When you rely on your home to provide you with comfort and shelter, you can't take any risks with its ability to keep water outdoors where it belongs. Great roofing is instrumental in the fight against the elements, because it helps to create the kind of environment you need to keep your home and family safe. Unfortunately, there are many homes that don't have strong, reliable roofs, which can cause problems in the long run. On this website, check out excellent ways to spot roofing problems and resolve them quickly. After all, your home is your most valuable asset, so protect it now.
Your home's roof is one of its most important defenses against the weather. But to do that job, the roof must be able to stand up even in the most extreme weather conditions. What makes a roof more resilient against the worst that Mother Nature can throw at it? Here are a few of the most important factors and why.
1. Roof Pitch
The pitch of a roof is the steepness of the angles. Steeper pitches and sharper angles help rapidly direct snow, ice, and rain off the roof and into your gutters where it can exit safely. The flatter the roof, on the other hand, the more moisture can pool and potentially seep under materials and the heavier snow and ice will become.
Taller roof pitches can also be a bulwark against heavy winds. Flatter roofs may seem like a good choice to avoid wind, but they often allow it to get under exterior materials and rip them off faster.
2. Roof Style
Today's homeowners have a wide variety of choices when it comes to roof styles. A hip roof, for example, features four sides that rise up to meet at the top. This multi-sided design means it's less vulnerable to severe winds than a gable or gambrel roof. However, the additional joints and seams could allow more leaks from rain and snow. Gambrel roofs work well in rainy areas, but their shallow angles may allow snow and ice to build up.
3. Roof Materials
Which type of roof materials should you use? While most homeowners think of all roofs as being equal choices, there are pros and cons to each style. And if you need better protection from frequent storms, you may need to invest in higher-quality materials exposed to the elements.
For instance, a shingle roof system is one of the most common types of roof. While it's durable under normal circumstances, it may not hold up sufficiently under extreme winds and can be damaged by hail. Metal is susceptible to hail and ice damage, but it's often sturdy under major winds. Tile roofs may be some of the most protective materials under all conditions, but they can also be more expensive.
Where Can You Learn More?
Does your roof have what it takes to fend off extreme weather? What about the specific weather dangers in your area? Find out how it rates by meeting with an experienced local roofer near you today.
For more information on roofing, contact a professional near you.