Your home’s roof is there to keep out the elements and often sustains the most damage from inclement weather. If your roof has recently suffered from Mother Nature’s wrath, replacing it with more durable materials can prevent future costly repairs and better protect your home and family. Whether you need a roof that stands up to hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards or scorching heat, here are five of the sturdiest materials to consider.
Slate Shingles
Natural slate is the most expensive type of shingle for many good reasons. Unlike other types of roofs, a slate roof can last 150 years or more. Slate is not only waterproof and fireproof but also highly resistant to seasonal changes and virtually maintenance-free. This makes slate an excellent choice for climates with harsh winters and hot summers.
Asphalt Shingles
Is a slate roof out of your budget? Consider asphalt instead. Their light weight, low cost and wide variety of textures and colors make asphalt shingles one of the most popular roofing materials on the market. Depending on the type you choose, asphalt shingles can last 15 to 30 years with little or no maintenance.
Metal
Most commonly used on commercial buildings, metal roofs are becoming more popular for residential homes. Metal roofs can increase your homes energy efficiency in hot climates by reflecting heat away. They are also highly resistant to ice and heavy snow, which slides right off so it can’t melt and create water damage.
Terra Cotta Tiles
Although terra cotta roofs are not common worldwide, they are popular in warm, sunny climates like the southwestern United States. Terra Cotta tiles are fired at high temperatures from a natural clay and are great at reflecting heat to keep your home cool. Although terra cotta tiles are heavy and expensive, they can save you money on energy and maintenance in the long run.
Concrete
Another unconventional choice is a concrete slab roof. This type of roof is most often seen on large commercial buildings, but its high wind resistance makes it worth considering for residential homes in areas that see a lot of hurricanes, tornadoes or thunderstorms. Concrete slab roofs are prone to staining from mold and dirt but clean up easily with a pressure wash.
Remember, materials aren’t the only important factor when installing a roof that can handle nature’s fury. Consider adding hurricane straps if you experience high winds frequently or install solar panels to make the most of the sun’s blazing rays.