Choosing a Suitable Roof Type for the Climate In Your Area

Updated February 8th, 2024

There are many different materials to choose from when fitting a new roof, but some roofs are better suited to certain climates than others. If you live in an area where extreme weather conditions are common, as well as looking at style, color and cost, checking the durability and resistance of roofing materials will help you to pick the most appropriate for your home.

Whether it’s covered with metal panels, slate shingles, or even a layer of plants, any correctly installed roof should keep your home warm and secure in winter. However, each option brings particular benefits that could protect your home further in harsh weather conditions at any time of year.

Keeping Homes Cool with Metal Panels

In areas susceptible to winter storms, metal roof panels are resilient to wind and allow snow and ice to slide off easily, reducing the risk of damage or collapse from the additional weight. At the same time, in hot, southern climates, a metal roof can keep a home cooler as the surface reflects heat from the sun. This same heat-resistant quality also means that aluminum sheet or copper tiles are a good roofing choice for homes in arid areas where wildfires are a risk. The most significant benefit of a metal roof is its durability, making it a good long-term investment. A well fitted metal roof can have a lifespan of up to 75 years, 3 times longer than one covered with asphalt shingles.

Absorbing Rain Runoff with a Living Roof

At the end of their long life, metal roofs can also be recycled making them one of the most environmentally-friendly materials for your home. However, for the ultimate in eco-friendly roof coverings, a living roof not only provides a natural habitat for birds, insects and plants in urban areas but also helps to regulate interior temperatures through highly effective insulation and shading. Green roofs are also suitable for areas subject to heavy rainfalls. While a waterproof membrane prevents moisture from entering the home, the living layer of planting captures rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff which instead is slowly released through evaporation and absorbed by plants.

This kind of climate can cause a lot of damage to your home, especially to its roof. To avoid expensive repairs or replacements in the future, it’s important to select a roofing material that can withstand these weather conditions. A proper commercial roofing replacement project should begin with a thorough assessment of the local climate, including factors such as temperature ranges, precipitation levels, and frequency of extreme weather events. Professionals will then help you determine the most suitable roofing material for your specific region’s climate, ensuring the longevity and durability of your roof. This is especially important in areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes, or other severe storms that can cause significant damage to a home’s roof.

Fitting Stronger Storm-Resistant Shingles

Although green roofs are becoming more popular, they do require extra maintenance and are not suitable for steeply pitched roofs with a slope of more than 10 degrees. In the US, roofs are commonly covered with asphalt shingles which are cost effective, lightweight and easy to install. Shingles are suitable for most climates, but they do tend to have a shorter life expectancy overall and they can be less durable under severe conditions. As they are heavier and thicker, slate shingles perform better in cold weather and are strong enough to cope with high winds and heavy hail.

While there are many factors to think about when choosing a new roof, taking into account the local climate can help to ensure your home is well protected, even in extreme weather conditions.

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