Generally homeowners will pick roofing materials based on the climate of the area. The United States greatly varies in temperature and climates throughout the 50 states, so choosing climate appropriate roofing is important. Basically, you can’t always chose the same roofing as someone that lives in a different part of the country.
In places such as the Northeast where they have very cold winters, asphalt shingles do a great job standing up to the snow and the cold temperatures. They are also easy to replace if one or two shingles get damaged, and one of the least expensive shingle types for when the whole roof needs to be replaced.
Metal roofing is a great recommendation for places with tropical storms such as the Southeast. It is strong enough to withstand the power of hurricanes or monsoons but it is versatile and is able to protect the home from the sun and the heat of the south.
The Midwest gets hit with all types of weather patterns including hot summers and freezing winters with a lot of snow and hail. For this reason slate tile roofs are a great choice because they will hold up to the snow and hail, but won’t disintegrate due to the stresses and fluctuations of the climate.
The sun in the Southwest can be brutal in the desert, and roofing takes on a new role in sunny climates. It isn’t so much to keep the roof protected from storms and debris but to reflect the sun rays to keep the home cool and energy efficient. Clay tiles work very well in this type of climate and matches well with the architecture of the area. The clay is able to soak up some of the sun and keep the home underneath cool making it more energy efficient.
The Northwest is the part of the country that the roofing style can most fluctuate. Asphalt or metal roofing are the most common in the area, for the climate of the area is predominantly overcast with heavy rain. Asphalt roofs are loved for the versatility of the material, although with heavy rain they must be treated so they moisture doesn’t destroy the roof below the shingles. Metal roofing is a common choice in overly wet climates because it deflects the moisture.
