Every homeowner wishes to have the best possible roof over his/her head. This roof should be able to put up with the worst possible impact of the elements. So roofing is the utmost concern of the homeowner. The first aspect that is under scrutiny is the climatic conditions of the locality. The type of the roof, the strength of the roof structure, and the roofing materials should be decided according to the climatic conditions that the roof is going to endure.
St. Petersburg, Florida is a city that has a tropical climate. The extreme climatic conditions need the most robust structure and durable roofing materials. Asphalt shingles, clay & terracotta tiles, and metal roofs are the most popular roofing materials here. It is necessary to know the effect of the weather on each of these materials.
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Asphalt shingles are favored by most people here. The reason is that they are the most affordable material. Asphalt shingles are made using organic pulp or fiberglass as the basic mat. This mat is processed and impregnated with asphalt. In the final stage of the manufacturing process, these asphalt sheets are covered with granules of ceramic-coated minerals, which form a protective cover. The shingles with a fiberglass base are more fire-resistant. These have a service life of 20 to 30 years. They are easy to install and are available in a variety of colors.
Impact of elements
Asphalt shingles are affected by extreme heat and the UV rays crack them easily. The extreme heat curls and buckles the shingles. Furthermore, the heat softens the tar and dislocates the granules which are washed away in the rain or blown away by a strong wind. Asphalt shingles are comparatively lighter. Storms usually lift them and blow them away, thus causing extensive damage to the roof.
Continuous rain is also detrimental to asphalt shingles. Apart from the fact that the loose granules will be washed away and the shingles that are rendered bald are likely to rot further causing roof leaks to your St. Pete, Florida home. The almost-year-round rains in Florida cause water pooling on the asphalt shingles which cause bio-growth. The algae, fungi, and lichens growing on an asphalt roof will speed up the deterioration of the shingles. So it is necessary to treat the roof with algal resistant washes.
These roofing materials will give an elegant look to your roof. They suit most of the Florida architectures. The natural color of these tiles increases the curb appeal of the house. The only disadvantage is that they are heavy and need a sturdier roof structure. Also, you will have to spend more upfront if you want to use these tiles as roofing materials. The up-side is that they need almost zero maintenance.
Impact of the elements
Clay tiles are mostly weather resistant. They are not affected by extreme heat or UV rays. On the contrary, they reflect most of the heat and make your home energy efficient. Even though clay & terracotta tiles are not 100% wind resistant, they stand up to the wind to a great extent. However, they are delicate and breakable. The flying debris or a nearby uprooted tree can wreak havoc. Rain does not affect these tiles much unless it is accompanied by strong winds. Continuous rain can promote moss growth; however, the moss has minimal impact on the health of the tiles.
• Metal Roof
This is an almost lifelong roof. They have a longevity of 60 to 70 years. However, the fact that they are expensive reduces their popularity. All the same, they prove to be cost-effective in the long run. They are available in a wide range of colors and shapes. The disadvantage is that it is very difficult to get the same shade of color in case you need a partial replacement.
Impact of the elements
The metal roof is extremely energy efficient. The reflectance of this material is very high. It is not affected by extreme heat. The dark-colored sheets are likely to fade a bit in the long run though. The wind also does not affect them much, unless it an extremely violent hurricane or tornado. However, the flying debris and tree limbs can cause dents on them. When you know the various aspects of these roofing materials you can choose the one which suits your weather and pocket.