Choosing the Right Roofing Material
Best Roofing Material for Tropical Climates
Tropical climates are humid, and there is a lot of precipitation during the rainy season. You'll find this kind of environment in states such as Florida and Hawaii. All the moisture that rainfall brings can cause problems with algae growing on the roof. Algae resembles mold, but, unlike mold, algae does not pose a threat to your health. However, algae stains on your roof are unsightly, and they can blemish the appearance of your home and reduce property values.
Algae spores are extremely contagious. These spores are airborne, and if your neighbor's roof is choked with algae, the spores can easily spread to your roof if it is the kind of roofing that supports algae growth.
Most roofing in the United States is made with asphalt shingles, and this stems from the fact that these shingles are inexpensive and resilient. However, asphalt shingles can be a poor choice in tropical weather, since they support moisture that can foster algae growth. The exception is asphalt shingles that have been treated with algaecides.
Another drawback regarding shingle roofing concerns their performance in heavy wind. Many tropical climates are subject to high winds from storms and hurricanes. Shingles can easily blow off in extreme wind conditions.
A metal roof is your best choice in tropical weather. Choices are available that resist rust, and they are dependably waterproof. A metal surface will also discourage the growth of algae. When storms hit, metal roofs also offer good wind resistance, and they're more likely than other roofing types to stay put in gusty conditions.
Best Roofing Material for Desert Climates
States such as California, New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona experience desert climates. The big challenge with living in a desert climates is that the weather is hot and dry, and certain types of roofing can exacerbate heat conditions within your home.
Rubber roofing is a poor choice for scalding desert heat. Rubber tends to attract heat, and a rubber roof will be unbearably hot to walk on if you need to do work on the roof in the summer. A rubber roof will also make your home's interior warmer. This means your home's air conditioning system will have extra work to do, and you'll pay the price in steeper utility bills. Since dark colors are a magnet for heat, dark-colored roofing of all types is a poor fit for desert weather.
The best roofing choice for desert climates is clay tile, and this type of roofing is quite popular in places such as Nevada and Arizona. Clay tiles do a superior job of blocking heat, and they can help prevent your home from turning into a sauna during the summer. Keep in mind, though, that clay tiles can be tricky to install. This type of roofing also tends to be more expensive than other choices.
Best Roofing Material for Snowy Climates
If you live on the East Coast or in the Midwest, you're no stranger to snow. Snow can tax your roof by adding weight the structure as it accumulates, so a resilient roof is essential in snowy weather.
Asphalt shingle roofing is a top choice for snowy conditions. This type of roofing is resilient, and it offers excellent insulation. It's also readily available, and this makes it easy for a roofer to perform repairs and maintenance. Dark-colored asphalt shingles will also attract warmth from the winter sun, and this will help reduce your home's heating bill.
Metal roofing is also a popular choice in places that get lots of snow. Metal roof are incredibly durable, and they do an excellent job of resisting leaks.
Cost and Installation
It's possible to handle the task of roof installation yourself. However, the value of the home is closely tied to the integrity of its roof. If you opt for self-installation, there is a risk of making a mistake that could have unpleasant financial consequences.
The cost of hiring a professional roofer to install a new roof will vary depending on the size of your home, the type of roof being installed, the steepness of your roof, the code requirements for your home's roofing, and the area in which you live. Replacing a roof with asphalt shingles could cost $1,700- $8,400 or more if working with a roofing contractor.