Just because your home came with a certain material for the roof doesn’t mean it’s the ideal material for Alpharetta’s climate. Maybe the builder in your subdivision ordered the same material for every roof because of cost, efficiency, and, in some cases, homeowner association rules. Now you’re looking to replace the roof and aren’t sure which material works best. We’ve put together a mini-guide to help you understand which materials work best for each season.
Asphalt Shingles
Winters in Alpharetta may be considered mild when compared to other areas that suffer brutally cold temperatures and months of snow on the ground. But residents of Alpharetta do experience winter temperatures with average lows in the 30s. Snowfall is normally around 2 inches for the entire season. If your current roof covering is asphalt shingles, you’re not alone. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing materials in Alpharetta. Even though temperatures aren’t as cold here as, say, Alaska, it does get cold. Asphalt shingles are sturdy and durable, especially for cold climates. Asphalt is also cost-effective, and if your roof suffers damage from wind, hail, or ice, you only need to replace the damaged shingles, not the entire roof.
Concrete Tile
If you’re looking for something a little different than the average roofing material, concrete tile is popular in this part of the country. Concrete tile can withstand rain, sleet, snow, and something people who live in the South really love: the sun. Tile is also resistant to damage caused by bugs. Concrete tile is an all-weather roofing material but its value may be appreciated even more during the warmer months. Because concrete is heavy, it doesn’t heat up as rapidly as asphalt shingles, making it a great choice when you want to keep your home cool.
Slate Tile
Thinking about slate? If you’re looking for durability regardless of weather conditions, hard slate is one of the strongest roofing materials available. Since it’s a hard stone, slate is not only fire-resistant, it doesn’t absorb water. This is something anyone who lives in a climate where heavy rain is common will appreciate. This means it holds up to moisture and won’t warp. You can also buy soft slate, which may not last as long, but is just as resistant to weather and fire. Roof replacement costs in Alpharetta should be considered when looking at slate tile. It may not be the most cost-effective when you need repairs.
Metal Roofs
If you live in an area prone to wild winter weather, metal makes an excellent roofing material. It’s great if you get a lot of snow and ice. Metal is slick, and snow and ice will normally slide right off of it. Metal roofing is also a good warm-season material, especially if you choose white. White metal roofing cools faster at night. It also retains less heat and for shorter periods of time.
Terra-Cotta
If terra-cotta makes you think of exotic vacations to hot climates, that’s because terra-cotta is a favorite roofing material for homes in the desert Southwest and other hot and sunny locations all over the world. Terra-cotta is durable and resists high winds. As far as heat-resistance, important during hot summer months, terra-cotta is normally molded into an S shape. The individual S-shaped tiles form interlocking arches that lay on top of the roof. Space underneath the arches lets air circulate, which prevents heat capture. This results in a cool interior of the home.
Homeowners in Alpharetta aren’t limited to only one choice in roofing material. Each material has its own advantages and reacts to seasonal weather conditions in its own way. The best thing to do if you’re planning a roof replacement is to contact a roofing contractor who can go over all available options. Call Superior Roofing Company of Georgia today at 770-279-2621 and schedule a free estimate for roofing repair or replacement.