According to one report, more than 4.6 million people call Louisiana home. If you own property in the Pelican State yourself, you might be looking for ways to help it feel and look its best.
A new roof can breathe life into an existing home and help a brand-new build look polished and complete. Yet, what type of roofing materials work best in this state? Are there some that are better suited to Louisiana’s climate and conditions than others?
Today, we’re breaking down a few of the most popular choices, from asphalt to metal roofing in Louisiana, to help you narrow down your options and choose the best one for your needs!
Metal Roofing
If you want a roof that will last for decades and still maintain its strength and durability, look no further than a metal roof. Not only are these types of roofs incredibly strong, but they can also hold up against Louisiana’s intense weather changes, including high winds!
Key benefits of metal roofing include:
- Strength
- Impact resistance
- Energy efficiency
- Eco-friendly
- Variety of colors and styles
- Easy to maintain
Let’s take a closer look.
Strength and Impact Resistance
Louisiana is prone to hurricanes and tropical storms, especially as cyclones develop in the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. In a report that tracked hurricane activity in the U.S. from 1851 to 2018, the state ranked fourth, experiencing 54 hurricanes during that timeframe. Of those, 17 hurricanes were Category 3 through Category 5.
A metal roof will maintain its shape and quality throughout these adverse weather events and ensure your home is as protected as possible. It’s resistant to impact and is unlikely to corrode or crack under pressure.
Energy Efficiency
It’s no secret that summers here can get hot. The hot season here lasts for nearly four months, with an average daily temperature higher than 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
You need a Louisiana roofing system that’s capable of withstanding all that heat, and a metal roof delivers. This type of roof is designed to block most of the sun’s harsh UV rays from penetrating your home, so your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard. Not only does this make your home more energy efficient, but it could even lower your monthly utility bills!
How does it work? A metal roof reflects heat up and away from buildings. It also provides extra insulation during the coldest parts of the year. As such, it’s considered one of the most energy-efficient types of roofs on the market.
Eco-Friendly
If your HVAC system isn’t working overtime, you can reduce the carbon footprint of your Louisiana home. This means that you’re emitting fewer greenhouse gas emissions into the environment, which can help mitigate the effects of climate change and improve air quality.
In addition, you can also recycle your metal when it eventually reaches the end of its lifetime, but you might be waiting a while. A properly maintained metal roof can last 70 years or longer!
Variety of Colors and Styles
You can find metal roofs in a variety of different materials, including:
- Aluminum
- Stainless Steel
- Copper
- Zinc
- Steel
- Tin
You can even find colors and shade options to match your exterior aesthetic. In addition to material types, there are also different installation styles, such as standing-seam metal roofing systems, to consider.
If you’re looking for metal roofing in Louisiana, our team at Allied Xteriors is here to help! As one of the top roofing companies in Louisiana, we’ve built a reputation with local homeowners and business owners alike who trust us to provide professional, quality services. You can learn more about our approach on our Residential Roofing page.
Asphalt Shingle Roofing
There are many types of roofs that look great in Louisiana, and asphalt shingles are one of them. This is one of the most timeless and classic roof choices, heralded as much for its versatility as its durability. A few of the reasons why homeowners prefer this option include:
- Style options
- Affordability
- Ease of installation and maintenance
Let’s break these down a little more.
Style Options
Today, you can find asphalt shingles in a wide variety of colors, tones, and styles to meet your personal decor preference. This allows you to match them to your other exterior features, such as your shutters, gutters, or porch accessories.
From jet-black to light green and nearly every color in between, asphalt shingles are far from dull. At the same time, they also give your Louisiana home an air of classic style and traditionalism.
Affordability
Another reason why Louisiana homeowners love asphalt shingles is their affordability. It’s no secret that roof installation costs can be expensive, so a high-performing option that looks great without costing a ton is a win-win!
When replacing old roofs, many homeowners also prefer to stick to a conservative budget, and replacing shingles is usually less expensive than replacing a different type of roofing material.
Ease of Installation and Maintenance
Individual asphalt shingles are typically easier to install and maintain than other types of roofing systems, including bulky tiles or large pieces of metal. While this might be the case, we still recommend letting a professional take the reins.
As one of the top roofing companies in Louisana, our installers at Allied Xteriors are here to make sure the job is done right the first time. In addition to installing new shingle roofs, we also specialize in shingle repairs and replacements. From discoloration and leaks to storm damage, moss or mold growth, we do it all.
Slate Roofing
One of the first things you’ll notice about a slate roof is that it’s absolutely beautiful. While this type of roofing system is heavier and a little more intricate to install than others, it can transform your exterior like no other.
Some of the main reasons why Louisiana homeowners prefer slate roofing include:
- Beauty and aesthetic appeal
- Longevity
- Durability
- Ease of maintenance
Let’s dive in.
Beauty and Aesthetic Appeal
For centuries, architects have turned to slate for its time-honored, classic beauty. If you want your home to appear more stately and sophisticated, this one project can do the trick.
While you might think of gray tiles when you picture a slate roof, you may be surprised to find that this material is available in an array of different colors and styles, from gray and green to dark red. Slate is also available in varying degrees of thickness, as well as different widths.
Longevity
Like a metal roof, a slate roof will last. As slate is a natural stone, it’s designed to maintain its form and shape for an incredibly long time. This means it’s unmoved by even the most extreme weather that Louisana can throw at it, including high temperatures, high winds, or even hail.
While asphalt shingles might come loose in the face of such adverse weather, you won’t have to worry about a storm affecting your slate roof. Plus, this stone is also non-combustible, which means that airborne sparks will not catch fire.
Durability
While most asphalt shingle roofs will last around 20 to 30 years, a slate roof will last much longer. There’s a reason why many homeowners refer to these as lifetime roofs!
Similar to a metal roof, you can get more than 40 years out of yours as long as you take care of it and keep up with necessary repairs. Especially if you’re installing a roof on your forever home, it’s worth the extra expense that slate can sometimes require.
Thankfully, you won’t have to worry about too much upkeep. Slate maintains its form and function with very little interference.
Ease of Maintenance
As slate is so durable and strong, you shouldn’t have to deal with many repairs during the course of its lifetime. For instance, you don’t have to worry about shingles coming loose or flying away in the event of a major storm.
Another benefit is that slate is naturally impervious to water. This means there’s less of a chance of mold or mildew growing on your roof, which can lead to significant structural damage.
At Allied Xteriors, we source our slate roofing materials from the largest supplier in the country. Our team can provide the strongest, sturdiest slate roofing tiles on the market, offering a wide range of design and durability selections.
Learn More About Slate, Shingle, or Metal Roofing in Louisiana
Louisiana’s weather can be unpredictable. From intense UV rays to high winds and hail, your roof is bound to see plenty of adventures. You need one that’s capable of holding up beautifully under it all.
The top three options for this state include metal, slate, and shingle roofing. At Allied Xteriors, we’re here to help you learn which material is best for your needs, budget, and vision.
Interested in metal roofing in Louisiana? Want to learn more about the other roofing systems we offer? Request a quote today!