Selecting the right roofing material needs the utmost attention and focus! You just don’t need to find something that looks good but protects your family from the weather extremities, enhances the curb appeal, and offers great value for the money. The roofing is considered the first line of defense against harsh elements, providing insulation to the property.
Apart from protection and safety, roofing material adds to your home’s aesthetics and curb appeal. Plenty of options are available in the market, including metal roofing, shingles, wood roofing, asphalt roofing, and more, each with its value, aesthetic appeal, and benefits. Are you looking for a suitable roofing material in the Appalachians? This article will shed some light on the factors to consider before choosing the roofing material based on the climate and architectural styles prevalent in Marietta, Parkersburg, Charleston, and Athens. Let’s get started!
Factors to Consider Before Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home in the Appalachians
Appalachian region is famous for its harsh weather, especially thunderstorms and heavy rainfall. These prevalent conditions would need rugged roofing material to protect your property. Before deciding on a roofing material for your home in Appalachia, Marietta, Parkersburg, Charleston, and Athens, here are some things you should consider.
Consider the Climate
The first and foremost factor that contributes to selecting the right roofing material for your home is the area’s climate conditions. Each material responds differently when it comes to protection and safety against heavy rainfall, snow, thunderstorms, or excessive heat from the sun.
- If the area is prone to receiving a large amount of heat from sunrays throughout the year, a reflective roof material such as Vinyl would be considered a good choice. A reflective roofing material can make the roof cooler by 50°F with their thermal emittance properties.
- On the contrary, rugged, strengthened roofing material such as slate is needed for weather conditions with snow and heavy rainfall, as the weight of the snow can cause the roof to collapse. As per the report, an average roofing material can withstand 20 lbs of snow per square foot.
- Asphalt shingles would be the perfect choice for higher humidity and moisture areas.
Durability and Longevity
The durability and longevity of different roofing materials can also affect your decision-making. Some of the materials will withstand more than others. The life of roofing material also depends on that area’s geographical location and climate conditions. Plenty of roofing materials are available in the market, each with a different lifespan.
- You can expect the Asphalt Shingles to last between 25 to 30 years, however, it greatly depends on the density of the asphalt shingles.
- Next comes metal roofing, which is also considered rugged in strength. Metal roofing comes in different gauges, such as 22 to 29. The average lifespan of metal roofs with gauges 25 to 29 is 25 to 30 years.
- The life of wood shingles depends on various factors such as chemical treatment, application of an anti-termite solution, and more. However, it can roughly last up to 30 years.
- Concrete roofing is considered to last longer than every other material. Research has concluded that if installed and maintained correctly, it can last for decades.
Architectural Style, Aesthetics, and Curb Appeal
Roofing materials are not only meant for protection but also provide aesthetic appeal to a home. Choosing the right roofing for your home in Appalachia can enhance the curb appeal and complement the architectural style. Different roofing materials can respond and complement differently when it comes to aesthetic appeal.
- Slate and clay tiles can look traditional but add to the style of your home at the same time. Both these tiles can make the homes look sleek and contemporary at the same time.
- Moreover, wood shingles can do the thing if you want a modern and stylish look. Wood materials can be colored or designed in any way you want.
- Metal roofing is considered the top choice if you want to resell the home, as it attracts buyers due to its unique curb appeal. A house with metal roofing has a higher resale value than the one with asphalt shingles.
Considering the cultural and architectural aspects, the color and texture of a roof matter a lot. Choose the suitable material and customize it according to your cultural values.
Insulating Properties and Energy Efficiency
Roofing material plays a significant role in energy efficiency and insulation. Some materials have better insulation than others, significantly impacting energy bills. Additionally, some roofing materials can suit Appalachia’s summer weather by reflecting heat and reducing energy bills by 15-30%.
Meta roofing is considered best for insulation and eases the functioning of HVAC in both summers and winters. Moreover, an insulation sheet can be installed under the metal roofing to keep the inside conditions cool in the summer and warm in winter.
Maintenance Requirements
The last but not the least factor to consider is the maintenance requirement. No one would want to spend hours cleaning or maintaining the roof after every stormy season.
- Metal roofing requires less maintenance as the metal sheets are usually straight and in line. You can simply wash off the dust from the metal sheets with water.
- Slate material is another choice that needs no chemical treatment. It is resistant to mold, rot, and fire.
Final Words
Choosing the right roofing material is paramount not only for protection but also for the curb appeal of your home. Roofing materials come in various types, each with its structural properties. Asphalt shingles are the top choice for a long-lasting roof, while metal roofing requires less time and has less maintenance costs. Thus, it is recommended to consider the abovementioned factors to choose the suitable roofing material based on the climate and architectural styles prevalent in Marietta, Parkersburg, Charleston, and Athens.
