Which Materials are Best for Southeast Roofs?

By Quarrix. 

What to consider when choosing materials for a Southeastern roofing project. 

People who live in the Southeastern U.S. know how great the weather can be. The climate is warm and there’s plenty of sunny days throughout the year. But there are disadvantages. Extreme heat, natural disasters and pests can cause damage to all homes and structures in the area. When you’re taking on a roof remodeling or repair project, it’s important to choose the right materials that can handle these conditions. 

Durability is key 

When thinking about adverse weather events in the Southeastern U.S., one thing usually comes to mind: hurricanes. These natural disasters can cause widespread destruction and devastation. But even when things don’t rise to hurricane levels, the Southeast can still whip up some seriously strong storms. That’s why it’s so important to use durable building materials like when tackling a roofing project in the Southeastern U.S. 

Some southern homeowners choose metal roofs because of their toughness, while others opt for the more traditional asphalt shingles. Whatever you choose, make sure the product meets the building codes in your area to ensure compliance and the best protection from the elements. 

But storms aren’t the only weather-related dangers to your roof. Anyone living in the Southeastern U.S. knows how hot and humid things can get, particularly during the summer months. If you’re building in a particularly humid area, like the more tropical parts of Florida or Louisiana, proper roof ventilation is extremely important. Without it, moisture can get trapped in your roof system and lead to mold, mildew, rot and other problems. 

The solution is a quality roof ventilation system that strikes a balance between intake and exhaust to prevent excess heat and moisture buildup in your attic. Installing proper ventilation can mean the difference between a healthy roof and one that will quickly succumb to moisture and heat. 

Prioritize pest prevention 

Unfortunately, the threats to your roof don’t end with the weather. Animals like snakes, raccoons and ants can all become uninvited guests if you’re not careful. Squirrels in particular can wreak havoc on a home because they can be attracted to the exposed pipes on your roof. They will often gnaw on these pipes or on your pipe flashings, which damages the roof and can create leaks. 

To prevent these critters from causing too much damage, consider using a Quarrix ProBoot Pipe Flashing on your exposed pipes. Because it doesn’t contain any lead, squirrels aren’t attracted to it. Instead, it uses an all-steel construction, which means it won’t corrode or rust, and there’s no rubber gasket that can fail, so you get maximum protection from the elements. The Pipe Boot installs quickly using a unique TightLOCK Top, making it simple to extend the life of your roof. 

When it comes to choosing roofing materials for the Southeastern U.S., it’s all about finding durable products that are tough enough to take on everything from massive hurricanes to tiny squirrels. With sturdy exterior materials, proper ventilation and the right pipe flashings, you’ll end up with a roof that’s built to last. 

Looking for roofing materials outside of the Southeast? Check out our blog posts on roofing materials for other regions of the U.S., including the Northeast, Southwest, West and Midwest.  

Have a question? AskARoofer.

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

Original article source: Quarrix