TIME FOR A ROOF CHECKUP
beyond the traditional asphalt shingle. Explore some of your options, and you may decide that the right roof for you is something you’d never considered.
ASPHALT
Typically, this will be your least expensive option. Everyone is familiar with the traditional shingled roof. Although they’re a good option, they are not my first choice for roofing material. If you decide on asphalt shingles, make sure you’re choosing shingles that are high quality with a good warranty so they last as long as possible.
FIBREGLASS
Fibreglass shingles are made from a similar material to asphalt, but are coated with a layer of synthetic glass fibre. This makes the fibreglass shingle a more water and heat resistant alternative to your traditional asphalt shingle. If your roof has poor ventilation, fibreglass shingles will be more durable than organic asphalt because they can weather the extra heat created by bad venting. But that’s just a Band-Aid solution to a bad roof and should not be your deciding factor.
METAL
A metal roof is my favourite kind of roof. Why? It’s efficient and it’s built to last. A metal roof will last you 50 years and stands up against high winds, and extreme weather like hail. It also resists mildew, rot, insects and even fire. They’re made from recyclable materials and that means we see less garbage in our landfills. Metal is a smart investment that will increase the value of your home and keep your roof in good shape for decades. A few concerns I often hear about metal roofs are the noise factor, and its ability to attract lightning. A metal roof, properly installed, is not any louder than other types of roofing. As for the lightning issue — a metal roof won’t attract lighting. Metal is a good conductor for electricity, which allows it to pass through with less resistance. It’s hard to predict the damage lightning can cause — but a metal roof isn’t more susceptible to damage than other roofing materials.
My garage features a green roof and I absolutely love it. My green roof improves my air quality, helps manage stormwater runoff, and even provides some insulating R-value. While it’s simplest to add a green roof during a new build, retrofitting an existing roof is possible whether you have a flat or sloped roof. You just need to make sure the structure can handle the extra load from the plants and soil on top. You’ll need the help of a structural engineer and/or an architect for that.
I love any kind of sustainable technology and think we should be building it into our homes wherever possible, but my favourite part about my green roof is that I don’t have to bring my lawn mower up there.
Like I said, for my home, I’m choosing a metal or a green roof every time. If you’re replacing your roof this year, start your planning early, do your research and choose the right material to make sure you have a roof that works best for your home.