Columbia, the “Athens of Missouri,” is renowned for its classical beauty and bustling college town vibe. Its beautiful parks, shaped by the Missouri River, provide endless hours of nature exploration, particularly Rock Bridge State Park and its mysterious caves.
It’s clear that Columbia is a wonderful place to live, but your hometown pride might take a hit if you find your roof in disrepair. A roof can fail for many reasons, such as fascia lumber that is taking on too much strain, or shingles that have been damaged by hail; whatever the cause, it’s a dangerous situation that must be rectified immediately for the safety of all residents.
Every area of the United States is slightly different, so you need to work with a reputable local company for roofing in Columbia MO; however, you might be curious as to what exactly is unique about roofing in College Town, USA. Today, we’ll explore some of the special considerations that are critical elements of a successful roof replacement or repair here in Missouri.
Climate Concerns
Columbia’s climate is considered humid continental, experiencing hot and muggy summers with chilly winters. During the course of a year, your roof will have to endure powerful thunderstorms, swampy heat, and snowy winters, so it needs to be able to fluctuate with temperature changes and carry loads of snow. Peaked or sloped roofs are typical to help slough off snow, and you’ll need a flexible yet sturdy material that won’t crack under fluctuations. This is why asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, as they are heavy-duty yet capable of handling extreme weather changes.
Energy Efficiency
Everyone wants to save money on their heating and cooling bills, and Missourians are no different. Good insulation can save you thousands over the lifetime of your roof, as will choosing reflective materials that can prevent undue heating during the summer. Given that Columbia receives over 195 sunny days per year, you’ll want to think carefully about the color of your roof to ensure it’s not absorbing excessive heat that requires more air conditioning.
While not necessarily part of a roof installation, placing solar panels on your roof can also be an excellent way to cut down on your energy costs, as they will reduce your reliance on the electrical grid; they are also more eco-friendly. When you have your roof installed, talk to your contractor about whether your roof will properly support solar panels and if it is angled to best capture light. Though they are not typically able to do the installation for you, they will be able to advise you on how to do so and may even have suggestions on who to contact.
Building Codes
The city of Columbia, like most municipalities, has building codes to ensure that all homes are safe for their occupants. Your roofer will help you navigate the challenges involved in assuring your home is up to standard and applying for the correct permits to ensure your roof is legally installed; however, it’s a great idea to take a look at these for yourself to be able to identify any issues that may arise.
It’s essential that you work with a qualified roofer with years of experience in the area, one who is familiar with the codes and will perform everything to perfection. Working with an inexperienced or poorly trained roofer may save you money upfront, but it will cost you in the long run – especially if they don’t actually perform the installation according to Columbia’s regulations. Be sure to check out reviews and ask plenty of questions when getting estimates so that you know that your roofer is up to the challenge.
Architectural Styles
The last consideration is the most enjoyable: architectural styles. Columbia is home to a wide range of styles that reflect the changing culture of the area, from French Colonial to Beaux Artes, and it’s important that you consider exactly what type of home you have. For example, an imposing black roof would look great on a dark Victorian, but it may look out of place on a Craftsman home, leading to regret in the long run.
A competent roofer will be able to walk you through your color options and help you choose one that will look great with your existing architecture; there is a huge variety of palettes available that can accommodate nearly any style. Asphalt shingles are so popular because they are incredibly versatile, coming in an enormous amount of colors so that you can find the perfect match.
When choosing a color, look primarily at your siding and decide what would be a good complementary color. Generally, you want one with a decent contrast; a grey roof with white siding won’t necessarily pop, even if it doesn’t clash.
No matter what you choose, your foremost consideration should be the competency of your roofer, who can guide you through your many options and perform the work up to standard. Be sure to work with a local roofer familiar with everything to do with Columbia roofs, and you’ll be amazed at how much nicer – and safer – your home is when they are done.
About The Author
