Top June stories: Building resilience for a sustainable future

By Dani Sheehan. 

Catch up on the most read articles from last month on AskARoofer™! 

As storm seasons grow longer and more intense, homeowners across the country are rethinking how they protect their properties. Last month’s articles spotlighted how roofing choices and educational initiatives are helping individuals and communities build resilience throughout their built environment. 

Louisiana homeowner Michelle submitted a question to AskARoofer for guidance on how synthetic slate performs in hailstorms. Roofing expert John Kenney explained that while synthetic slate offers high impact resistance (often Class 4 rated), no roofing material is completely hail-proof. Real-world performance depends on factors like storm intensity, material age, roof slope and installation quality. He describes what to look for after a storm and recommends regular inspections after any severe weather event. 

The Coffee Shops Writer Emma Peterson recently took a trip to the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) in Portland, Oregon, to see how it’s leading by example in promoting sustainable development. Known for its hands-on exhibits, OMSI features a standout interactive display in its Turbine Hall that uses a thermal camera to show how cool roofs and urban greenery reduce heat. The museum practices what it teaches – its own roof now hosts a 200-kW solar power system installed in 2022, which supplies about 10% of its annual energy and significantly cuts carbon emissions. OMSI’s efforts reflect its broader mission to inspire curiosity about renewable energy and climate solutions, with plans for even more sustainable upgrades ahead, including a green roof. 

In hurricane-prone regions like the Gulf Coast, homeowners are increasingly turning to stronger, more resilient building materials to protect their homes from extreme weather. David and Rita Daniell have lived in Fairhope, Alabama for 40 years, and after experiencing repeated roof failures with traditional asphalt shingles during hurricanes, they ultimately chose a metal roof for their home. Read the full article to learn more about how their home has withstood severe storms without damage. Not only have the couple saved on maintenance and repair costs, but they also have greater peace of mind in their daily life. 

The top stories for June were: 

5 – Q&A – How does hail impact synthetic slate? 

4 – Q&A – Clay tile conundrum 

3 – Exploring roofing at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry! 

2 – Heroes helping heroes 

1 – Reality check: Does increasing home resiliency really make (dollars and) sense?