When you are in need of roofing materials for your home, you – or your contractor – can purchase a wide variety of them at your local home improvement store. However, before you decide on what to use, it would be a good idea to take a number of factors into consideration, including the weather conditions where you live.
If your home is in a humid region, or one that sees a lot of rain every year, such as the Pacific Northwest or a tropical area, your concerns will be considerably different than if Types Of Roofs Pdf you call one of the hotter, drier climates home. Fortunately, there are still numerous options available to the homeowner, regardless of what type of climate you’re living in.
For residents in wet or humid areas, controlling the growth of algae, mold, and mildew are of vital importance. Asphalt shingles, one of the most common and popular Jerkinhead Roof roofing materials, can be treated with a number of chemicals that either slow the growth of these undesirable elements, or keep them from getting a foothold at all.
For homeowners who want a natural-looking roofing material, the recommended choice of wooden shingles is those made of cedar. This wood contains natural oils that can not only inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, it also repels both insects and water.
Another good option for homeowners in extremely wet regions is metal roofing shingles. The surfaces of these shingles are resistant to mildew and mold, as well as being rust-proof and waterproof. They are also designed to resist all but the most intense of wind conditions.
Those living in hotter areas of the country, or regions where there is an abundance of sunshine, have just the opposite concerns. Instead of worrying about the growth of mildew, they have to find ways to keep their roofs from overheating, and possibly warping or cracking. In extremely high temperatures, shingles made of a combination of fiberglass and asphalt offer the best protection against the sun and wind. Each shingle is made of much tougher asphalt, and then covered in fiberglass to produce a strong, heat resistant surface. In fact, some states and regions require them in place of the traditional asphalt shingles.
If you prefer a natural look for your home, consider using clay tiles. While they are more fragile than the fiberglass-asphalt shingles, it takes a longer time for them to heat up in extremely warm conditions, so they can help to keep a home at a moderate temperature. They are also relatively durable, lasting as long as 50 years, and can increase a home’s value significantly.
Finally, homes that receive a great deal of sunlight to the roof are in a good position to take advantage of the growing popularity of solar shingles. These can be added to existing roofing materials, and then wired directly to the home’s electrical system, which can in turn reduce a homeowner’s energy bills considerably, and increase the potential value of the home. The shingles are waterproof, and are resistant to all but the most severe weather conditions, making them a profitable and responsible choice.
