To be able to choose the best roofing products for Michigan, homeowners need to take into consideration a variety of factors – here are the most important aspects to consider when choosing the most suitable materials for your roof.
The Climate
Michigan is located in the area of the Great Lakes and it consists of two large peninsulas separated by the Straits of Mackinac and lots of other, smaller and larger islands. The geography of the peninsulas is varied, with not only lakes, marshes and forests, but mountains as well.
The climate of the state is predominantly continental, with precipitation distributed quite evenly throughout the year, with hot summers and cold winters, but has two distinct climate zones, a warmer area in the southern and central parts and an area with short summers and very harsh winters in the north.
These climate variations mean that the roofing materials chosen need to be able to withstand harsh weather, be it scorching heat, strong solar radiation, heavy rain or thick snow. A good roof in Michigan needs to keep the interior of the building cool in summer, it needs to retain the heat inside in winter and it needs to provide suitable protection against moisture as well, and is usually installed by a contractor experienced in roofing Lansing Michigan homes.
Roof Slope
Most roofs in Michigan are sloping roofs that permit the water coming from either rain or snow to run down on the surface of the roof without accumulating. The best roofing products in the area are materials that work on steep roofs and that come with superior water-resistance features as well.
Weight
Buildings that have thicker or brick walls can sustain the weight of heavier roofs, such as clay or slate, but the owners of lightweight constructions need to pay special attention to the weight of the roofing materials chosen, metal roofs and asphalt roofs being the most suitable solutions for these buildings.
Price
Roofing materials show considerable variety in terms of pricing – natural materials, such as slate, wood or clay are the most expensive materials, while asphalt shingles and metal are among the cheaper options.
The Best Materials to Choose From
Here are a few of the most common types of roofing materials used on Michigan roofs:
- Asphalt shingles – preferred for their affordability, resistance and durability, asphalt shingles are among the most popular and most affordable roofing materials used in Michigan. Available in more simple, cheap, 3-tab varieties and in slightly more expensive architectural versions that come in more sizes, colors and textures, asphalt shingles come with long warranty periods and they offer durable and attractive protection for your home.
- Metal roofs – another great, weather-resistant solution that comes with superior fire-resistance and increased durability. Metal roofs are available in a wide range of colors, they are lightweight, easy to maintain and require almost no maintenance at all.
- Slate – heavy and not cheap at all, slate is a natural material of unparalleled beauty that can last for over 50 years and is resistant to both moisture and fires.
The best roofing products for Michigan homes are the materials that are suitable for the climate of the area, for the features of the building and for the aesthetic preferences and the budget of the owner – just weigh your options, factor in every important aspect and you will surely make the best choice.