How to Choose a Roof That Won’t Let You Down Next Storm Season
Roofs only become urgent when they are causing trouble. A drop you swear wasn't there yesterday, a stain spreading, or just a small leak when the rain comes down the wrong direction. Suddenly replacing the whole thing feels like the only smart move before the next storm rolls in and decides your living room needs a skylight.
When choosing to replace your entire roof, what kind of roof should you replace it with? This is the issue for many homeowners who live in storm-prone areas. In theory, every roof provides protection...until it doesn't. Let's take a look at some of the best roof options for homes facing frequent storms and extreme weather before you compare roofing replacement options.
Asphalt Shingles
This is the familiar choice for many people. Most US homes use asphalt shingles because they are affordable, and builders don't complicate things when they're putting up new neighborhoods fast. Around 75% of homes still rely on asphalt, mostly because the price makes sense for a lot of families.
They look decent, come in plenty of colors, and contractors can install them without turning the place into a long-term construction site. But the lifespan of asphalt shingles is twenty to thirty years if cared for properly and the weather behaves, but of course it never does. High heat, winter freeze, storms mean shingles age fast.
So while you might need to replace them faster than other choices, they're a budget-friendly option that can be installed in a relatively short amount of time.
Metal Roofing
The practical upgrade. Metal lasts, not just a little longer, but decades longer. Forty to seventy years, depending on the type. People think of big industrial roofs when they hear "metal," but modern roofs look sleek, not like a barn.
The heat reflection is a quiet perk that shows up in your energy bills. And that metal roof preserving your wallet is also protecting your home when the wind starts throwing debris around. It's safe, strong, durable, and it has your home covered. Literally.
The drawback, however, is the cost. Metal roofs are more expensive upfront. And you need a crew who knows what they're doing to complete a full refit of your roof. The last thing you want is a trial-and-error process that causes more problems than you had before.
Tile Roofing
Tile is the choice for homeowners who "never want to do this again". Tile roofs can last up to 50 years, longer in some cases, and they look incredible. If you have a showstopper home, then a tile roof is the icing on the cake, so to speak. It's also fire-resistant and can hold its own against most storms: hail, snow, torrential downpours. It will stand strong against inclement weather.
The downside is that tile is heavy. Your structure has to be able to carry the weight, meaning this option isn't suitable for a great many homes in the country. On top of this, if you do sustain damage, repairs aren't cheap. It is the perfect option if you want increased weather protection and outstanding curb appeal because tile roofing has this in bucket loads.
So which roof type should you choose? It is definitely worth looking into, to see what you really need on your house!
