What's The Best Roofing Material For Your City

Canada’s weather frequently fluctuates with extreme variations. Replacing your roof with a more durable and protective roof would be your start to a warm and secure  home that keeps you shielded from leaks as well as heat and humidity that seemingly cling to the walls of your home on warmer days. In some cases, you might also want to keep yourself prepared for a tornado or a storm. Getting the ideal roof built depends on where you live and how drastic the climate in your city can be. Here’s what you need to know. 

Potential damage to look out for

While leaks are usually the most common issue with cheap or unsuitable materials, there’s plenty more you need to look out for. Icicles, for instance, can cause some serious damage to your roof, especially if it has shingles. The heavy weight of piling snow, frequent rains, and hailstones can all eventually make your roof collapse. A constantly damp roof made of cheap material will be subject to insect infestation or rot formation, which can, in turn, result in deteriorating your roof.

Cold climates 

Steep roofs facilitate the sliding of piling snow, which will keep your roof from leaking. Darker colors can also contribute to melting snow, as they’re best at absorbing and retaining solar heat. Alternatively, rubber roofs are equally good at retaining warmth, but are not as durable or eco-friendly as other options. While flat roofs give you a sleek and modern look, steer clear of them if it snows in your city. 

If you reside in cities like Regina or Sherbrooke, where it frequently snows, you might want to invest in a roof more suited for snow and heavy rains. 

UV and heat protection

Shielding yourself and your household members from harmful UV rays is essential; you’d be surprised how cheaper roof materials are easily penetrable by both heat and UV radiation. If you’re suffering from an air conditioning system that can’t keep up with your interior’s high heat levels, you may want to replace your roof or layer it with a more suitable material for hotter days. 

On the warmest summer days, the prolonged exposure of your roof’s structure to the sun may damage it on the molecular level, which will, in turn, slowly damage it. Heat causes materials to expand, and when the cooler days revisit, this the materials shrink again. This constant shrinking and expanding will make your roof brittle over time. 

Flat roofs are typically best for hot weather, and metal roofs also contribute to reflecting sun rays, although you’ll have to complement that with vents in your attic or top floor, in order to get rid of excess heat. Other alternatives include tile roofs, typically those painted white for better reflection. 

Dry or humid weather 

Typically dry regions such as Edmonton will be better tolerated with metal or asphalt roofs. For a more aesthetically pleasing look, you can ask your roofing company to layer your shingles with asphalt instead of rebuilding your roof altogether. Concrete and clay tiles also make great shields in dry weather. 

Humid weather, on the other hand, where there’s heavy rain, the majority of the year, will require you to opt for material that can withstand being damp at all times without collapsing or leaking. Frequent moisture could cost you thousands of dollars to repair damage that could have been avoided with metal roofing or steep roofs with a drainage system. 

Investing in a versatile roof 

If you live in a city like Surrey, chances are the weather qualifies for all of the above. The climate changes quite rapidly, which in itself can be damaging to your roof. The easiest way to adapt to a frequently fluctuating weather is to protect yourself from all of the above. 

All it takes to get your tailor-made roof is to contact a roofer Surrey has to offer. It is known for its diverse roof materials, which include asphalt shingles, enviroshake, and metal roofing, all of which are best suited for Surrey’s unpredictable weather. Eco-friendly options such as enviroshake are also becoming quite popular, and they do the job protecting your home from external forces. 

You’ll also be surprised by how a high-quality roof can affect the temperature inside your home. If it’s always too cold or too warm in your house, it’s most likely because your roof does not suit the surrounding climate. 

Protection from tornadoes 

Wherever you live, keeping yourself protected with a roof that can withstand storms is absolutely crucial to your safety. Wind storms are typically common in Ontario, namely the South, but they can pretty much happen anywhere in the country. 

Stay on the safe side and forget shingles, which can be easily ripped apart by the powerful pressure of a hurricane or a tornado. Anything from concrete tiles and metal sheets, to rubber roofing and fiberglass can be tailored to shield you from heavy winds, and even strong storms. Although it might not be frequent in your hometown, it’s best for you and your home to be prepared. 

Maintenance costs 

Most reputable companies offer maintenance at very low costs, and sometimes free of charge. Roofing materials are meant to be permanent solutions. If you find yourself needing maintenance in a few years’ time, your roofing company will likely take care of needed repairs for free. 

Some companies will even offer you to layer your current roof with more durable materials, which costs much less than replacing the roof of your home altogether. 

Picking a roofing company 

Make sure you do your research and compare quality, rather than prices before you install your roof. If you opt for cheaper options, you may find yourself reinstalling another roof a few years after. Durable materials and trusted companies should be your go-to. It will only burn a hole through your wallet once, and in return, you’ll keep your household secure from inconvenience as well as danger. 

Other than being a protective shield for your home, the ideal roof is one that doubles as sleek and protective. Talk to your roofing company to browse your options, but make sure you choose comfort and safety over external appearance, or you might regret your decision later on.