A Guide to Choosing Roofing Solutions for Extreme Weather Conditions

Roofing is one of the most important aspects of any building, as it protects us from the elements and provides comfort and safety. 

However, not all roofs are created equal, and some roofing materials may perform better than others in different weather conditions. 

In this article, we will explore some of the best roofing solutions for extreme weather conditions, such as heat, fire, hail, wind, and freezing.

Heat

Heat can be a major challenge for roofs, especially in areas that experience high summer temperatures and direct sunlight. 

Heat can cause roofs to expand and contract, crack and warp, fade and deteriorate. Moreover, heat can increase the indoor temperature of the building, resulting in higher cooling costs and lower comfort levels.

One of the best ways to keep the roof cool is by choosing a reflective roof surface that can bounce back most of the sun’s rays and reduce heat gain. Some of the roofing materials that offer good reflectivity are:

Metal

Metal roofs are durable, lightweight, and fire-resistant. They can also reflect up to 70% of solar radiation, depending on the color and coating.

Metal roofs can withstand winds of up to 150 miles per hour and are resistant to hail and freezing.

Cool roof paints

Cool roof paints are specially formulated paints that can be applied on any type of roof to increase its reflectivity. These paints can lower the roof temperature by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. 

White tiles: White tiles are another option for creating a reflective roof surface. Ceramic or porcelain tiles can be installed on the roof to reflect most of the solar radiation and keep the indoors cool. 

White tiles are also durable, fire-resistant, and easy to maintain.

Shade: Another way to keep the roof cool is by creating shade on the rooftop. You can use roofing solutions or features such as walls, trellises, pergolas, awnings, or plants. 

These features can block some of the direct sunlight and create a cooler microclimate on the roof. A roof garden with green grass and potted plants can also help in reducing heat gain. 

It absorbs some of the heat and provides evapotranspiration.

Fire

Fire is one of the most devastating hazards for roofs, especially in areas that are prone to wildfires. Fire can spread quickly from one roof to another, causing extensive damage and loss of life. 

Therefore, it is essential to choose a fire-resistant roofing material that can prevent the spread of fire.

Some of the roofing materials that are resistant to fire are:

Metal: As mentioned earlier, metal roofs are highly fire-resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. Metal roofs also do not ignite or support combustion when exposed to fire.

Concrete or clay tiles: Concrete or clay tiles are heavy and dense materials that can resist fire and prevent its spread. 

They also do not warp or crack under high temperatures. One of the most sustainable roofing manufacturers, Eagle Roofing, makes concrete tiles that can withstand 180 mph winds.

Slate: Slate is a natural stone that is also very fire-resistant and durable. Slate roofs can last for centuries and add a classic look to any building. 

However, slate roofs are also very expensive and require skilled installation.

Hail

Hail can cause severe damage to roofs by denting, cracking, or puncturing them. 

Hail damage can compromise the integrity and performance of the roof, leading to leaks, mould growth, and reduced lifespan. Hail damage can also affect the aesthetic appeal and value of the property.

Some of the roofing materials that offer hail resistance are:

Metal: Metal roofs are again one of the best choices for hail resistance, as they can withstand impacts from hailstones up to two inches in diameter without denting or cracking. 

Metal roofs also have a smooth surface that allows hailstones to slide off easily without accumulating on the roof.

Rubber

Rubber roofs are made of synthetic materials such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) or TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin) that are flexible and resilient. 

Rubber roofs can absorb shocks from hailstones without breaking or tearing. Rubber roofs are also waterproof, lightweight, and eco-friendly.

Composite shingles: Composite shingles are made of a mixture of materials such as asphalt, fiberglass, wood fibers, plastic, or recycled waste. 

Composite shingles can mimic the appearance of wood shakes or slate tiles but offer better impact resistance and durability. Composite shingles are also cheaper than natural materials.

Wind

Wind can pose a serious threat to roofs by lifting, tearing, or blowing them off completely. 

Wind damage can expose the building to water infiltration, structural damage, and debris accumulation. 

Wind damage can also increase the risk of fire by exposing electrical wires or igniting flammable materials.

Building design and installation techniques play a vital role in making a roof more wind-resistant. However, material choice also matters. Some of the roofing materials that offer high wind resistance are:

Metal

Metal roofs have a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes them resistant to wind uplift and shear forces.

Metal roofs also have interlocking panels or shingles that create a continuous surface that prevents wind from entering underneath.

Concrete or clay tiles

Concrete or clay tiles are heavy and sturdy materials that can resist wind pressures up to 180 mph. Concrete or clay tiles also have interlocking edges that create a tight seal against wind penetration.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most common roofing materials. Asphalt shingles have adhesive strips that bond them together and create a wind-resistant barrier. 

Asphalt shingles can withstand winds up to 130 mph if installed properly.

Freezing

Freezing temperatures can cause problems for roofs by creating ice dams, frost heaves, cracks, and leaks. 

Freezing damage can affect the structural integrity and insulation value of the roof. This can further lead to higher heating costs and lower comfort levels.

Building design and installation techniques are critical for cold-climate roofing. 

For example, asphalt shingles should be installed differently in cold weather and metal roofs require special considerations for high snow loads. 

However, material choice also plays a part in preventing freezing damage. Some of the roofing solutions or materials that offer good freezing resistance are:

Metal: Metal roofs have low thermal conductivity and high reflectivity that prevent heat loss and ice formation on the roof surface. 

Metal roofs also have smooth and slippery surfaces that allow snow and ice to slide off easily without accumulating on the roof.

Slate: Slate roofs have high density and low porosity that prevent water absorption and freezing expansion on the roof surface. 

Slate roofs also have steep slopes and rough textures that facilitate snow removal without damaging the roof.

Rubber: Rubber roofs have high elasticity and flexibility that prevent cracking and splitting under freezing temperatures. 

Rubber roofs also have seamless membranes that prevent water penetration and ice dam formation on the roof edges.

Conclusion

Choosing roofing solutions for extreme weather conditions depends on several factors, such as location, climate, budget, preference, and availability. However, some roofing materials may offer better performance and protection than others in different weather scenarios. In general, metal roofs are one of the best options for extreme weather conditions. This is because they offer high resistance to heat, fire, hail, wind, and freezing. 

Other roofing materials, such as concrete or clay tiles, slate, rubber, cool roof paints, or composite shingles, may also provide good solutions depending on your specific needs.

If you are looking for roof builders or roofing solutions in Bude, ensure to hire an experienced roofer. Ensure that the roofers you choose are certified and insured to get a safe service.