A well-functioning roof not only acts as an excellent barrier to outside elements from interfering with your life inside but also helps you in other aspects like energy savings and weather protection.
Typically, most homeowners only consider things like cost, durability, aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency when choosing a roofing material for a new installation or replacement. However, you should always keep the region you live in mind during this process since different areas have different weather conditions. As a homeowner, you’d always want a roof capable of withstanding the harshest weather patterns in the area you live in.
How Roofing Materials Vary by Region
Not every material is fit for certain areas of the country. The following are the best roofing materials for different regions based on different climatic conditions.
Best Roofing Material for Hot Areas
If you live in hot areas, the right roofing material for you is the one that helps lower the inside temperatures. In other words, your type of roof should be able to reflect as much heat away, thereby reducing your cooling cost.
For these areas, tiles are the best roofing materials, and for a good reason. They are highly energy efficient, hence able to reduce heat buildup in your home. This lowers the inside temperatures than the outside and cuts the cost of air conditioning. Tile roofs are extremely durable and can last up to a century.
Best Roofing Material for Windy Regions
Hurricane-prone or tornado-prone areas require roofing materials that can withstand intense wind speeds. Concrete or clay tiles are heavy enough to withstand the uplifting force during windy or hurricane seasons. Asphalt shingles with high wind speed ratings (at least Class F, which has a 110 mph rating) installed by certified contractors are also suitable in these areas. Though metal roofs can also withstand strong winds, they need particular installation to reduce excessive rattling noise in windy conditions.
Best Roofing Material for Cold Regions
If you live in a cold region, you need a roof that can effectively prevent snow buildup during the winter, which can increase the risk of roof collapse. Metal roofs are one of the best since they can transfer inside temperatures to the roof and help melt the snow, preventing buildup. They are also strong and, hence, can withstand the weight of the snow buildup. Likewise, fiberglass asphalt shingles are another great choice for these regions as they are moisture-resistant.
General Best Roofing Material
While every area requires a different type of roofing material depending on its climate, home styles and the homeowner’s unique needs, asphalt shingles stand out as the most suitable for most homes in America. Asphalt shingles can be manufactured to various specifications to withstand different weather conditions, like hurricanes. They also offer other advantages, such as
- Durability
- Fire-resistant
- Wide range of styles available
- Lightweight for easy installation
Consult a Qualified & Certified Local Roofing Contractor
A roofing installation or replacement project is a serious endeavor and investment that’s best handled by a certified roofing contractor. We highly recommend that you go with a local roofing contractor who understands your location better and, hence, can advise you on the best roofing material to use.
At Roofing Optimum, we offer high-quality roofing services in California, Nevada and Arizona. We’re certified by your best roofing material manufacturers, like GAF, CertainTeed and NewPoint. Contact us today to learn more about what roofing materials are best for your home, or schedule a consultation with our roofing service representative.
