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Homes and businesses include numerous systems and components. Each one does its part to promote a safe environment, improve efficiency, and keep all inhabitants comfortable and happy. While all those components and systems are important, some are more critical than others. This is certainly true of a roofing system. It's the largest surface of most buildings, and it can go a long way toward protecting all its accompanying structural components, internal systems, and other elements.
Choosing a Roofing Material
Several roofing materials are available from companies like RoofTec. Some of the
most popular options for homes are asphalt shingles, cedar shakes, slate, metal
roofing, and clay tiles. They're also common among some types of businesses.
For many commercial and industrial facilities, built-up roofing, EPDM and
thermoplastic membranes, silicon, and green roofing are more suitable
alternatives.
When choosing a roofing material, it's important to
consider certain factors. Cost is certainly a consideration. Longevity and
durability also enter the mix. Efficiency, environmental friendliness, and
maintenance requirements factor into the equation as well. Obviously,
appearance should also be kept in mind. On top of all that, resilience
shouldn't be overlooked.
What Is Roof Resilience?
Roof resilience is, essentially, a roof's ability to hold
up to all the hazards it's bound to be exposed to. The previously mentioned
considerations come into play when determining how resilient a roofing system
is, but they're only part of the picture. To pick the most resilient
alternative for your home or business, think about the following aspects.
1) Wind Resistance
Wind resistance is a crucial element to take into account
if you live in an area that's known for high winds. Even if brutal gusts and
sustained winds aren't common in your area, think about the possibilities.
Different types of roofing have different wind-resistance ratings, so not all
of them can hold up to the pressure.
Wind can tear surface roofing materials from their anchors
and destroy the underlying components. This can lead to problems ranging from
minor leaks to extensive structural damage. Roofing codes and
regulations for wind resistance vary
depending on where the home or business is located, so consider taking a look
at the guidelines in your area to determine which materials and wind-resistance
ratings might impact your needs.
2) Impact Resistance
Impact resistance is another point to keep in mind
especially if you're in an area that's prone to severe
weather like hurricanes, tornadoes, and
thunderstorms. Severe storms can take a toll on a roof in many ways. High winds
and all the damage they can cause certainly come into play. Heavy rains are
problematic as well. Additionally, the risk of impacts from flying objects
shouldn't be ignored.
Hail, heavy snow and ice, and falling trees and limbs are
only a few of the impacts your roof could be forced to endure during severe
weather. Any of those hazards could damage the top layer of a roof as well as
the sheathing. From there, the destruction could lead to widespread water
damage and affect your electrical system as well as other systems. Having a
protective membrane and other reinforcements installed is often recommended for
structures in storm-prone areas. This will provide an extra layer of protection
from potential damage.
3) Fire Resistance
Another important feature of a resilient roof is fire
resistance. This is a significant factor if you live in an area where wildfires
are common. Fire-resistant materials can prevent flames and flying embers from
penetrating the roof and damaging the interior of a home or business. They can
also safeguard belongings against heat damage.
From another perspective, fire-resistant roofing may be
able to provide a certain level of protection for surrounding structures if
your home or business catches fire. It can slow the spread of flames beyond
your property. Roofing materials have varying fire ratings, so be sure to do
your research if you're interested in this feature. Remember, though,
fire-resistant materials can slow the spread of fire, but they can't eliminate
the risk completely. They're only as effective as the other building materials
used in a home or business.
4) Energy Efficiency
For many property owners, energy efficiency is a major
factor to consider. Studies show that 25 percent or more of a home or business's
heating and cooling can escape through the roof. The amount of heat or cold
that penetrates the roof from outside can detract from efficiency as well. That
drives up utility costs significantly and negatively affects interior comfort
levels. Many of today's roofing materials are designed with energy efficiency
in mind. Cool roofs and certain other alternatives can offer enhanced
efficiency benefits.
5) Adaptability
Adaptability should be noted as well. Temperatures
fluctuate by season, and that can be detrimental to some roofing materials.
This is particularly true in areas where there's a significant difference
between summer and winter temperatures and other weather-related factors. The
last thing you want is for your roofing materials to shrink and crack when the
temperatures drop and swell and warp when they rise. Those issues could
significantly impact a home or business while driving up the cost of roof
maintenance and repairs.
Making Sure Your Roof Meets Your Needs
Numerous types of roofing materials are on the market right
now. Not all of them are of equal quality, and some of them just won't provide
the benefits you're looking for. They vary in price, durability, longevity, and
other features. Those factors and many others also determine just how resilient
a roofing system will ultimately be.
Choosing a resilient roofing system that's designed to hold
up to the hazards in your area is essential. Doing so will reduce a building's
heating and cooling costs while helping to thwart much of the damage a home or
business could be exposed to over time. It'll also keep down the cost of
maintenance, repairs, and roof replacements in the future.
Be sure to consider efficiency as well as fire, wind, and
impact resistance. Keep adaptability in mind as well. When you pay attention to
all those aspects, you'll be more likely to choose the roofing system that best
meets your needs and provides long-lasting protection from the elements.
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