If you’re like most people, you may not give much thought to the type of roof you have until it’s time to replace it. Choosing a roofing material is critical for protecting your home or business against inclement weather elements. If you’re in the market for a new roof, here are some of the best types of roofing shingles for Minnesota residents.
Asphalt Shingles Minnesota
Many Minnesota residents prefer asphalt shingles because of the affordability. Moreover, most asphalt shingles, which are the oldest type of material, can last as long as three decades. Thicker asphalt shingles can serve you for even longer, lasting as much as 50 years.
If you choose asphalt shingles, ask your roofing contractor about options regarding fire resistance. The two types of asphalt shingles include organic and fiberglass shingles. Organic shingles don’t have as much fire resistance as fiberglass shingles, which contain a fiberglass mat sealed by asphalt layers on both sides.
Cedar Roofing Minnesota
Although the terms “shakes” and “shingles” are used interchangeable, they’re somewhat different. Unlike a shake, both sides of a shingle are sawed. Also, a shake is wider at the butt edge than a shingle is, and shakes are usually split on either or both sides. Another difference is that shingles are smooth, while shakes have a rough texture. What’s more, cedar shingles lay flatter than cedar shakes when they’re installed.
Cosmetic appeal is one of the main advantages of a cedar shake roof as it gives a home a rustic, as well as an expensive look. But this is only one reason for its popularity. Cedar shake roofs are ideal for Minnesota winters because of their exceptional thermal efficiency, providing more insulation than other types of roofing materials.
Structural strength is significant perk of cedar shake. It weighs as much as 75 percent less than other materials, but its wood fibers give it remarkable hurricane and hail resistance. Also, there’s cedar shake shingles are not subjected to freeze-thaw shock.
If you are looking for for an environmentally friendly roof, cedar roofs are greener than other roofing materials. This is because they’re not constructed from petroleum products and other nonrenewable resources.
Other Environmentally Friendly Roofing Options
People concerned about the environment have several options. Fortunately, today’s roofing materials are now made from green materials, such as vinyl, sawdust, polymers and polymers. These recycled materials are been proven to withstand extremely high winds and hail.
Advantages of Metal Roofing for Commercial Buildings
Metal roofing is the most common material that’s found on commercial structures due to its lower cost value and exceptional strength. Most metal roofs can last from 30 to 60 years. You don’t have to settle for a boring, gray metal color, and you can choose from a wide range of styles. There are even metal roofs that resemble clay tile or asphalt shingle.
Energy efficiency is another benefit which is a huge advantage for Minnesota weather. This means lower heating bills in winter during our harsh winters. Also, in summer, you can save on cooling costs as metal reflects heat.
Considerations and Warnings
- While you can install some shingles on a lath, others need sheathing to be installed on a roof deck. As a result, this can give you fewer choices in shingle material. Therefore, you’ll need to consult your roofing contractor about the conditions for your particular roof before your roof is installed.
- The pitch of a roof and the construction technique should be considered when choosing shingles.
- Even though a cedar shake roof can cost more to install, it can still save you money in the long run as it’s extremely durable.
- Shakes are now available in steel and other types of synthetic materials.
Questions? Don’t hesitate to call First Impressions Exteriors. Besides roofing, our Minneapolis based company specializes in siding, gutters and several other services. Please contact us and find out more about our many products and services. We work on both residential and commercial properties on all types and sizes of jobs.