Is your roof weighing you down? The weight of the roof is unlikely to cross your mind under normal circumstances. While this isn’t a problem, necessarily, lightweight roofs are something to consider here in Florida.
A major benefit of lightweight roofs for residential and commercial properties is that they can keep the interior cooler. If that isn’t enough to consider a lightweight roof, we discuss six more benefits below.
What Is Lightweight Roofing?
When it comes to roofing, lightweight roofs are becoming increasingly popular. Lightweight roofs come in a variety of materials like lightweight asphalt (3-tab) shingles and metal-like aluminum sheeting. Other types of lightweight roof materials are painted steel, copper, and stone-coated steel.
Lightweight roofing is much more durable and long-lasting than its heavier counterparts. As a result, it is an ideal choice for both residential and commercial applications.
Keep Interiors Cooler
As mentioned, one of the major benefits of a lightweight roof, especially a metal one, is that it can reflect heat. This is because metal has a high degree of solar reflectance. Solar reflectance is the ability of a material to reflect solar radiation.
Some metal roofing materials can be coated to increase the reflectance properties, making them much cooler than asphalt shingles or other types of roofing materials.
Lower Utility Costs
Beyond the reflective capabilities of metal, lightweight materials won’t trap as much heat inside a commercial or residential property. Lightweight asphalt shingles can keep the interior cooler, too. They come in a variety of lighter colors which can deflect heat instead of trap it inside. As a result, you could expect to see lower utility bills in the warmer months.
Weather Resistance
Lightweight roofs have a higher wind resistance than heavier roofing. Some metal roofing can withstand winds of up to 160 mph. While some heavyweight materials are prone to cracking in climates with high heat, metal roofing doesn’t.
Less Likely To Cause Further Damage In Case Of Catastrophe
Heavyweight roofs can cause a bigger disaster in the event of an emergency, like flooding or fire. The weight of the roof may become unsupported, causing collapse. Lightweight roofs are less likely to collapse, which can prevent additional structural damage.
Easier To Maintain
Heavy-weight roofing materials are prone to lifting, chipping, or breaking, which means they’ll need repairs more often: especially during hurricane season with heavy winds and rain.
Lightweight roofs are less likely to leak. If they do leak, the damage is usually less extensive. They can be easier to repair because the material is not as brittle as heavier roofing materials. As a result, you’ll likely save money on repairs and maintenance over the lifetime of your roof.
Lightweight roofing tends to last longer than heavier materials because it expands and contracts less in response to temperature changes. This helps prevent cracks and leaks, further extending the life of your roof. Lightweight roofs can last up to 50 years or more.
Easier And Quicker Installation
This is especially beneficial when time is of the essence. While there are several factors that determine how long it will take to install or replace a roof, lightweight roofs are generally installed faster.
Lightweight Roofs And More In South Florida
We are one of South Florida’s leading roofing companies. We specialize in residential and commercial property roof replacements, repairs, maintenance, warranty plans, and more. With over 30 years of experience in our family-owned business, we are proud to offer our services to Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
If you’re interested in learning more about what we can do for you, please call 954-344-4622. We would be happy to discuss your options with you!
