Many homeowners mistakenly believe that all roofing materials are created equal and are designed to withstand the same types of weather conditions. Nothing could be further from the truth. Different roofing products have different strengths and weaknesses and selecting the wrong one can end up costing thousands of dollars for early replacements or costly repairs.
In many areas of the country, the climate is not constant from season to season. Places that have freezing temperatures and snow in the winter may have hot temperatures in the summer. Some regions are even susceptible to both hail and heavy snow. These factors can place unusual demands on roofs that typical single climate roofs are not designed to handle. These demands should be considered when seeking roofing advice.
The Variable Climate Challenge
Roofs in variable climates face a multitude of stresses. As temperatures fluctuate throughout the day roofing assemblies are subjected to unusual stresses, particularly in details such as seams, fasteners and penetrations. Furthermore, when melted snow refreezes to an ice dam, a roofing assembly is subjected to incredible stress. But in between these temperature extremes is the scorching heat of summer when a roofing assembly is bombarded by UV rays, only to be subsequently subjected to periodic freeze-thaw cycles.
The standard asphalt shingle is made of organic or fiberglass based materials. Because these two materials expand and contract at different rates internally, cracking and granule loss are common problems with them. GAF’s EcoFaire roofing shingles offer a solution to these roofing problems while giving a superior stone appearance and fire resistant features. Contact GAF for more information.
Metal Roofing: Thermal Expansion Considerations
Many metal roofing advocates advertise metal roofing’s superior durability, touting steel and aluminum roofs that can last 50-70 years or more should the roof be installed correctly. However, there are limitations regarding the thermal expansion of metal in “unpredictable” climates.
Standing seam metal roofing systems are designed to allow the roofing material to expand and contract. Both Concealed Fastener and Exposed Fastener systems allow for panels to be stress free and provide a seam for the roofing material to expand and contract into. The standing seam does provide an advantage over exposed fastener systems which are prone to leaks around the screw point as the roofing material moves around the screw.
Even though the initial cost of metal roofing is 2-3 times that of asphalt roofing, metal can often pay for itself through durability, shedding snow better than other roofing types, thus preventing the pesky ice dams that can form when snow covered roofs experience periodic warmer temperatures.
Clay and Concrete Tiles
While most roofing materials fall apart under the intense UV rays of the sun, clay and concrete tiles actually perform better under thermal cycling. Having been tested for centuries in the hottest desert climates as well as cool, wet Mediterranean environments, these roofing materials have demonstrated time-tested UV resistance while effectively safeguarding buildings against both extreme heat and cold temperatures.
Tile roofs are heavier than asphalt roofing. Most tile roofs weigh between 600-900 pounds per square whereas asphalt roofs weigh approximately 200-250 pounds per square. This increased weight requires additional bracing in most homes, adding to the overall cost of the roof and increasing the difficulty of the installation.
While tiles are very hard wearing and more resistant to cracking than other roofing materials, they are not invincible. After time, extreme temperature fluctuations can cause tiles to crack. Then, if water enters through the cracks, secondary damage can occur, which is often far more serious than the initial crack. To prevent these problems, tile roofs must be installed correctly from the beginning. That is why it is very important to hire a professional contractor to do the job right. Here in the Akron region, there are many skilled and experienced roofing contractors in Akron who have installed tile roofs for home and business owners.
Synthetic Materials: Engineering Versus Experience
Synthetic roofing offers the best of everything. Made from impact resistant polymers, synthetic roofing offers a synthetic look that outlasts and outperforms natural stone and Farey-style asphalt shingles, offering superior thermal performance and durability. Its lightweight roofing tiles offer the same low maintenance benefits of asphalt shingles without the weight.
By its very nature, technology is still evolving and it is a slow process to discover all of its full capabilities. In terms of synthetic turf, most products currently available have no more than 15 to 20 years of actual field play history, and while products are currently undergoing 50 year lab testing, we have no concrete evidence to prove how all products will perform differently in various climates decades from now.
Our Stone Flooring – Travertine product code CST is positioned cost wise between our Metal range and our Tile range. Installation is standard.
Slate: the Longevity Standard
Slate is the Durability Gold Standard for architects and builders for centuries, and for good reason. A well installed slate roof can last up to 100-150 years with multiple generations passing through. Whether in dusty deserts, humid tropical environments, or snowy mountains, it will endure with elegance.
Slate is a very heavy material, weighing similar to concrete tile and requires extra consideration when installing. Quality slate installers are generally hard to find and even when they do come, it can be very difficult to find matching slate replacements should a tile break. Although slate is very expensive up front (priced roughly 4-5 times that of asphalt) it is an economical long-term solution as it can last over a 100 years, easily outlasting other roofing options that must be replaced multiple times.
Making the Decision
No single material dominates all variables.
For variable climates, a metal roof may be the best all-around choice for performance in terms of thermal efficiency, longevity and initial cost. For the Do-It-Yourselfer, synthetic roofs might be worth a look given their engineered characteristics, although there is no long term performance data on these roofing systems.
While asphalt-based roofing products are abundant, affordable and easy to install, other roofing materials can also prove long-lasting, such as the aforementioned slate and tile. These products do come with a heftier price tag upfront, however, and factors such as the compatibility of your roof with the selected material, must be taken into consideration. It’s a good idea to have your home inspected for compatibility with various roofing materials prior to making a purchase. See More