Those who have lived in West Virginia are well aware of how the state’s weather can change suddenly from day to day. Mountains get lots of snow in the winter, but the Eastern Panhandle has hot, muggy, thunder stormy summers. Our roofs are therefore continually exposed to the worst weather conditions.
That is why a growing number of homeowners are choosing alternative roofing materials that can stand up to changes in weather instead of traditional shingles. You can also see how these types of systems are installed in your area by visiting www.lookfamilyexteriors.net/martinsburg/metal-roofing-services/, which also has information about the durability upgrades you can do to your home.
Standing Up to the “Big Snow”
One of the biggest headaches for West Virginia homeowners is snow accumulation. The rough and grainy nature of asphalt shingles makes snow stick to them on the roof. Due to the resulting blockage in melting, water freezes at the eaves of the roof and can penetrate underneath the shingles, leading to ice damming and leakages in your attic.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, is naturally smooth, and it is a total transformation. Snow slides right off before it has a chance to get heavy or turn into ice. This protects your structural trusses from thousands of pounds of unnecessary weight. It’s a simple physical advantage that can save you a fortune in structural repairs over the life of your home.
Handling the Summer Heat
Summer is becoming hotter and stickier in West Virginia. If you have a traditional roof with dark shingles, then during those sunny days, they will soak up the heat just like a sponge, and the heat will be released directly into your home. This means that your air conditioner will have to work really hard, leading to a higher electricity bill.
Modern metal roofs are “cool roofs.” They aim at sending solar radiation back into the sky instead of taking it in. A reflective finish can be a big help in reducing the cost of cooling your house if you decide to go with one, especially during the very hot days of July.
When you visit lookfamilyexteriors.net/martinsburg/metal-roofing-services, you’ll see that today’s metal options come in styles that look like traditional slate or tile while still providing these massive energy-saving benefits.
Wind Resistance and Severe Storms
There’s an increase in the number of strong wind events and thunderstorms with severe weather throughout the state. Regular shingles are not very strong and so, they could easily be “lifted” or even blown off completely during a strong gust of wind, thereby exposing your wooden deck to the rain.
Metal panels are typically interlocked and fastened securely to the structure of your house. Many systems are rated to withstand winds over 120 mph, which provides a level of peace of mind that a basic shingle roof just can’t offer.
A Long-Term Investment for Your Property
Let’s talk about the “forever” factor. Under normal circumstances, asphalt roofs should only be replaced after 15 to 20 years. With only a little maintenance, one good quality metal roof can last up to 50 years or more. Even though the initial cost is a bit high, you are basically buying three roofs for the price of one.
In a real estate market where buyers are increasingly savvy about maintenance costs, having a metal roof is a massive selling point. It tells a potential buyer that they won’t have to worry about the biggest home maintenance expense for decades. Plus, metal is 100% recyclable at the end of its life, making it the responsible choice for the beautiful West Virginia landscape we all want to protect.
