What Are The Best Roofing Options For Hot Climates?
Posted on: 5 November 2021
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Asphalt and fiberglass shingles are used across the country. However, in the hottest areas, they don't tend to be the best roofing option. Even asphalt shingles made to withstand more heat tend to shrivel up and become brittle after years of sun. So, what roofing materials are better suited to hot climates? Consider these options.
Concrete Tile
A concrete roof sounds like a strange idea if you imagine the concrete being poured. But in fact, many roofs are made from concrete. With concrete being the rough, rugged substance that it is, it stands up well to the heat and sun in hot climates. Concrete tiles are not all concrete-colored, either. You can find them in an array of colors, from white to brown. Most people in hot areas choose lighter-colored concrete tiles since they absorb less heat from the sun. A concrete tile roof can last 50 years or more. You may need to have a few tiles replaced over the years if they crack, and you may need to have the roof cleaned to remove algae now and then, but overall, concrete tiles are low-maintenance.
Slate
If you want your home to have a more traditional look, then slate might be your best roofing material choice. Slate is a natural stone. It's a stone that naturally comes apart into sheets, which makes it a good choice as a roofing material. As you'd expect, slate stands up very well to heat and sunlight. It only comes in natural colors, of course, but there are more colors of slate than you might think. Some slate has a green or blue undertone, which can be accentuated with the right siding color choice. Slate roofs are almost guaranteed to last longer than you live. The only downfall is that having one installed can be quite pricey.
Steel
If you're on a budget and need to get a roof on your home ASAP, steel tends to be a good choice. It's cheaper than tile or slate and is pretty easy for roofers to install since it comes in big, ready-made sheets. The steel used in roofing is coated in zinc to ward off rust, but the zinc will eventually start to wear away, typically after 30 or 40 years. Still, steel will stand up to the heat and sun for years, and it will reflect a lot of sunshine to keep your home cooler.
It's so important to keep climate in mind when choosing a roofing material. If you're in a hot climate, one of the three options above is your best bet.
For more information on roofing, contact a company like P&G Renovations.