Determining the right roofing material always starts with understanding the best materials for a Texas climate. We’re going to discuss what materials these are in detail below so you can make a better-informed decision as to which one may be ideal for your home in the wintertime.
The Most Common Wintertime Conditions Your Texas Roof Faces
Texas has its own weird temperature extremes, with lots of variation throughout different parts of the state. As a homeowner, it’s important to know the main wintertime issues your roof will need to effectively face. This way, you can choose a material that stands up well to these issues.
One of the most common is freezing temperatures. When temperatures get below freezing, any moisture on your roof will freeze. This can lead to ice damming and other negative events. It’s necessary to choose a roofing material that is highly resistant to moisture and allows for the quick release of rainwater.
Another issue your roof will face is severe storms. Hailstorms and thunderstorms are very common during the winter months. Picking a roofing material that will stand up well to impact damage, like hail, is a necessity. Furthermore, a roofing material with a high resistance to strong wind gusts is a must to ensure your roof stays intact during the worst of the wintertime storms.
One other factor that your roof faces is UV exposure. This ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause material fading, heat absorption, and overall premature deterioration of some roofing materials. Opting for a material that is heavily resistant to UV exposure is the key to allowing your new roof to survive winters with ease.
There are several different roofing materials that will stand up well to a Texas winter environment. The material you choose for a roof installation or replacement will be highly dependent on numerous factors, like your budget, aesthetic preferences, and so forth.
Asphalt Shingles
One of the state’s most popular roofing materials is asphalt shingles. These are very affordable for the average homeowner and come in a variety of options. Homeowners who want more durable and long-lasting shingles can opt for luxury or architectural shingles that come in a wide variety of styles and color options. Asphalt shingles typically last anywhere between 15 and 30 years with proper care. They stand up well to strong wind gusts as long as they are in good working condition and are available in lighter-colored options that can make your home more energy-efficient. Shingles are very easy to install and are widely available throughout the state.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is an increasingly popular option that offers a life span of between 40 and 70 years, with proper care. Metal is available in standing-seam and screw-down options, depending on your individual aesthetic preferences. This roofing material is also available in a wide variety of color options, so you can find the perfect shade for your home. Furthermore, metal is highly durable, fire-resistant, and fairly easy to install.
Metal roofing stands up well to strong wind gusts, heavy rainstorms, and even hailstorms. You can get traditional sheets of metal roofing or opt for metal shingles that offer all the great benefits that come along with metal while giving that distinctive shingle look. Another notable advantage of metal is that it’s naturally reflective of the sun’s rays. It’s available in zinc, copper, aluminum, and steel, which all have different price points. However, any metal roof will cost more than the asphalt shingle option.
Concrete or Clay Roofing Tiles
Another popular roofing option is concrete or clay roofing tiles. These provide a very stylish look and can last around 50 years. The beauty of these tiles is they act as perfect insulators for your home, so you can keep in warm air in the winter. Both concrete and clay tiles are very low maintenance and are weather-resistant. However, like metal, they do come at a much higher price point than asphalt shingles.
Slate Roofing
One of the longest-lasting roofing materials on the market today is slate roofing. This natural stone is resistant to pests, fire, and water absorption. It will last 100 years or more with proper upkeep. It’s important to note that slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials due to its very long life span, and it does add more weight to your roof than other materials. Slate is very eco-friendly as it can be reused for landscaping or other similar concepts instead of being thrown in a landfill. Slate roofing is a great insulator, which means more energy efficiency in your home, and it provides a very prominent and unique look.
Wood Shakes
Wood shakes are another roofing material option for your Texas home. Most shakes are constructed out of cedar due to its long life span and unique appearance. Cedar shakes are a somewhat low-maintenance material that offers a timeless look. This wood is treated with preservatives to ensure it’s fire-resistant, pest-resistant, and moisture-resistant, and it can even stand up to strong wind gusts. Wood is not only visually striking, but it also acts as an excellent insulator.
Composite Roofing
One particular roofing material that is gaining a lot of popularity lately is composite roofing. This roofing material is constructed of a combination of ingredients. These include things like synthetics, wood, slate, recycled materials, and even laminate. Composite can be designed to look like other roofing materials, such as shingles or shakes. This roofing material is very durable, fire-resistant, wind-resistant, fade-resistant, and even impact-resistant. Composite boasts a life span of between 40 and 50 years.
Understanding Maintenance
The easiest roofing materials to maintain are asphalt shingles, metal roofing, and composite roofing. Tile can require a bit more maintenance due to its high susceptibility to mold and mildew growth. Cedar shakes do require regular coatings every three years to stay in top condition. Regardless of the roofing material that you choose, it’s important that you invest in annual inspection services by a knowledgeable roofer. This will catch potential issues while they’re small and much cheaper to fix.
Opting for Longevity
Some homeowners simply want to invest in one roof in their lifetime. They don’t mind that the cost is higher. Rather, they take solace in the fact that they don’t have to worry about a major roof replacement later in the future. For these homeowners, opting for slate roofing is going to be the best option as it regularly lasts 100 years or more. Another popular choice is metal as you can choose metal materials that will last close to 70 years. Cedar shakes, composite, and tiles will last for around 50 years. Asphalt shingles have a life span ranging from 15 to 30 years.
Expert Roof Installation Service
KPost Company offers expert residential roof installation services for the Dallas, TX area. We can also help with all your roof repair, replacement, maintenance, inspection, gutter installation, emergency service, and solar needs. Call us today today to book your next service consultation.
