Which Roofing Materials Stand Up Best to Water Damage?

Your roof is one of the most important parts of your home. Therefore, it is important to know that what you put on it will withstand the elements. With that in mind, what are some roofing materials that guard especially well against water damage?

Most Roofing Materials Guard Against Water Well Initially
Almost any type of material that you put on your roof will guard well against water when you first install it. Assuming that it is put in correctly, you can expect anything from asphalt shingles to cedar shakes to keep the interior of your home dry. Metal and clay tiles also can do a good job against water, which is important in an place like Toledo OH where rain, snow and generally moist conditions are present throughout the year.

Which Materials Need the Least Amount of Maintenance?
Although asphalt shingles are cheaper than other materials, they may require more maintenance over time. If there are issues with the gutter, downspout or other components of the roof, water could see right through a shingle. This is especially true if the granules come off or the shingle was not installed properly. Wood is another material that tends to succumb to moisture over time. Therefore, it may be best to go with metal or clay tiles if you want a material that lasts and does not need to be maintained.

Treated Lumber May Offer Better Protection Against Water
While untreated wood is easily damaged, rotted or warped by water, treated lumber may fare better. In addition, treated lumber may also be better against pests, fire and other types of natural weather conditions. It may also be possible to have asphalt shingles treated with minerals such as limestone to make them more resistant against water and moisture in general.

Not All Homes are Created Equal
It is important to know that not all homes are equal when it comes to materials doing well against water. If your Toledo OH home has large trees that create shady spots along parts of your roof, it may be harder for moisture to evaporate or otherwise roll off of the roof, which may make it harder for your shingles or other materials fend the water off.

If your roof was not installed properly or you neglect to do basic maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, you may also notice that your roof does poorly against water. Of course, you also have to consider that extreme weather conditions can create water damage no matter how strong your roof is against moisture.

Water damage is one of the most common reasons why roofs need to be repaired or replaced. Therefore, it is critical that you get the best materials that you can afford. Once the roof has been repaired or replaced, you should make sure that you have it inspected annually to check for any damage. Catching minor problems before they become major ones may make it easier and less expensive to fix them in a timely manner. Contact All-Nu construction today to stop the problem before it starts.