Too often, property owners focus on aesthetics when selecting a new roof. Your roof’s appearance is important, but choosing looks over function can be a costly mistake. This is especially true here in Utah where the harsh climate and unpredictable weather will put your roof to the test. Let’s look at various roofing materials and how they fare in Utah weather.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt Shingles are the most common choice for residential and some types of commercial properties in Utah. Asphalt shingles have many advantages, as do their cousin, fiberglass asphalt shingles. The benefits of asphalt shingles include:
- Budget-friendly – a lost-cost choice that fits most budgets
- Lightweight – lighter than many other roofing options, they can be installed at homes, businesses, and even sheds
- Quiet – excellent at blocking outside noise
- Recyclable – old asphalt shingles do not have to be thrown away
- Repairable – installed in sheets, roofing contractors can replace part or all of a damaged roof
- Visually Appealing – options for color and style abound
- Durable – most roofs last for many years before needing to be replaced or repaired
This inexpensive option is a solid roofing choice for Utah’s harsh winters and intense summers because they do a great job withstanding weather at both ends of the heat spectrum. The installation of asphalt shingles is also quick, adding to their appeal. Their durability, variety of color and texture options, and ease of installation make them well worth considering.
Slate
Slate rooftops have been around for centuries, and with good reason. With slate roofing, thin slabs of natural stone are applied in overlapping layers. Because this application has been used for so long, it offers more of a classic, refined look. Slate can be expensive, though. Since it is less common and requires special application techniques, you will want to make sure you work with an experienced roofing contractor knowledgeable about working with this material.
Slate’s dense composition means it provides excellent insulation in both winter and summer. It is also highly wind-resistant because of its weight. Unfortunately, because slate is so heavy, not all structures can accommodate a slate roof, so be sure to discuss this with your roofing contractor if you are considering slate. You may even need to have your roof structure professionally evaluated before installation.
Clay Tiles
With their beautiful and inviting Spanish look, clay tiles are popular in some areas. Commonly used in coastal and desert areas because they can stand up to intense wind, salty air, and heat, they aren’t a common choice in Utah. Unfortunately, they do not hold up as well to harsh Utah winters. Clay tiles do work well for homes in southern Utah where winters are milder than in areas like Salt Lake City or Logan.
Metal
Metal’s smooth, even texture means snow and ice tend to slide right off, which is an excellent feature for Utah’s harsh winters. Since snow accumulation can create significant problems for roofing, that’s a major benefit of metal roofs. To avoid the dangers of snow and ice falling from the roof, you can also easily add snow guards. They hold back larger sheets of snow and ice, preventing them from falling off the roof’s edge. Metal is a material that, when installed correctly, provides outstanding insulation and allows for necessary ventilation.
Stone-Coated Steel
This offering is newer than many others on the list. A stone-coated steel roof uses cutting-edge technology to apply an acrylic coat to a steel base. These roofs excel at standing up to UV rays and intense sunlight. While initial costs may be higher, you may see meaningful decreases in your energy bills. Due to the area’s need for climate control nearly year-round, roofing contractors in Utah are seeing more requests for stone-coated steel roofs.
Concrete or Cement Tile
Made of cement, pigment, and sand, concrete tile roofing features tiles that can be formed in a variety of shapes and tinted in various colors. Thanks to their weight and solid composition, they are very resistant to snow, ice, wind, and hail. As with slate, you need to make sure your home’s structure can withstand the weight of a concrete tile roof. The weight makes cement tiles less popular than other roofing types available.
Green Rooftops
This beautiful and eco-friendly option is growing in popularity world-wide. A green rooftop uses moss and other living materials to cover the roof’s surface. However, in harsh climates, the organic materials may not thrive, making this type of roofing unreliable in Utah.
Roof buyers have more choices than ever. That makes finding a material that suits your budget, style, and climate a sure-thing, even when dealing with Utah’s intense, varied weather.