Your home’s roof has an incredibly important job. It must protect you from the elements, whether they be blazing sun, snow and ice, or harsh winds. If you live in a hot climate, it’s essential to consider how well your roofing materials will stand up to the heat. (If you live in a colder climate, keep an eye out for our next blog post, which will explore roofing materials suitable for freezing temperatures.)
Keep reading to learn more about roofing materials ideal for hot climates.
Hot Climates May Vary
There are many types of hot climates. When you’re considering which type of roofing material would be best for your home, make sure you take into account the weather conditions you’ll likely encounter in a given year.
Depending on the location, a “hot climate” can be humid and tropical with lots of rain, or dry and dusty with high winds. Here in Northern Utah, we have hot, dry summers, but our winters are cold and snowy. Ensure you select roofing materials that can stand up to your specific subtype of hot climate.
Asphalt Roofing Materials
Asphalt shingles don’t have the same composition as asphalt roads or parking lots. These shingles are made by coating a fiberglass sheet with asphalt, then adding a layer of crushed stone to the outside. The result is water-resistant and stiff, yet still flexible enough to work with. Thanks to their versatility, asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing material in the U.S. by far.
Asphalt roofs are great for hot climates, as they can actually enhance your home’s energy efficiency, especially when paired with a weather-proof underlayment. If you want to keep your home cool in the summer, choose asphalt shingles in a lighter color. These shades reflect more of the sun’s radiation, preventing it from warming your home. Stay away from darker colors, which absorb the heat.
If you live in a hot climate that’s prone to summer wildfires, look for asphalt shingles with a Class A rating, which means they are considered to be fully fire-resistant and can withstand direct exposure to flames without catching on fire.
Metal Roofing Materials
Whether you choose aluminum, steel, galvalume, or a different option, metal roofing is another great option for hot climates. It’s highly reflective, and with the right color of paint, it can improve your home’s energy efficiency. Plus, it’s durable, cost-effective, and can last several decades with proper maintenance.
One factor you must consider when choosing a metal roof is the fastening system. Some metal roofs utilize a standing seam, which conceals the fasteners and adds durability. Others are known as screw-down roofs, which leave the fasteners exposed to the elements. Screw-down roofs require more maintenance due to the expansion and contraction of the metal that occurs with fluctuating temperatures. The exposed screws may come loose, often within five years of installation.
DECRA Metal Roofing
If you’re looking for a roofing material with the durability of metal but the classic appearance of asphalt, consider DECRA metal shingles. These innovative roofing products are engineered to withstand the world’s harshest weather conditions. Blistering heat, heavy hail, and strong winds are no match for DECRA roofs.
DECRA metal shingles are especially great for hot climates. Their infrared-blocking pigments reflect up to 90 percent of solar radiation back into the atmosphere, helping your home stay cool all summer long. Think of how much money you’ll save on cooling costs! They are also non-combustible with a Class A rating, so you can rest assured that your roof will do its part to protect your home in the event of a wildfire.
Additional Roofing Materials
We may not install these types of roofing materials at Kanga Roof; however, they are still excellent choices for hot climates:
- Clay tile: There’s a reason Mediterranean and European buildings often use classic red clay tiles for their roofs. Clay tiles are known for their thermal resistance, making them perfect for hot climates.
- Concrete tile: With a Class A fire rating and energy efficiency benefits, concrete roofing tiles also perform well in hot climates.
Weather-Proof Roofs for Utah Homes
If you live in Utah, your roof needs to be able to withstand the blazing heat of and the frigid chill of winter. At Kanga Roof, we are dedicated to providing the quality roofing solutions you deserve. Whether you’re looking for repair services, inspections, new construction roofing, or even snow removal, we can help. Contact us today to get started!
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