The Best Types of Roofs for Extreme Weather

From hail storms to hurricanes, extreme weather puts roofs to the test. For example, in Buffalo, New York, homeowners shoveled several feet of snow from their roofs after November’s epic storm. The roofs that held up under the enormous weight of all that snow were made of the right roofing materials for snow and ice.

So what are the best types of roof for extreme weather conditions?

Best Types of Roofs for Snow and Ice

If your region is prone to big snows, the best type of roof for you is one that directs water from melting snow and ice off the roof efficiently. The ability to withstand high winds also is a must for winter-proof roofs.

The Honest Abe Roofing Executive Collection includes top performing roofing materials for extreme winter conditions: Polymer modified shingles and metal roofing. The shingles and metal panels have different characteristics designed to give you the look and capabilities you want.

POLYMER MODIFIED SHINGLES

Polymer modified shingles improve upon traditional asphalt shingles, which sometimes become brittle and break. Polymer modified shingles look like traditional asphalt shingles but perform more like an indestructible metal roof.

To make polymer modified shingles, manufacturers start with asphalt, then add a polymer that rubberizes the asphalt. Polymer modified shingles are crack-resistant and can be installed on a roof when it’s as low as zero degrees. In addition, polymer modified shingles have the following stellar ratings:

Class 4 hail impact rating

130 MPH wind rating

Class A fire rating

METAL ROOFING

Metal roofing is a great choice for homes in places with extreme winter weather. Snow and ice slide down metal roofs, relieving any worries about standing water on the roof. Metal roofs with standing seam panels and rib panels are among the most resilient and weather-resistant roofing systems on the market. Plus, the lifespan of a metal roof is up to 60 years. Other benefits of metal roofing include:

Class 4 hail impact rating

130 MPH wind rating (up to 150 MPH for some types of metal)

Energy savings

Roofing Materials Resistant to Hurricane-Force Winds

When you live in Hurricane Alley, you know to be prepared with emergency supplies and an evacuation plan. Add the number for Honest Abe Roofing Emergency Services to your emergency box! If a hurricane damages your roof we will be out to help with temporary repairs within 24 hours.

Many homes withstand high winds because they have a hurricane resistant roof. Metal is the strongest roofing materialfor withstanding hurricane-force winds. Most metal roofs are rated to withstand wind speeds from 100 MPH to 150 MPH. The variation is based on the strength of the metal.

Metal is more expensive than some roofing materials. Other options range from asphalt shingles to slate. Enviro-Steel Shinglesare new in the Honest Abe Roofing Executive Collection. Twenty-five percent of these shingles is recycled content. Enviro-Steel Shingles stay put in winds of up to 130 MPH even though they are lightweight and flexible.

States and cities in hurricane-prone areas often have regulations for roof repairs. In Florida, this includes installation of hurricane strapsand other roof reinforcements. Honest Abe Roofing knows the requirements and follows them.

The Best Roofing Materials for Areas Prone to Hail

Hail can destroy a roof and causes thousands of dollars in damage in just a few minutes. If this happens to you, contact Honest Abe Roofing Emergency Services. We will help with temporary repairs within 24 hours of your call.

When you are replacing a roof or building a new home, go with the strongest roofing material possible to protect your home from the consequences of hail damage. Safety testing company UL Solutions ranks roofing materials according to how they handle hail. The materials are placed in Class 1, 2, 3, or 4 depending on how well they withstand the impact of steel balls of various sizes. Classes 3 and 4 also have greater wind resistance than Classes 1 and 2.

Class 4 roofing materials can withstand the impact of a 2” steel ball. Materials in the Honest Abe Roofing Executive Collection with a Class 4 rating include:

Polymer modified shingles

Stone-coated steel shingles

Rib panel steel roofing

Standing seam metal roofs

Enviro-steel shingles

Class 3 roofing materials stand up to the impact of a 1 ¾” steel ball. Honest Abe Roofing materials with a Class 3 or 4 rating, depending on the brand, include:

Asphalt shingles - both 3-tab and architectural

Clay or concrete tile

Wood shakes

Slate

Synthetic slate

Choosing the Right Roofer After Extreme Weather

When a weather disaster hits your city, suddenly everyone is competing for the same services. If your roof is leaking, or worse, you want it repaired as soon as possible. You might be tempted to go with the first roofer who contacts you. Instead of making a hasty decision on a major investment, call your local roofing professional at Honest Abe Roofing. We always adhere to high standards and our guarantees cover your roofing system as long as you own the house.

Let’s create a plan to weatherproof your roof. Contact us online or on the phone at 844-298-4400.