What to Consider When Choosing a New Roof – Part 2

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

Learn why you should consider your regional climate when picking out a new roof. 

Picking out a new roof isn’t as simple as choosing a material and calling it a day. One of the main things to take into consideration when deciding on a material is your regional climate. Living in a region that gets extremely hot or cold has a direct impact on the material your roof is made from. In Part 1, we covered the many different materials you can choose from for a new roof. Now, we’ll cover the effect your regional climate has on those roofing materials. 

Hot and dry climate 

If you live in a place that experiences hot and dry weather, you want a roofing material that doesn’t absorb heat. Materials like asphalt or wood will absorb heat and could also shrink in extreme heat. It’s recommended you choose a roof made of metal, slate or clay, as these materials will prevent heat damage and some offer fire protection as well. 

Cold and snowy climate 

Homes in places that see a lot of snow and cold weather need a roof that’s waterproof and resistant to freezing up. Metal roofing is a great option for colder climates as it’s waterproof and able to withstand harsh climates for a long time. It also offers wind protection that other roofing materials, like clay or wood, do not. The last thing you need during a windy snowstorm is for your roof to blow off, and metal is highly recommended to keep your home snow-free! 

Hot and humid climate 

Much like winter climates, homes in hot and humid areas need a roof that will be resistant to moisture. But another problem roofs in this climate can face is possible corrosion from the moisture in the air. Metal is again a great option for this reason because it is also resistant to rust and corrosion. Concrete or clay roofs will also reflect heat well in these areas and you want to be sure your roof is a light color to minimize heat absorption. 

Moderate climate 

If you feel your climate doesn’t fit into any of these extremes and is more moderate, then consider yourself lucky! You can choose from any of the roofing materials that are out there as they will all perform in moderate climates. For those living in these regions, you want to consider other factors like price, which we’ll cover in Part 3 of our series. 

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About Evelyn 

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.