Living in Iowa, you know the weather is unpredictable, so you need a durable roof that enhances your curb appeal while protecting your home from harsh sun, strong winds, and storms. There are many roofing materials available, and most options provide good protection, but sorting through them to make a decision can feel overwhelming. In this guide, we are going to take a look at some of the considerations that you need to make before deciding on the best roofing material to protect your Iowa home.
1. Consider Weather Resistant Options
In the Midwest, winters are cold, summers are hot, and storms occur throughout the year. Asphalt shingles are an excellent choice for the cold, ice, and snow that Iowa experiences in winter. Metal roofing is also a good option for easily shedding snow from your roof. If you choose asphalt shingles, you can select a reflective option that helps reduce heat absorption during the summer. This keeps your home cooler because the sun’s heat does not penetrate the roof. It can also lower your energy bill.
You should also consider impact-resistant shingles to safeguard your home against storm damage from wind, hail, and heavy rain. This type of material can extend the lifespan of your roof by increasing durability and decreasing the likelihood of injury during intense storms.
2. Best Aesthetic Appeal for Your Home
When selecting roofing materials for your residence, consider the architectural style of the exterior. You want your roof to complement the rest of your home, so if you have a modern or contemporary design, using sleek materials that provide a clean look is critical. Homes with a more traditional appearance look great with asphalt shingles as roofing materials. That said, if you want to add more charm to your home’s exterior, tile roofing may be a worthwhile option.
3. Up-Front Costs and Longevity
One important factor to take into account is the installation cost of the roofing material compared to the number of years of protection a roof of this type will provide. Asphalt shingles are more budget-friendly, but their lifespan has a 20- to 30-year limit. Tile and metal roofing are more durable options that will provide up to 50 years of protection, but the installation expense of these types of roofs can be costly. Many people ultimately decide to go with asphalt shingles because they offer more options that will not break the bank.
At Evenhouse Roofing, we can help you evaluate all the up-front costs while assessing the longevity of each type of roof to discover a durable solution that meets your needs as a homeowner in Iowa.
4. Energy Efficiency
Having an energy-efficient roof is a great way to save money. Since the temperatures in Iowa are so diverse, you want roofing material that will reflect the sun’s heat during the summer yet keep warmth and heat in your home during the colder months. Metal roofing is great for snow, and in the summer, it can reflect heat, potentially reducing the energy needed to cool your home by 25%.
There are also asphalt shingle options for cooling your home, which means they reflect the heat rather than absorb it. In addition to specific types of roofing materials to save energy, you can opt to add insulation to your roof. This will help retain the heat in during the winter and keep the space cooler in the summertime.
5. Maintenance Requirements
Another aspect that you should take into account when selecting roofing material is the amount of maintenance it will require. Wood shingles require the most maintenance due to their susceptibility to insect damage and mold formation, especially with Iowa’s frequent storms. Asphalt shingles are relatively simple to maintain, but plan to have regular inspections after severe storms pass through the area.
Metal and composite roofing materials are more durable and require very little maintenance. However, you will still need to schedule professional inspections to check for rust and deterioration.
Consult With a Competent Local Roofer
No matter which roofing material you choose for your home, our team at Evenhouse Roofing is here to assist you. We are among the most trusted roofing companies in the Davenport area, and you can depend on us for installation, maintenance, or repair of a broad range of roofing products. Reach out to us at Evenhouse Roofing today to schedule a consultation about the best roofing material, including shingles, metal roofing, flat roofing, and more, to suit your needs.
