What roofing material is best in your climate?

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.

What siding is best for your climate?

Each siding type has its pros and cons, finding the perfect siding is a rewarding process. To determine what siding is best depends a lot on the geographic location of the home. Each region of the US has completely different weather patterns and you can’t always use the pretty siding that your friend has in California when you live in Colorado. It is important that each area has the proper choice for the weather patterns. Matching the architecture of the area is also important and siding can aid that process quite a bit.

Vinyl siding is the least expensive of all siding types and comes in many colors and styles which is a selling point to most homeowners. Although it is a great product, vinyl siding is not as durable as some other metal sidings, so after large storms they have to be maintained. Vinyl siding is a lovely choice for places that are generally stable in weather, for they work well in hot or colder climates.

Stucco siding is generally found in places with dry climates. Because of the material, the siding isn’t greatly affected by the heat. Generally stucco siding has a great lifespan when maintained properly. Arizona is a great example of a place with a lot of stucco siding. It matches the style of architecture and meets the needs of the climate. Similar to stucco siding, stone or brick siding is generally found in really hot locations for they cool off quickly and in turn keeps the interior of the building cool.

Wood siding is a very traditional choice for homes, and with regular upkeep they have a very long lifespan. They come in all types of grains and grades as well as size, color, and shape. They have a traditional and classic look that makes a home look classy and aged even if it is a new build. People tend to steer away from wood siding if they live in a very humid or rainy area because the siding can warp and change shape.

Steel siding is the most popular in tropical climates because it has the ability to withstand the harsh winds and pressures of monsoons or hurricanes. It has the durability to hold up well to snow storms as well, which for some geographical areas is a noticeable issue for homes.

Fiber cement siding is a popular choice on the coasts of the US, for they can stand up to the moisture and the salt water. It is very sturdy but flexible enough to not crack or chip so the maintenance is very low.

Posts Tagged ‘cold’

What roofing material is best in your climate?

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What siding is best for your climate?

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