deals with extreme weather. Several options are available to help protect you from whatever extreme weather you expect to experience in your location. Doing some research and asking your contractor can help you make the right choice when it comes to weather protection, and choosing the right roof now will save you time and money with repairs later. 

What weather are you worried about?

Hail

If you live in an area that is prone to hailstorms, rest easy. Most roofing manufacturers offer either specific “impact resistant” products or impact resistant variations of their flagship shingle offerings. These shingles are tested against standards in order to be called “impact resistant.” This includes dropping steel balls on them to simulate the impact of actual hail. The materials these shingles are made from are generally chosen because projectiles literally bounce off of them. They are also durable enough to withstand the rain, wind, and sleet that you can expect alongside falling hail.

Recently, hail damage has been on the rise. In response, many insurance companies are requiring that impact resistant shingles be used, or giving discounts to incentivize homeowners to have them installed. CertainTeed recommends checking with your own insurance carrier before selecting your roofing products.

When selecting your roofing products, look for products that include “impact resistance” in their name. Also keep an eye out for “Class IV Impact Resistance.” This is the highest available impact resistance grade for roofing materials.

Blazing Heat

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and high temperatures can negatively affect homes. A building’s roof is the first to be exposed to sunlight and takes the brunt of the sun’s rays. Extended sun exposure not only causes your roofing to degrade, but direct sunlight also heats up your home, straining your cooling systems and causing your energy bill to spike. To combat this sun damage, manufacturers have developed shingles that reflect varying percentages of the sun’s rays. These shingles can help cut down significantly on heat absorption, keeping your home cool. These reflective roofs have become so popular that some states and municipalities in hotter regions have started to require high solar reflectance in building codes.

If you are interested in having a “cool roof”, look for shingles that are specified to be “solar reflective” and say they comply with the 2016 California Title 24 Part 6 Cool Roof Requirements. Many of these products are also ENERGY STAR® rated to reduce your energy costs. 

Stop Streaks with Algae Resistant Shingles

Roof algae is probably a concern if you live in a humid or damp region of North America. Algae growth results in black streaking on your roof. Those black streaks can be an eyesore, but thankfully they aren’t actually damaging your roof (this article from the Asphalt Shingle Manufacturers Association explains more on that). Still, algae streaks can negatively impact your property value, so you should look into options most roofing manufacturers offer to combat algae growth. They manufacture shingles with copper mixed in with the asphalt, and copper prevents the growth of algae.

If you want to prevent algae from encroaching on your roof, search for shingles that specifically mention their algae-resistance. This trait is usually identified by an “AR” label in their name so they are easier to identify. Not all algae warranties are equal, however, so make sure you know the specifics of each shingle’s coverage before you make your choice.

What to do next?

Purchasing a new roof isn’t something you do every day, and it’s a big investment. When it comes time to select a new roof, you will be doing yourself and your home a service by making sure you are well informed about your options. Doing some research beforehand will help, and it will help you to make a confident decision. Remember that working with a contractor you trust is crucial. An experienced and skilled tradesman will help you choose the best option for both aesthetics and performance, allowing you to feel assured you have made the right decision in choosing the best roof for your home.