Coastal Roofing: Choosing the right roof for a coastal property

If you live or have a bach along the Northland coast there are several concerns that come to mind in regards to your coastal roofing when the weather takes a turn for the worst. Cyclones, high winds, storm surges, tsunamis, and tornados are all prevalent in coastal regions. If your coastal property needs re-roofing or you need a roof for your new home or bach, what is the best choice?

What should you consider when purchasing coastal roofing? We can help you choose the right roof for a coastal property.

Concerns about Coastal Roofing

Many factors come into play when deciding what type of coastal roofing you need: the environment, your budget, your preference to conventional or non-conventional roofing materials and energy efficiency.

One obvious question you may ask when choosing the right roof for your coastal property is, how long will my roof last? The number one factor for anyone looking for a new roof or replace an old roof is durability. What type of roof will last the longest in coastal regions and why?

You see a lot of tile roofs in coastal regions and a lot of metal roofs. Are these the two best choices? In addition to the storms, coastal properties have to deal with salty air as well. All coastal roofing has to stand up to salt, water, wind and corrosion.

Recent research by contractors, homebuilders and roofers show that the number one choice for roofing in coastal areas is quickly becoming the metal roof.

While there have been huge improvements in traditional roofing materials over the years, in areas with extreme weather like Northland, many roofing manufacturers have focused on the materials which withstand and resist corrosion and high wind.

Types of Roofing Materials

Using non-conventional coastal roofing materials can extend sustainability and roof life. Why is this?

Lets look quickly at conventional forms of roofing and how they fair in the coastal environment versus metal roofing.

• Asphalt roofs usually have to be replaced between 10 and 20 years. A metal roof can provide at least twice the durability of asphalt shingles. This means that a metal roof on a new house you purchase in your 30s could easily last until you are in your 70s. Another benefit is the overwhelming opinion that metal is much more pleasing to look at than asphalt shingle.

• Clay tile shingles can require a large amount of maintenance as coastal winds and storms will break and chip the tiles or remove them entirely from the roof. This will result in leaks as well as an unattractive roof. Clay tile shingles have an even shorter lifespan than asphalt. Wooden roofs look great but they do not last. The coastal climate will wipe out your wooden roof in no time.

• Metal roofing lasts the longest and can handle much pressure and beating from the coastal climate. It is also great to look at and requires the least amount of maintenance.

Metal Roofing – Steel

Many contractors and builders turn to pre-painted coloured steel roofs because they last the longest; look great and are low maintenance. Colorsteel Maxx roofs are constructed for coastal properties and are designed to stand up to high salt levels in the air.

Resistance to rust is another major advantage of the pre-painted coloured steel roofs. In a harsh climate where you have hot sun, driving rain and salty air you need a roof that requires the least possible amount of maintenance.

The right roof for your costal home or bach is a Coloursteel roof.