Changing weather patterns have homeowners seeking alternative materials, contractors say
Temperatures in Lancaster reached record highs this summer, and the effects of extreme heat may be impacting the infrastructure of homes.
This year, Lancaster County recorded its second-hottest July on record , according to data from the Millersville University Weather Information Center that LNP | LancasterOnline reported in August. (The hottest July on record was in 2020.) That followed a steamy June that included its own record-breaking daily temperatures.
With changing weather patterns and extreme summer conditions, local experts are suggesting alternatives for roofing and decking materials to address potential damage.
Roofing challenges
Tar strips in asphalt shingles can melt with extreme heat, especially in older roofs. This can cause shingles to become brittle and break off with high winds, as materials expand and contract with rising and falling temperatures.
Because of this, Melvin Beiler, owner of Lancaster Roofing Co., has seen more demand for metal roofs in both residential and commercial projects.
Beiler says metal roofs are a more durable option for their ability to maintain their integrity while expanding and contracting with hot and cool temperatures. Metal roofs also typically reflect more heat and light than asphalt, making adhesive materials less susceptible to melting.
"The downside is they're much more expensive," says Beiler, where the least expensive option for a metal roof costs about 20-30% more than a typical asphalt shingle roof.
A standard corrugated metal roof, according to westernstatesmetalroofing.com , costs about $7 to $12 per square foot, whereas typical asphalt shingles cost about $4.25 to $8.25 per square foot.
But metal roofs last longer, only needing repainting and resealing about every 40 years, Beiler says.
If you can't afford a new roof for your home, Beiler offered a more temporary solution.
To treat brittle, weather-worn asphalt shingle roofs, Beiler says soybean oil sealants with methyl ester can help saturate dry shingles and keep them from breaking. Lancaster Roofing Company mostly uses the brand Roof Maxx.
"It guarantees the roof to be flexible for an additional five years," Beiler says. "That's providing that if the shingle is not already too brittle that it won't accept the oil."
Roof Maxx is not without its critics, though. South Carolina roofing company Linta Roofing published a blog post in August about the pros and cons of Roof Maxx, pointing out that the product won't stop leaks or re-seal bond lines on shingles.
"Although Roof Maxx claims it will extend the life of your shingles, this product may not increase the longevity of your roofing system as a whole, which is what matters most," the blog reads.
However, Linta Roofing says Roof Maxx can be useful in specific circumstances, like when it's applied within the first five to 10 years of a roof replacement.
Decking demands
Roofs aren't the only home improvement project that has homeowners considering climate change.
Marcus Stoltzfus of Keystone Custom Decks believes composite decking is the future of outdoor structures. Composite decking is made from either entirely polymer material, or a blend of wood and plastics.
Traditional wood decking responds to extreme heat with cracking, warping, splitting and fading, according to Stoltzfus.
"Make sure to properly stain and seal your deck to avoid damage," Stoltzfus says. "This is a process homeowners need to repeat every three to five years to make sure they keep their deck in excellent shape."
But for homeowners looking to invest in a low-maintenance option for decking, composite materials can last a lot longer.
"I don't remember the last time we installed a wooden deck," Stoltzfus says. "It is all about composite decking that has a long warranty and is relatively maintenance free."
Stoltzfus says that composite decking does not crack or split, and only really needs a pressure wash every few years. It is also made to withstand heat, with additives to protect the materials from UV rays and other weathering patterns.
Composite decking does cost more, though — Travelers Insurance, a home insurance company, estimates that it could cost 15 to 20% more than pressure-treated pine. Traveler's also suggests shopping around to compare warranties.
While alternative options like composite decking may be more expensive, many contractors are encouraging homeowners to invest in products that will withstand climate change and other factors.
"This is changing the game and allowing homeowners to solve the biggest problem of all, the problem of time," Stoltzfus says. "It's about using the time we have wisely so that we can enjoy what we have while we have it."
