There are several specific needs when it comes to the materials that can be utilized successfully in beach houses. This is because materials utilized in regions other than the coast may not be able to survive the severe conditions of the coast. This is especially true of roofing materials.
Because the coast is associated with extreme weather, weather resilience must be included in selecting every material used in a coastal home. If asphalt shingles are used for the roof of a coastal home, they must be of the highest quality and the most durable.
Certain materials perform better along the coast than others, so it’s crucial to know which ones have the strength to resist coastal conditions while still creating an attractive and comfortable home. The durability of your roof will determine the durability of your home overall.
Best Asphalt Shingles For Coastal Homes
While there are countless brands of asphalt shingles on the market, only a few are sufficiently durable and weather-resistant enough to withstand the harsh conditions of the coast.
CertainTeed
“CertainTeed” is one such brand that produces asphalt shingles of the utmost quality. These asphalt shingles are constructed with a fiberglass base and consist of multiple layers of waterproof asphalt. The uppermost layer consists of ceramic-coated granules.
The asphalt shingles in the CertainTeed range boast additional features that allow for extra impact resistance, making them well-suited to coastal conditions. A ten-year warranty for manufacturing defects and a ten-year warranty for algae protection ensure the consumer is protected.
Wind resistance is excellent with these shingles with a 110mph wind rating, up to a 130mph wind rating if installed with a six nail application. CertainTeed’s asphalt shingles are heavy, contributing to their general durability and resistance against the harsh elements on the coast such as UV, rain, snow, and wind.
Malarkey
Malarkey is another brand that produces a modified polymer shingle. This material allows for superior impact resistance. It has a higher degree of flexibility, resulting in less tearing and cracking during extremely cold conditions and extreme wind.
As a result, these shingles are highly resistant to hail, debris, and falling branches.
Asphalt Shingles On The Coast
Asphalt shingles are a common roofing option for homes across the United States, but they aren’t always the best option for coastal homes. There are better-performing alternatives to asphalt shingles that are more resistant to damage, mildew, wind, and termites.
Shingles can be constructed from a variety of different materials. Timber shingles were once very popular, but asphalt shingles have since surpassed them in popularity. Asphalt shingles were generally available in two types: fiberglass composites and organic shingles composed of paper with an asphalt coating.
Fiberglass composite shingles are more common because of their cheaper cost, enhanced fire protection, and increased flexibility. Organic asphalt shingles use more asphalt than conventional ones, making them more durable.
On the other hand, organic shingles are less environmentally friendly, and the paper used in them makes them more fire-resistant.
Generally speaking, asphalt shingles are thin, paper-based building materials that tend to wear out much faster than other roofing materials. Multilayer asphalt shingles, however, have better wind resistance than the single-layer option, making them a better alternative for use on the coast.
In today’s market, there are countless manufacturers producing asphalt shingles designed to withstand various weather conditions. Suppose you opt for asphalt shingles for your coastal home. In that case, you must choose those with the best weather resistance and highest durability levels to ensure the longevity of your roof.
Types Of Asphalt Shingles
There are three main types of asphalt shingles: three tab, dimensional (also called architectural or laminate), and luxury (or premium).
Three-tab asphalt shingles obtain their name from the method through which they are cut and installed. This type of shingle consists of a single layer of asphalt cut into strips. They are inherently thin by nature, with the result that they can quite easily be blown off in the wind.
As a result, this shingle is not well-suited to a coastal home.
Dimensional shingles are another alternative consisting of two or more layers. They are thick, heavy, and durable, especially in comparison to three-tab shingles.
The third type of asphalt shingle is the luxury or premium shingle. This type of shingle boasts excellent weather protection and extreme durability and double the weight of other asphalt shingles, helping to keep them in place.
Asphalt is a tough and resistant material but can break down relatively easily in extreme conditions. In a storm, the granules of the asphalt shingles can become loose and disappear from the roof. Asphalt shingles will also curl due to prolonged moisture exposure, and they will also bake in the hot sun.
To protect your asphalt shingles, you can cover them with a UV sealant. This will extend the lifespan of the shingles while simultaneously reflecting the hot sun away from the roof.
Why Do Beach Houses Have Different Material Needs?
Due to the harsh elements on the coast, such as moist air, bright sun, extremely strong winds, and corrosion due to saltwater, beachfront homes have to be built slightly differently from inland homes to withstand the forces of nature while remaining comfortable and safe.
As a result of the above, your choice of roofing material is extremely important to ensure the longevity of your coastal home and the safety of its occupants.
Coastal Roofing Alternatives
Western red cedar is another extremely popular choice for coastal roofs due to its aesthetic appeal, historic availability in certain areas of the US, and extreme durability.
However, this roofing is susceptible to mildew, so it must be treated properly to ensure a longer-lasting roof covering.
Conclusion
While asphalt shingles are not considered the best roofing material for coastal applications, some will perform better than others. Certain brands and types of asphalt shingles are better designed to handle adverse weather conditions, while others simply cannot withstand harsh weather. With a coastal home, it’s extremely important to choose the right roofing material.
Sources
- https://www.newenglandmetalroof.com/best-asphalt-shingle-brands-2/
- https://5estimates.com/best-roofing-shingles/
- https://longhomeproducts.com/blog/3-types-asphalt-shingles/
- https://www.huberroofing.com/blog/2020/2/3/the-best-type-of-roof-for-your-beach-or-coastal-home
- https://www.averyroofservices.com/best-beach-house-roofing-materials/
- https://roofingwhangarei.co.nz/NEWSFEED/TabId/9752/ArtMID/36209/ArticleID/760/Coastal-Roofing-Choosing-the-right-roof-for-a-coastal-property.aspx
- https://seaislandbuilders.com/news/choosing-the-best-roof-for-coastal-homes
