The humid subtropical climate that dominates Arkansas comes with hot, wet summers and drier, mild winters. Average precipitation is high throughout the state and the entire area is prone to thunderstorms, hail, even tornados. And why are all these climate-related details important when it comes to roofing shingles? Because roofing systems that are not able to withstand the vicissitudes of Arkansas weather have much shorter lifespans and they fail to protect your home the way they are expected to, so the weather is among the most important factors to consider when choosing roofing materials for your home.
If you are currently looking for the right type of shingles for your Arkansas home, here are a few of the shingle varieties that work best for the area.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are cheap, durable and attractive materials that are perfect for Arkansas homes. Made from a fiberglass mat soaked in asphalt and covered in mineral granules for more protection and durability, asphalt shingles work for flatter and steeper roofs alike and they are strong enough to resist even the strongest winds and hail. These shingles are resistant to high amounts of precipitation and to fire and they are very attractive as well, available in a very wide range of colors, textures and shapes.
Metal Shingles
Metal shingles are a bit more expensive than asphalt, but they also make excellent, resistant roofing solutions for buildings in Arkansas. Metal shingle roofs are warranted for at least 50 years and their resistance to corrosion and to ignition make them great for areas that alternate dry and very wet periods. Metal is able to stand up to the winds associated with the extreme weather events that hit the Natural State so often, the only weather they are sensitive to being extreme hail, with stones large enough to dent the metal.
Metal shingles are quick and easy to install and they can stay strong without requiring special maintenance – you should clean and inspect your metal shingle roof once a year and you should replace dented or damaged components as soon as you can, but metal roofs don’t need any special attention.
Slate Shingles
Suitable only for buildings that can hold the weight of this heavy material, slate shingles provide durable roofing solutions of unparalleled beauty. Slate roofs are not sensitive to moisture, they don’t catch fire and they can live for up to a century. Slate shingles are usually handcrafted from larger slabs of natural stone, which makes them expensive, but the curb appeal offered, paired with the long lifespan make the investment well worth it.
Getting Help to Make the Best Choice
If you still feel overwhelmed by the wide choice of shingles suitable for Arkansas homes, you can find help by turning to a local roofing Fort Smith AR contractor. Most roofing companies provide not only installation, repair and maintenance services, but consultation as well – call a local roofer, invite him to see the building that you need the shingle roof for and he will tell you more about the choices available.