Is Your Roof a Good Fit for Your Climate?

There are many factors that a homeowner must consider before deciding on a particular roof for his or her home. While cost is certainly a big factor, climate should also be a major factor in deciding what type of roofing materials to use. In a cooler climate like the one found in cities like Toledo, metal or asphalt shingles may be most appropriate.

Why Metal?

Regardless of where you live, a metal roof will tend to last longer than asphalt, wood shakes or clay tiles. This is because the sun’s rays can break down granules on asphalt shingles or dry out wooden shakes. Metal is also less susceptible to expanding and contracting throughout the year as the seasons and temperatures change.

In addition to being able to withstand the weather, metal roofing materials are typically lighter than asphalt or concrete. This means that they are appropriate for almost any type of house and almost any type of roof whether it has a relatively flat slope or a steep slope. When properly installed, metal roofs can last for up to 50 years compared to asphalt that lasts for 20 years or less on average.

Why Asphalt?

Although asphalt may only last for around 20 years in normal weather conditions, it is much less expensive than other types of roofing materials. If you are on a budget or don’t plan to live in your home for a long period of time, asphalt could be the most reliable and cost-effective option.

If the shingles are properly coated, they will do a good job protecting against rain, wind and exposure to the sun. This means that they don’t need a lot of maintenance to do their job effectively, which can be an added benefit to those who aren’t handy or simply don’t want to worry about investing more time and money on their roof.

Consider the Color of Your Shingles or Other Materials

When living in a climate such as the one found in Toledo, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the year. White tiles, shingles or roof coatings should be avoided at all costs. Instead, green shingles or roof coverings should be used whenever possible if being eco-friendly is a priority.

Green roofs have been scientifically shown to reduce both heating and cooling needs throughout the year as well as increase air quality in a home. However, white roofs have been shown to make homes and buildings significantly colder during the winter months than they would with black or green materials.

Those who live in cooler climates may also benefit from the use of solar panels as they do a good job of reflecting heat during the summer. They may also produce more electricity than an individual may use, and the excess may be sold to power companies at a profit to that person.

When deciding on a new roof, make sure that it is a good fit for your home, your neighborhood and the climate that you live in. Otherwise, you may be forced to repair or replace it earlier than you hoped or spend more than anticipated heating or cooling your home.