Your roof plays a pivotal role in protecting your home, and an important component in your home’s curb appeal. When a roof replacement is necessary, homeowners have a wide assortment of roofing material options to choose from. With so many options comes uncertainty on how to decide which roofing material to select for your home. Choosing the best roofing material isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic decision that encompasses durability, resilience, and long-term protection.
The material you choose can affect the durability against the weather conditions homes in Wisconsin are susceptible to. In this homeowner’s guide, we will provide recommendations on how to choose the right roofing material options for homes in Wisconsin.
Understanding Wisconsin’s Climate Challenges
Wisconsin experiences distinct seasons with significant temperature variations. From freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and strong winds in winter, to heavy rainfall and humidity in summer, these weather challenges require careful consideration when choosing roofing materials for homes in Wisconsin. While roofing materials are being engineered to be more resilient as technology has improved, they are not all created equal.
Tips on How to Choose the Right Roofing Material for Wisconsin Roofing Projects
Reflecting on the conditions your roof is susceptible to throughout the year sets the stage for making an informed decision on the best roofing materials for your home. Below are the factors we recommend evaluating to ensure your roof provides unmatched defense against the elements, while meeting your needs and budget.
Durability
Evaluating how long your roof will last before a replacement is needed is something homeowners should consider. Roofing materials such as slate are extremely durable and can last for over 50 years, compared to asphalt shingles that typically last under 30 years. Architectural Shingles are one of the more durable asphalt shingle options as they are made of multiple layers, unlike three-tab shingles that are only made of one layer.
Waterproofing
With heavy rain, ice, and everything in between, homes in Wisconsin require roof materials that are water resistant and help the roof easily get rid of water and snow to prevent leaking. Thicker asphalt shingles keep out moisture better compared to the thinner shingles. Slate roofing material sheds ice and snow relatively easily.
At Reimer Roofing, we install Owens Corning Duration shingles which are equipped with a 3M-manufactured granule coating, to give a 25-year algae resistance warranty. In addition, the Duration shingles feature SureNail Technology. This unique feature is a fabric strip incorporated into the nail line on the shingles, providing a remarkable 130 mph wind rating with only 4 nails. Wind resistance is another crucial consideration which we will elaborate on in the next section. Learn more about Owens Corning Duration shingles by checking out their brochure.
Wind Rating
If your home is located in a more open area with less wind protection from other structures, homes, or trees, choosing roofing materials that are more wind resistant are recommended. For example, wood shingles are naturally wind resistant, and often found on homes in coastal areas. Architectural shingles can typically withstand winds up to 130 mph compared to 3 tab shingles that typically can withstand up to 60 mph winds. See a side-by-side comparison of architectural shingles vs. 3-tab shingles in our related blog.
Cost
Besides the cost of the roofing material, other costs that come into play are installation costs, maintenance and upkeep costs, and replacement. Slate roofing material has traditionally been used on high-end houses since it is more expensive than asphalt shingles to install. While the initial cost to install can be higher, they require less maintenance and last longer. Wood shingles can also be more expensive to install and do require occasional maintenance such as removing mildew or moss. Three-tab shingles are one of the least expensive roofing options.
Aesthetics
When choosing roofing materials, it is also important to consider your home’s architecture and design. Metal roofing can look great on modern or more industrial style homes, however they may not match the aesthetic to more traditional style homes. Slate roofing provides a the charm of natural material, with colors that can complement a variety of home styles.
Asphalt shingles are by far the most common roofing materials seen on Wisconsin homes due to the affordability, durability, and range of options available. They come in many different colors in both solid and blended color styles. Some colors even resemble the look of slate or wood shake, without the higher cost.
Your Wisconsin Roofing Experts
At Reimer Roofing, we can help you select the best roofing materials for your home’s architectural style, functional need, and aesthetic. We offer over 20 years of roofing experience and provide a limited transferable roofing warranty to ensure peace of mind.
Located in New Berlin, we serve the Waukesha County area and beyond. We’re proud of our track record for unbeatable customer service, timely projects, as well as the many awards our team has received for their excellent workmanship all over Southeastern WI.
Replace your roof with confidence by partnering with the experts at Reimer Roofing. Reach out to our experts for help on selecting the best roofing materials for your home, or get your free estimate today.
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