Living in West Chester, Pennsylvania can be an exciting adventure with beautiful snow and mild summers. According to Britannica, Pennsylvania receives an average of 40 inches of precipitation per year, mostly in the form of wintery weather as the temperatures average 28°F in January to 70°F in July. West Chester homes can have a variety of roofing types and it is important to know how various types of roofing are affected by the weather and how they can affect a home. You can find more information about West Chester here.
There are a lot of factors when it comes to types of roofs and how roofing in West Chester can vary. Different roofs can sit more heavily than others while some should be avoided entirely because they will not withstand the heavy amounts of precipitation.
Some of the main types of materials used for roofing include asphalt shingles, metal roofing, slate, solar tiles, and stone-coated steel. Each of these materials has various upsides and downsides ranging from cost to lifespan. Below is a more detailed look at each of these materials.
Types of Roofing Materials
Roofs were once made of everything from thatch to stone tiles, with tiles and shingles being the most popular in the previous century. These days, the types of roofing materials one can use on their home vary from asphalt shingles to metal sheeting to solar tiles. While the look of a roof is important, the most important aspect of roofing material is durability and cost. A terracotta tile roof may look amazing but would not have a chance when it comes to a Pennsylvania snowstorm. Here are a few types of popular roofing materials with their pros and cons.
If you are interested in more information on how people roof houses, the Family Handyman blog has an interesting read: https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/how-to-roof-a-house/. After looking over the roofing materials, this would be a great follow-up read!
Asphalt Shingles
Shingles have been a popular roofing option for centuries, standing the test of time because they are easy to install, durable, and come in a variety of colors and styles to fit any home style. The ease of installation also makes them easy to replace.
Unfortunately, asphalt shingles should be installed in warm weather. It can cause damage to the shingles, which can make them more likely to crack. They are also vulnerable to winds causing them to detach and flip-up, providing less protection for the home from leaks. Shingles do not last as long as other roofing types on this list.
Metal Roofing
The major pro of metal roofing is its durability. They generally have a lifespan of 40 to 70 years, with a manufacturer’s warranty that can take nearly as long. It is energy-efficient, helping the home keep a more constant temperature. They also come in a variety of styles to suit many types of homes.
Metal roofs are an expensive investment. They are also susceptible to denting and can be noisy during heavy rain and thunderstorms. This may be a bonus to anyone who enjoys the sound of rain bouncing off metal.
Slate
Slate roofs can last nearly as long as metal roofs, and some even longer. They have a similar aesthetic to shingles, with similar variety in look. They are very low maintenance and show very little wear after even a decade. It does not absorb water and can increase the resale value of a home.
As with metal roofing, slate roofs can have a high initial investment. The weight of the roof may also be a factor to consider. If the home will not be able to take nearly 1,000 pounds per square (100 square feet), then slate will not be an option.
Solar Tiles
One option is solar tiles. While these may seem like they would be a bad idea for the weather in Pennsylvania, solar tiles are built to last and many come with a warranty that lasts decades, or the life of the home. They can stand up to winter weather and, the key selling point, provide electricity through the sun.
These are limited in color and the cost can be high to install and replace any broken shingles. These tiles also require a roofer that can work with these tiles specifically.
Stone-coated Steel
This type of roof boasts a long lifespan, nearing that of metal roofs and slate at 40-70 years. They can withstand heavy rain, hail, and various other weather conditions. Where other types of material can be very heavy, most are surprised to find stone-coated steel to be a lightweight roofing material. It is energy efficient and comes in a variety of styles to match the style of any home.
The two main downfalls of stone-coated steel are the initial cost and noise from the weather. It can take quite an investment to put on, but can be worth it in the long run, should you be alright with the sound.
West Chester Roofing
West Chester roofers must be knowledgeable in the types of weather in the area and finding someone local can be one of the best decisions for someone fixing a roof.
One of the most highly-rated West Chester Roofing companies is StormTech Roofers. Not only do they do both commercial and residential roofing, but they also offer gutter services, repair storm damage, and siding replacement. They have a total of forty-two reviews on Google Reviews, all of which are five stars.
StormTech Roofers have been working in home renovation and remodeling for 17 years. They have evolved as the roofing business has changed and can offer their clients a variety of materials while keeping in mind their budget and wants.
In Conclusion
There are multiple factors to consider regarding roofing materials including the cost, durability, and the way it is affected by the weather. Various roofing materials have various pros and cons. The above list, while not an entire list of roofing materials, are the most common roofing materials and their pros and cons.
