No matter the weather, there’s a roof material built to withstand it. In order to pick the right roofing material for you, you have to understand how roofs are built to protect you. This article covers a few different roofing materials and how they protect you in various climates.
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Roofing for Snowy Weather
Dark colored roofing is recommended in snowy climates, since it absorbs winter sunlight and helps melt snow that can often linger on top of your roof. It will also draw heat into your home, which will help you save money on heating costs. If you choose a roofing like slate or tile, check the state of your home’s foundation to ensure that your home is built to deal with such a heavy material. Rubber roofing is a great choice for absorbing heat and resisting those damaging winds. Though dark colors have benefits in cold climates, you can choose from a variety of different colors.
Roofing for Warmer Weather
If you live in an area that gets incredibly hot, stay far away from rubber roofing. It can cause burns to skin if you touch it and can cause the inside of your home to rise in temperature. Metal isn’t the best solution either, but lightly colored metals will do a better job of reflecting sunlight away from the home. The best choice for hot climates has to be clay tile roofing. It’s more expensive than rubber or metal, but it does a lot better for blocking sunlight and resisting wind. Clay tile provides good insulation against the beating sun, and can save you lots of money on air conditioning.
Roofing for Tropical Climate
As you deal with high humidity and levels of precipitation, you might run into algae growth on your roof. Metal roofing is a great choice to withstand this problem. It’s resistant to rust, won’t let water run through it, and is resistant to algae. Asphalt shingles might be very popular, but they won’t help you against algae and mold unless algicides are built into them. Metal is also a great choice for areas that deal with heavy winds since they are more likely than shingles to stay intact.
Choosing the right roofing for your climate might seem like a long process, but don’t get too frustrated. Be sure that whatever roofing that you choose meets your needs in the best way possible. Also, if you still have more problems with deciding your roofing, talk to local roofing companies about your choices. You might be distracted by the allure of DIY projects in order to save money, but improper roof installation can cost you more money in the long run when a storm rolls around. Your roof is supposed to an investment towards your protection, so you should do the best you can in order to make sure that it’s the right material for you and your climate.
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Frazier Roofing & Guttering is a roofing and gutter installation company serving Tarrant County in Texas. They have over 18 years of experience in roofing, gutters, and construction. Founded by Rich & Sheila Frazier in 1977.
