Different Options for Roofing a Summer House

Having a summer home is a great opportunity to get away from the daily grind and truly relax with friends and family. If your summer home is in an area where high temperatures and sunshine are a regular occurrence, you’ll also want to consider what type of roofing will be best for your summer home. When you can’t be there all the time, you want to make sure you are investing in a high-quality roofing material that is durable and dependable.

Factors to Consider

There are several different factors to consider when it comes to selecting the best roofing option for your summer home. You want to keep your summer home just as safe and secure as your regular home. That means you’ll want to factor in different weather conditions and longevity when selecting the right fit for your home.

Weather Conditions

While you may only visit your summer home a few months out of the year, you still want to invest in quality roof material that can withstand the weather year-round. If your summer home is in an area that can still experience harsh winters and snow, you want a roof that can handle the weight of the snow. You want the snow to be able to slide off your roof easily as well. This provides peace of mind when you can’t physically be there to check on the condition of your roof.

You also want to invest in a roofing material that can stand up to high winds. High winds can cause shingles and other roofing materials to become loose or fall off completely. Missing shingles can greatly affect your roof’s ability to protect the interior of your home from water damage. High winds can also carry debris such as tree branches that can cause damage to your roof. You want to select a roofing material that can withstand wind and is tough enough to withstand potential damage caused by flying debris.

You also want to consider roofing material that is ideal for high temperatures and can protect against UV rays. It is ideal to invest in a roof that has a higher capacity to reflect the sun’s rays. This helps to keep your summer home cooler in the summer without having to crank up the AC.

Longevity

Roofing materials vary in cost, style, durability, and longevity. When it comes to your summer home, it is beneficial to invest in a roofing material that you know is going to last. How long a roof lasts depends on a variety of factors, including your ability to properly maintain the roof.

Longevity also depends on the type of material you select. How long a roof lasts will typically factor into the cost of the installation and material. In general, most roofing types last at least 20 years, but some can last 50+ years.

Roofing Options

Knowing what you want out of your roofing material is a great place to start. You want the roof of your summer home to be reliable, especially when you can’t always be there. When selecting your next roofing material, you want to carefully weigh both the pros and the cons of your selection.

Asphalt Shingles

This roofing material is common across the U.S., largely due to its variety of styles and affordability. Installation is easy, and when properly installed, this material can last 20-25 years. One drawback of this roofing is that it doesn’t provide the same level of insulation as other materials.

This affects the roof’s ability to aid in heating and cooling. Asphalt shingles are also more susceptible to high wind damage that can cause shingles to become loose or fall off completely.

Clay and Concrete

Clay and concrete are popular roofing options for residential homes, but they may not be the best fit for your summer home. This option is often selected because it is durable and long-lasting. It is also non-combustible which is a great benefit, especially if you can’t always be there. However, this material is heavy, which makes it more expensive and requires the need for additional framing. This material can last 40-50 years, but it is prone to absorbing heat rather than reflecting it, which can impact the energy efficiency of your home.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing is a great option for any type of summer home. It is durable, long-lasting, sustainable, and promotes energy efficiency. It is also lightweight, yet it can withstand 100 mph winds. The durability of metal roofing helps to protect it from unwanted damages that can be caused by debris and other materials.

Metal roofing is also great for year-round weather conditions. Not only is this material great for protecting against high winds, but it also protects against winter conditions. Metal roofing allows for ice and snow to slide off easily, protecting your roof from any damage that could be caused by the heavy weight of snow when you aren’t there. Metal roofing is also a great insulator, keeping your property warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

It can last 40-75+ years with proper maintenance and is a highly sustainable roofing option — which can be a great selling point if you ever decide to put your summer home on the market. Metal roofing is made with recycled material that can again be recycled when it is time to replace it.

Another beneficial feature of metal roofing is that it can also be made to mimic the look of other roofing materials. This allows you to create the perfect look for your summer home while still getting all the benefits of a metal roof.

Contact the Professionals

You want to keep your summer home ready for summer. This includes properly caring for and maintaining your property. One great investment to consider is a quality roofing material that can keep your summer home safe. It is important to consider all of your options before making a final selection. When you need help, turn to the professionals to find out more about your different options.