The Best Roof Upgrades For Different Climates

Roofs come in so many different styles, and this is largely because different environments benefit from different roofs. It’s useful to know exactly what type of roofing features are recommended in your local climate. This guide suggests a few overlooked roofing features that homes in each climate can benefit from.

Hot and dry climates

Keeping as much heat out of your home is a priority if you live in an area that gets very high temperatures. Roofing materials like clay and concrete are popular for their natural thermal resistance. However, other materials like metal and asphalt can also be modified to repel heat by applying a reflective light-colored coating (known as ‘cool roofing’).

Investing in attic ventilation and insulation can further keep heat out. Radiant barriers are a great choice, while solar-powered fans can further cool your home.

Speaking of solar power, looking into solar installation is a must if you live somewhere with sunny, clear skies. While solar panels can generate energy even on overcast days, they are most efficient when there are no clouds and could be used to power your entire home’s air conditioning system. Install these on the side of your roof that gets the most sun exposure throughout the day.

Cold and snowy climates

In cold and snowy climates, trapping heat in is important. Good attic insulation will help to keep your home warm longer - dense-pack cellulose insulation and loose-fill fiberglass insulation are top choices for keeping a home snug and cozy.

What about protecting your roof against snow and ice damage? Certain roof materials, like metal, are excellent for helping snow slide off and can prevent ice dams. Slate roofing is also a good investment as it’s highly resistant to frost damage while providing plenty of insulation. For those on a tighter budget, asphalt can be surprisingly resilient - especially thicker, higher-grade asphalt. 

Wet and humid climates

A lot of rain and humidity can increase the risk of leaks, rot and mold growth. In these climates, you need a roofing material that is non-porous and resistant to mildew, like clay or EPDM. Other types of roofing can have protective coatings applied to provide extra protection - metal roofs in wet climates should always be given corrosion-resistant finishes, while special coatings can be applied to asphalt to reduce mold growth.

If you experience very wet and very dry months, consider collecting rainwater during the rainy season by installing a downspout leading from your roof to a rain barrel. This will provide you with free water for keeping plants hydrated during periods of drought.

Windy and stormy climates

Windy regions need durable roofs that can withstand high wind speeds. Concrete tiles, impact-resistant asphalt shingles and interlocking metal systems are some of the best choices (these roofing materials may even be able to resist hurricanes if installed properly).

Just as homes in sunny regions should take advantage of the sun for energy, homes in windy regions can take advantage of the wind by installing roof turbines. A turbine typically won’t generate as much energy as solar panels, but they can still reduce your energy bills in the long run. Look for designs that automatically lock if wind speeds get too high.