Living in a warmer climate has many benefits, from enjoying outdoor activities year-round to simply appreciating the fact that you don’t need to bundle up in jackets and sweaters when you go out! However, if you live in a warmer climate, you also know that the warmer temperatures can take a toll on your home – including your roof. The sun can crack and dry out roofing materials, and this can lead to leaks, mold, water damage, and/or worn-out shingles. Fortunately, you can make wise roofing choices that will help sustain your roof for many years, if you keep in mind some of the following tips for Roofing in Warmer Climates.
Best Roofing Materials for Hot Climates
One way to ensure longevity for your roof is to consider cool roofing materials– and the proliferation of cool roof technology provides many options for keeping your roof (and your home’s interior) cool.
For instance, many shingles are treated with a protective coating that protects the shingle, as well as creates an insulating barrier. That way, when the sun’s rays hit the rooftop, your home can still remain cool, and the heat from the sun will not damage and destroy the shingles themselves prematurely. White reflective coatings do an excellent job of reflecting the sun’s rays; but if you prefer a different color, there are other pigmented coats that can still offer reflective properties.
Other examples of cool roofing materials include: asphalt, metal, slate, concrete, and clay. Let’s explore each material in a bit more detail, below for roofing in warmer climates:
Best Roofs for a Hot Climate
- Asphalt shingles. Asphalt is one of the most commonly-used materials for roofing, and for good reason. These shingles are long-lasting, affordable, and they also work well in warm climates. In fact, some asphalt shingles in CertainTeed’s line boast anywhere from 25-50% solar reflectivity. Pair that with a reasonable price point, and you’ve got a great choice for a roofing material that works well in a warm area.
- Metal roofing. At first glance, you may think a metal roof would simply heat up in a warm climate and do nothing to keep your home cool . . . but think again! With a proper coating and paint color, a metal roof can be just as reflective as an asphalt shingle. In fact, Matterhorn Metal Roofing (certainteed.com) is manufactured with an effective ENERGY STAR-rated coating that provides approximately 30% solar reflectivity.
- Slate roofing. Slate is an expensive material, but you may decide it to be well worth the expense, if you live in a warm area. Slate can endure for years, despite the harsh rays of the sun. It is also has fireproof properties – a bonus if your area gets little rainfall and is prone to fires. Before opting to install a slate roof, make sure your home’s structure can support these extremely heavy tiles. You may want to consult with an architect to make an informed decision. If you do choose to install a slate roof, one of the best reasons to do so is the longevity of slate: this natural form of cool roof technology is known to last for up to 150 years!
- Concrete roofing. Like slate, concrete is a heavy roofing material, but the price point is much lower. And because it’s such a sturdy material, concrete roofs are durable and built to last. They are known to survive extreme wind and rain, and the sun’s rays are no match, either.
- Clay roofs. The style of a clay roof lends itself well to Spanish-style homes, as its appearance imitates that of a Terra cotta roof. Like the previously-mentioned materials like asphalt, metal, and concrete, clay is durable, with a lifespan that can approach 100 years. Rain, wind, and sun will do little to deteriorate a clay roof, so if you like the prospect of installing a low-maintenance product, this is a viable option. When it comes to clay, be sure to choose a pigment color that reflects the sun’s rays. Not all clay tiles are created equal in reflecting the sun: red tiles will absorb more of the rays, while white clay tiles will offer more reflectivity to roofing in warmer climates.
Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company: Meeting your cool roof technology needs
Regardless of your final selection in roof style and materials, Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company is your trusted commercial roofing contractor in the Baltimore, MD area. Homes in the Baltimore area can be affected by prolonged sun exposure, and that’s why we only use the best materials and the most qualified contractors to repair and replace your roof.
Our satisfied clients are a testament to our contractors’ ethics, professionalism, and skill. Not only that, but our knowledgeable team can help you sort through the countless roofing options related to cool roof technology, to select a roof that meets your style and budget requirements – while taking your area’s weather conditions into account as well.
Unlike many other contractors, Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company prides itself in being responsive to your needs before, during, and after the project – no matter if it is a minor roof repair or an entire roof replacement. Getting your roof installed on time is a top priority for us, too, as we value your time. Visit us at https://midatlanticremodelingco.com/ to check out the services we offer, as well as our portfolio of commercial and residential roofing projects.
You deserve superior service and prompt attention – and that’s what you’ll receive when you call Mid-Atlantic Remodeling Company at (410) 918-0563. We look forward to hearing from you!