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Roofs do more than protect you and your properties from the sun and elements. When a roof is of poor quality, the heat from the sun degrades it, causing it to crack and break down after a while. For this reason, carefully selecting the right roofing material for areas with hot climates is essential.
In this article, we will discuss the best types of roofing materials for hot weather, their durability, cost, cooling benefits, and energy efficiency. Reading this article will help you determine the most suitable option for your budget. Just make sure you don’t skip a line.
Our Top 5 Roofing Materials for Hot Climates
The different roofing materials have various levels of heat resistance. Some can’t withstand high levels of heat more than others. The following materials are some of the best roofing materials; they have been proven to do very well in extremely high temperatures:
- Slate roofing
- Clay tile roofing
- Metal roofing
- Concrete tile roofing
- Synthetic roofing
Slate Roofing
A slate roof is a natural roofing material that is resistant to heat and fire, making it an excellent choice for buildings in hot climates. It is the most long-lasting roofing material, with a lifespan of more than a century under the right conditions. In addition to its longevity and durability, a slate roof is aesthetically appealing and improves one’s home curb appeal.
Slate, however, weighs more than 1,000 pounds per square foot, making it one of the heaviest roofing materials. Before you install a slate roof, it is vital to confirm that your building structure can withstand slate’s weight.
Regarding cost, slate is one of the most costly roofing choices due to its durability and longevity. It typically costs between $15.50 and $25.50 per square foot.
Clay Tile Roofing
Clay is another natural roofing material resistant to heat and fire, making it an excellent choice for regions with high climates. It is also ideal for cold climates. Using clay tile roofing on your building gives it an extra layer of security.
This roofing material is common in homes with modern, Spanish, and Mediterranean styles. Clay tile roofing elevates the appearance of such buildings. They are available in various styles and colors, giving you variety to choose from and a choice to customize yours. The cost of clay tiles ranges from $12.50 to $18.50 per square foot. The exact price depends on how complex the installation is and the style.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing material is ideal for hot climates, mainly because it is reflective. This characteristic helps it to deflect a significant amount of the sun’s rays, maintaining a cool temperature and reducing your air conditioner’s workload. Metal roofs can withstand extreme heat and other harsh weather conditions due to their durability.
This type of roofing can be classified into two main types: screw-down and standing seam. Screw-down metal roofing is the type that uses exposed fasteners, making installing them cheaper and more manageable. On the other hand, standing seam is a metal roofing system with concealed fasteners, which improves their longevity and gives them a more appealing look.
Standing seam metal roofs have a lifespan of more than 50 years due to their durability. They also provide significant resistance to heat and wing, making them excellent for regions prone to exposure to intense sun and hurricanes. Standing seam metal roofs have an elegant design that improves a home’s curb appeal, increasing its value.
Despite their attractive properties, standing seam metal roofs have a significant disadvantage: their price. They are quite expensive and more complex to install due to their demand for more precision, making installation time take longer. However, they are a worthy investment, as they have long-term benefits.
Screw-down roofs, however, are more affordable, faster, and easier to install, making them the more budget-friendly option for homeowners. They are also resistant to high winds, making sure your roof remains in one piece during harsh weather conditions.
Despite their ease of installation and affordability, they need maintenance. Without maintenance, they won’t meet their expected lifespan as the screws start to loosen up over time due to constant expansion and contraction in the heat. Homeowners typically schedule their screw-down metal roofing maintenance within five-year intervals.
The Best Metal Materials for Hot Climates
When it comes to metal materials, there is a long list of options to choose from. However, the three most prevalent options are steel, aluminum, and galvalume.
- Steel: Steel is a prevalent metal used for roofing due to its versatility and affordability. Galvanized steel is resistant to rust because it is coated with zinc. It is also available in different thicknesses; the steel gets thinner as the gauge number increases. Steel roofs also exist in several profiles, including interlocking shingles, R-panels, 5-V crimp, and standing seam. Steel’s durability is higher with an increase in thickness.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a lightweight roofing material that is energy-efficient and resistant to corrosion. This type of metal is ideal for coastal regions due to its natural resistance to rust. It is also very reflective. Aluminum roofs are available in different thicknesses. However, you’ll typically find them in 032 and 040, as they generally are used for residential projects. Aluminum roofs usually have a paint warranty of 40–45 years, supporting their longevity.
- Galvalume: Galvalume is a blend of steel and aluminum, combining steel’s strength and aluminum’s resistance. Often, galvalume is more affordable than steel because of its lack of need for a painted finish. It is ideal for homes in coastal areas because it can withstand saltwater.
Depending on your choice of profile and material, metal roofing cost varies. However, it is typically between $8.50 and $15.50 per square foot.
Concrete Tile Roofing
This tile roofing is popular among homeowners for its performance, affordability, and versatility. Concrete is an energy-efficient, durable roofing material that can do very well in hot climates. These tiles are perfect for regions that tend to have wildfires, as they have a Class A fire rating.
Concrete tiles are versatile and can imitate the appearance of more sophisticated and expensive roofing materials such as shades, clay, and slate tiles. They have a cost range of $9.50 to $13.50 per square foot.
Synthetic Roofing
Synthetic roofing materials are a budget-friendly roofing alternative. They are made from recycled materials like plastic and rubber, making them lightweight, eco-friendly, energy-efficient, and durable. Synthetic roofs can help your home maintain a cool temperature in hot climates. If you also want to limit your impact on the environment, this roofing material is the one for you.
Synthetic roofs are cheaper than natural alternatives like slate. Getting a synthetic roof will cost you between $12.50 and $18.50 per square foot.
Conclusion
Now that you know some of the best roofing options that are great for areas with hot climates, deciding on the one that works best for you shouldn’t be a sport because you are now better informed about the benefits of each and their costs.
Furthermore, you have to consider the initial cost, long-term benefits, repairs, maintenance demands, and cost of replacement. Select a roofing material for hot climates that suits your budget and your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of roofing is the most energy-efficient?
Metal roofing is one of the best roofing choices you can make. Experts consider them the most energy-efficient residential roofing projects. In addition to being energy-efficient, metal roofs are long-lasting, durable, and low-maintenance. They have a lifespan of more than 50 years.
Are homes with black roofs hotter?
Generally, dark colors absorb more heat than light ones. The same thing applies to dark roofs. They take in most of the heat, while light-colored ones reflect the sun’s rays. However, your roof’s color is not the only quality that affects how much heat your home absorbs.
How do you apply insulation to a hot, flat roof?
Insulating a flat roof is beneficial for making a home cooler and warmer in summer and winter, respectively. You could use foam insulation, which is common among homeowners with modern buildings, or other options, including cellular glass, polystyrene, and wood fiber. They are all great insulation options.
