Is Your Roof Up To Task?
An old roof can leave your home vulnerable
It’s not just the winter that can threaten your home with extreme weather; the summer in the City of Edmonton also has the potential for extreme weather. Severe thunderstorms in the Edmonton region, like in many other areas, are typically caused by a combination of atmospheric conditions that provide the necessary ingredients for their formation. When these atmospheric conditions align, they can create severe thunderstorms characterised by heavy rain, strong winds, lightning, hail, and sometimes tornadoes. These storm conditions can cause damage to a home if the roof is not up to the task.
The roof of your home is the first line of defence against the moisture, wind, and hail that come from severe Edmonton thunderstorms. A roof that has degraded from age will be at the mercy of this extreme weather. Shingles or tiles from an older roof can be exposed to the elements and lift away, leaving your home exposed to leaks and further damage.
Summary :
- An Opportunity to Upgrade
- Roofing Material For Severe Weather
- Asphalt Shingles
- Metal Roofing
- Slate Roofing
- Synthetic Roofing Tiles
Contact Us About Durable Roofing Materials Today
A Full Home Renovation is an Opportunity to Upgrade Your Roof
Full home renovations can tend to focus more on improving the interior living space on an Edmonton home. However, it is also a great opportunity to take advantage of the renovation work being done and upgrade your home’s exterior.
During a home renovation, various parts of your house may undergo significant changes and upgrades. Since the roof is an essential component of your home’s structure, replacing it during the renovation can be more cost-effective. Contractors and workers are already on site, and the process can be streamlined to minimise disruption and save money compared to a standalone roof replacement project.
When you renovate your home, you may alter its exterior appearance, add extensions, or make changes to the layout. Installing a new roof as part of the renovation allows for seamless integration of the roof design with the overall aesthetic of your updated home. This ensures a cohesive and visually appealing result.
Older roofs may have outdated materials, insufficient insulation, or structural issues that affect their performance. By replacing your roof during a renovation, you can install modern roofing materials that provide better energy efficiency, improved insulation, and enhanced durability. This can lead to long-term cost savings on energy bills, reduced maintenance needs, and increased protection for your home.
A full home renovation is an opportunity to assess and address any potential issues with your existing roof. By replacing it, you can avoid potential problems and ensure your home is well protected from the elements for years to come. This proactive approach can save you from future expenses and the inconvenience of unexpected roof repairs.
Roofing Material For Severe Weather Protection
In Edmonton, where the summer months can bring severe thunderstorms, it's important to choose a roofing material that offers excellent protection.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a popular choice for their affordability, durability, and resistance to rain and impact from hail. However, the tabs of an asphalt shingle can lift from the adhesive strip in high winds, which causes stress to the nails and eventually leads to shingles coming off a roof in high winds. When selecting asphalt singles, you get what you pay for. Look for shingles with a high wind rating and choose impact-resistant shingles that have a Class 4 rating. These shingles have added protection against hail, and their wind-rated shingles can withstand strong winds of up to 130 kph. These asphalt shingles have better resistance to wind and hail caused by thunderstorms and will last longer than cheaper shingles.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs are known for their strength, longevity, and resistance to various weather conditions, including severe thunderstorms. Metal roofing systems are highly durable, fire-resistant, and can withstand high winds. They also offer excellent protection against hail damage. Metal roofing is more expensive than asphalt shingles but benefits from greater durability and longevity.
Slate Roofing
Slate is a natural stone material that provides exceptional durability as a roofing material and also provides good resistance to severe weather. It is highly resistant to hail, wind, and fire. While slate roofs are more expensive than other roofing materials, they offer a timeless, elegant appearance and can last for the life of your home when properly maintained.
Slate roofing is generally more expensive than metal roofing. The cost of materials, as well as the specialised installation techniques required for slate, can make it a significant investment. The higher upfront cost may be a drawback for those on a tight budget. Also, slate is a heavy material, and it requires a strong and properly designed roof structure to support its weight. In some cases, additional structural modifications or reinforcements may be necessary, which can also add to the overall cost.
Synthetic Roofing Tiles
A popular growing trend in roofing materials is the use of new synthetic roofing tiles. Synthetic roofing materials, also known as composite or engineered slate, such as synthetic slate or synthetic shake, mimic the appearance of natural materials but offer enhanced durability and resistance. These materials are often engineered to withstand severe weather conditions, including high winds and hail.
Synthetic slate roofing is generally more affordable than natural slate. The manufacturing process allows for cost savings while still providing the appearance and texture of natural slate. This makes synthetic slate a more budget-friendly option for those who desire the look of slate without the high price tag while still being durable against storm conditions. Additionally, synthetic roofing tiles are significantly lighter than natural slate tiles, which makes them cheaper and easier to install. It puts less strain on the roof structure, reducing the need for additional structural modifications or reinforcements.
Synthetic or engineered roofing tiles are still highly durable and very resistant to weather conditions, including hail, wind, and extreme temperatures. It offers better durability than all other roofing options and though expensive when compared to asphault and metal roofs is still cheaper than natural tiles like slate or cedar shake tiles.
Get Roofing Help from Smyth Stolarz Construction
Ultimately, the choice between roofing materials depends on many factors, including budget, appearance, durability, and installation requirements. It’s advisable to consult with Smyth Stolarz Construction Ltd., who can provide guidance on residential exterior building products and help you determine the most suitable roofing material to accompany your full home renovation.