Welcome to Family Roofing

CALL OR EMAIL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE – 202-276-5004   FAMILY.ROOFING@YAHOO.COM

 

At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Roofing Materials For Rainy Weather Environments

Choosing Your Roof Material

Come rain, sun, and snow, your house or building’s roof is your primary defense against the forces of nature.  The roofing materials that you select is that much more important.

The style of your roof – gable, flat, or hipped – may vary and each style has its strengths.  However, the roofing material you employ will determine the resistance, longevity, and aesthetic of your house.  The correct choice will help you save time and money on future repairs and avoid excessive damage even in harsh environmental conditions.

Choosing the best roofing materials could seem like a daunting prospect, but the key lies in hiring roofing professionals who will take care of all your roofing need.

Composition Shingles or Asphalt Shingles

Composition shingles, also known as asphalt shingles, are the most popular type of roofing material used across North America.  This material is particularly resistant to extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, small hail, snow, and moderate winds.  It does not hold up well to extreme heat, with longevity reduced by a factor of about 20 to 40 percent in these conditions,.

Shingles are effective as a roofing material in conditions of heavy rain as they are very durable.  They are, however, still porous, and this can result in mildew or mold growth.  This can be countered by special treatments by your roofing contractor that can reduce absorption and mold growth.

Shingles tend to be the first option for many homeowners, especially because this is an affordable option that will stand up to our seasonal changes.  If interested in composite shingles, most brands come with warranties that last from 10 years to even 25 years.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing works well for all kinds of climate and has an estimated lifespan extending up to more than 50 years.  For this reason, it has shot up in popularity in the last few years.

Metal roofs come in two types: metal tiles and metal panels.  Metal tiles can provide a very similar look to wood shingles or shakes.  Metal panels can be aesthetically pleasing since they reach from the gutter to the ridge; usually 20 feet long and 16 inches wide.

In addition to lifespan, metal roofing is extremely durable against heavy rain, wind, and hail.   On the flip side, because of the nature of the material, the elements can sound much louder inside when a storm passes overhead and leaves and debris can become trapped in the groves of the panes.

With that said, metal is still an excellent roofing material to select.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

If you desire an all-natural, sustainable, and traditional roofing option with lovely aesthetic, wooden shingles and shakes provide you with this solution.  The two types of wood roofing material are wood shingles and wood shakes.  Wood shingles are flatter and thinner, while wood shakes are thicker and generally rougher.  Both need to be put over spaced boards, which negates the possibility of a solid sheathing.

Wood, apart from its obvious flammability, also tends to be more susceptible to the weather.  In conditions of heat, it can split and crack over time.  If battered constantly by heavy rainfall, it is imperative to routinely clean the wood roof to avoid the growth of moss.  These concerns can be abated slightly by getting your roofing contractor to employ special treatments to avoid the growth of moss, lichens, and mold.

While there are certainly more low maintenance options, if wood shingles or shakes are the desired choice, it is an option that requires some additional care.

Clay and Concrete Tiles

Clay or concrete tiles are usually chosen by homeowners going for a Spanish villa aesthetic. The nature of the materials is such that they can be molded into various shapes, making the house stand out among the rest.  The color also holds well, in spite of dramatic climate shifts, adding to the appeal.  When constructed correctly, clay tiles have the capacity to last for more than 100 years.

However, they are also heavier and much more expensive.  Another important point to consider is that the foundation of the house must be able to sustain the additional weight.

When it comes to a wet climate, clay tiles tend to be a good option, but still need to be maintained to avoid mold growth.  They are susceptible to cracking under extremely cold conditions and cannot withstand very heavy hail.

Concrete tends to be a lighter material with similar long-lasting properties.  It is also low on maintenance and extremely effective in conditions of heavy rainfall.  But, the relatively higher cost, as well as variability in product quality, tends to make this a less attractive option to the average homeowner.

Slate

A versatile, durable material, slate is a great choice for rainy climate conditions and can also withstand heavy snow.  Slate releases water more effectively and quickly since it is hung from nails and not glued down like other materials.

While expensive to install and repair, slate is extremely long-lasting, making it cost-effective in the long run.  It is also completely fireproof.

Slate comes in a variety of shapes and colors, giving you multiple options to choose from for your home.  Unlike asphalt, it will also not fade in the sun.

There are many roofing options that will stand up to the heavy rain but, when making a decision, you’ll also want to consider aesthetics, product quality, and price range.

You likely still have a number of questions before selecting the material that will work best for your home.