Roofs are one of the last places many of us think about when performing maintenance on our homes or businesses. It makes sense. They do all the hard work quietly in the background without asking for much attention.
Of course, until they do.
Then, you’ve got big problems. Big, expensive problems.
Add hurricane season into the mix and you can expect to pay through the nose.
Ready to avoid all of that? Find out just which roof materials to invest in for superior hurricane resistance.
The Benefits of Metal and Asphalt Shingle Roofing
Roof materials may not be glamorous but they’re absolutely essential to the safety and structure of your building. It’s especially important to keep in mind what your roof is made out of if you live in a hurricane-prone area like Louisiana.
Metal roofing is generally considered the best option for hurricane resistance. Most metal varieties come with a warranty, offering defense against winds up to 140 mph. As category 4 hurricanes range from 130 to 156 mph, metal materials provide some of the highest protection available.
Why else do owners choose metal roofs?
- They’re typically more durable and fire resistant than shingle roofs.
- They’re also useful for protecting your home or business against other types of extreme weather like hailstorms and thunderstorms.
How does it all work? Panels are overlapped and attached to the structure of the building, reducing the ability of wind to catch onto the actual roof.
Of course, there’s always a caveat. You’ll need a trained professional to make sure your roof is properly installed to enjoy all of its benefits.
Shingle roof fans, fear not. New shingles made of asphalt are more hurricane resistant than their older counterparts. Some varieties can safeguard against winds as fast as 130 MPH. For those interested in low maintenance, they’re generally easy to patch and repair as needed.
Do You Need a New Roof?
Sometimes it’s obvious that you need a new roof. Maybe you’ve got pans piled up all over the house collecting water.
Other times, things are more subtle. Stains begin appearing around the edge of the walls and mold seems to flourish.
Getting a new roof is no small matter. It requires time and of course, money to get the job done. You’ll want to be sure that a new roof is necessary before committing.
Here are some tell-tale signs that a roof overhaul is on the horizon:
- Sagging roof deck (the foundation of the roof system)
- Leaking
- Signs of water damage
- Daylight visible through the gaps in the roof
- Buckled and loose shingles
- Missing shingles
- Shingle granules loose in gutters
All of these issues must be taken care of before hurricane season hits. Even if you don’t need a new roof completely, they’re certainly signs that an inspection is needed.
How Being Proactive Pays Off
If you end up investing in a new metal or asphalt shingle roof resistant to hurricane damage, you may reap more benefits than you initially realized.
Check out the unsung advantages of a fresh roof:
- Reduced energy costs (There are less gaps for heat to escape during colder months.)
- Reduced allergy and respiratory problems (Say goodbye to mold!)
- Improved home value and curb appeal
A new roof can wind up being one of the best investments you ever make for your home or business. When it comes to your safety, there’s no need to look anywhere but the best. Call Juneau Odenwald Roofing to get a free estimate and learn more about our excellent hurricane resistant roofing.