Shingles in a Hot Climate
When you’re living in a hot area the process of building a home ends up becoming a little different in comparison to building a home in a colder climate. A small, yet important decision that needs to be made when building any house is which shingle would be best for your home. Choosing shingles that work well in a hot climate is extremely important as you need roof materials that can survive the harsh weather. Lucky for you, we have compiled a list of the top 5 best roof shingles for hot climates.
Metal Roofing
Though they aren’t technically shingles, metal roofing tiles are an excellent roof material for a house in a hot climate. Some of the biggest benefits that come with purchasing metal roofing tiles are durability, and fire resistance. Since they’re metal tiles it is very unlikely that they will sustain major damage, it is more likely that they will wear away with time, but the protective coating that wore away can easily be replaced with a new coat. Metal roofing is built to last, and they will last an extremely long time in comparison to other materials. They excel in a hot climate due to their fire-resistant properties, but they also have a unique trait that actually keeps your roof cool. Metal roofs actually reflect heat, and that is a very helpful thing to have in a hot climate. The only real downside to a roof like this is its cost. In comparison to other roof materials, it can get pretty high, but with how long it lasts, it may be worth it.
Slate Roof Tiles
Next on the list is slate roof tiles. Because they are typically made of stone, they are not really affected by anything to do with the weather. They are cold, and heat resistant. Like the metal roofing above, slate shingles will also last a very long time, they may even last longer. However, slate roof tiles are extremely heavy, so heavy in fact that you may need to have your home checked and changed if it can’t handle the weight. It is also very expensive, even more than the metal roofing. Though they are pricey investment, if you want a roof that will last longer than you, slate roof tiles are worth it.
Clay Roof Shingles
Then we have clay roof shingles. It’s heat resistant, and fire resistant, which makes it a good option in the heat. It also has a variety of style options, making it a good choice for someone who likes to customize their roof. However, like the slate roof tiles, it is very heavy, so your home may need to be checked and or changed in some way. Clay is also fairly expensive, not as much as the slate roof, but a little bit more than the metal roofing. It is a great option for a home in a hot climate.
Rubber Roofing
Thought it may seem like a strange concept, rubber roofing is another common roof material used in hot climates and for good reason. Rubber roofing is heat resistant and comes in a variety of different styles making it perfect to make your home look different among the others. Though it won’t last as long as the other materials, it is still a great option and is far more affordable than the others. Rubber roofing is a great, affordable option for a home in a hot climate.
Green Roofs
An up-and-coming roof option for hot climates is known as a green roof. A green roof consists of a bunch of living plants on top of a waterproof material. These make up the roof of your home. The green roof is considered a good option for hot climates because of the plant’s heat absorbing properties. It keeps the roof itself from picking up heat because the plants are almost acting as lighting rods for heat. This option is also environmentally friendly as the plants add oxygen back into the air and are used as an alternative to environmentally damaging materials. The real downside to the green roof is the amount that it costs to maintain it. You need to ensure that the plants are watered, and that there are no pests living among them. This may seem like a strange option, but it can be well worth it if you care about the environment.
Conclusion
Finding a roof material that works for you is ultimately a very personal job. These are just some good options for roofs in hot climates. Once you begin the process of building a home, you will find that there are options that work for you and options that don’t. Local roofing contractors will have more knowledge about the kinds of roofs that are used in your area. We hope this article helped you at least narrow down the many choices available for your home.
Leave a Reply