The area surrounding Dallas and Fort Worth, known as North Texas, is well-known for changeable weather – the subtropical-continental climate in the region comes with very hot summers and mild winters, but also with capricious weather all year long. The temperature can drop any time, thunderstorms and strong hail storms can form in a manner of minutes and the area is affected each year by several tornadoes as well.

All this means not only that locals need a wardrobe that can accommodate such swift changes, but also that local homes are in need of special solutions that allow them to stay safe, no matter what weather comes along. The roof being the building component most exposed to the elements, knowledgeable roofers in Dallas suggest that local building owners need to choose their roofing materials very carefully. When you start looking for the right roofing solution for your North Texas building, you will find that shingles are the most affordable materials available today, but are they strong enough to protect your home from the extreme weather associated with tornadoes? Well, some shingles products are designed for buildings located in areas where the climate is calm and the temperatures are even, but there are others that have been developed especially for extreme weather and are able to stand up to hail, other types of impact, rain and high winds. Here are some tips about how to choose the best shingles for your new roof in North Texas.

3-Tab Asphalt Shingles

The cheapest, simplest, easiest to install shingles can theoretically last for up to 30 years, but the beating that North Texan roofs take from the elements might shorten their lifespans significantly. 3-tab shingles are lightweight and they come in a variety of colors and textures, so you will be able to find the style that matches the style of your building, but your shingles might be damaged by extreme weather, such as hail, high winds and excessive rain, so if you choose this solution, you need to be prepared to clean, inspect and repair your roof regularly.

Architectural Shingles

Also called dimensional shingles, these shingle solutions are sturdier and more durable than standard, 3-tab shingles. Dimensional shingles are less sensitive, therefore less susceptible to weather damage, but they also come in a wide array of colors and styles, so finding the best style is easy and the choice will also reduce your roof’s maintenance and repair needs.

Impact-Resistant Shingles

The strongest and most durable shingle types are extensively tested for impact resistance. The shingles that are categorized as class 4 roofing materials undergo laboratory testing that involve dropping steel balls onto the shingles from a height of at least 20 feet to simulate the conditions associated with hail storms. Impact-resistant shingles are the most expensive shingle types, but they are also the most durable and the most suitable for regions where the likelihood of storms and hail is high. These shingles are also the thickest and heaviest of all shingles, but, considering their strength and the enhanced protection they can offer to your home, they are also the best investment into your North Texas property.