Your roof is a lot more than just “that thing on top of your house.” People think of it as almost the house’s lid and it’s usually not on their list of priorities as far as home improvements go. It can be expensive, and it’s a pain to get it done because a new roof is a lot of work. But a bad roof can cost you a lot, and even if you get a new one and you get the material wrong, you’re in for a world of hurt. 

Say goodbye to low bills and comfortable living because you’ll be dealing with expensive repairs, high utility bills, and a home that can’t handle its environment. Can you imagine your roof cracking under a heavy layer of snow? Or leaking because of a downpour? These aren’t just annoying and unsightly, they’re absolute disasters. 

So, how do you choose the right material for your roof? Well, it’s not by looking at the price or the looks. Those are factors, of course, but there’s more to it. 

Making the Right Choice

In essence, the way you choose your roofing material comes down to your climate and understanding how it affects durability, maintenance, energy efficiency, etc. 

A Minneapolis roofer has to think about heavy snow, freezing temperatures, and ice buildup, plus the roof cannot be flat, but instead has to be under a regulated angle (typically between 35° and 45°). This is because in heavy snow areas, like Minnesota, flat roofs would cause snow build-up, which would cause leakages. 

On the other hand, a roofer in Phoenix, Arizona will prioritize heat resistance and UV protection. 

And then you have Florida, a state susceptible to hurricanes (and other types of high wind). This means that roofs in Miami need to ideally be made of metal. If asphalt shingles are used, they should be sealed to both stop the wind and help with the roof’s structural integrity.

So yeah, as you can see, making the correct roof choice should definitely be considered based on several factors.

Here’s a closer look.

1. Local Climate

This is your starting point. Think about weather patterns in your area, like average temperatures, precipitation levels, and seasonal extremes. If you live in a colder climate that has harsh winters, your roof will need to be made of material that can take snow and ice. 

On the other hand, if you’re in a hot, dry climate, you’ll need a roof that can handle scorching heat without warping and cracking. 

2. Durability of the Material

How long-lasting your roof will be and how well it will perform depends on how durable its material is. If it’s a snowy region, the material has to be strong enough to support heavy snow loads and resist damage from the ice, which means metal is a good choice. 

But for areas with mild weather, asphalt shingles can be a good way to go. Of course, you can’t use asphalt shingles in hot climates because they’ll degrade. For that type of climate, clay and concrete work a lot better. 

3. Resistance to Moisture

If you live in a rainy or humid climate, you have to choose a roofing material that can resist moisture, otherwise your roof will get damaged by water and you’ll have issues with mold. Slate and synthetic roofing membranes are ideal in these cases. 

Slate is resistant to water by nature and if you maintain it, it will last you for decades. Synthetic membranes are waterproof, so if you have a flat roof, it’s the perfect choice because flat roofs are prone to water pooling. 

4. Wind Resistance

This will be a big factor for people who live in regions that have strong storms or hurricanes. High winds can rip shingles off and compromise the entire roofing system.

A metal roof is an excellent choice because it can withstand incredibly strong winds when it’s installed properly. Shingles resistant to impact are another option; they’re designed to handle both the pressure from the wind and flying debris. 

5. Fire Resistance

Here’s another category where a metal roof is among the best choices. Areas prone to wildfires are no joke, so your roof can’t be either. Metal is excellent because it’s naturally fireproof, so it’s one of the safest materials for homes in these kinds of places. Clay is non-combustible as well, so clay tiles are another good option, plus tiles are more durable and are weather-resistant. 

A fire-resistant roof can be an investment that will save your life. 

6. Think About Energy Efficiency

This is about more than just comfort because energy efficiency will also lower your bills and make your home have less of an impact on the environment. Again, this is another category in which a metal roof performs very well if it’s paired with a reflective coating. It will keep the temperature on the inside lower during summer because it reflects the sun away from the house. Cool roof coatings are also great for keeping inside temperatures lower. 

7. Cost vs. Longevity

The upfront price you need to pay for the roof is important, but think about the long-term value. 

The cheapest option is asphalt, but it may last only 15 to 30 years. Asphalt’s great if you’re on a budget. Metal roofs are costly at first; however, the lifespan ranges between 40 to 70 years, which means it will be worth your investment.

If you want the longest-lasting then it’s clay or slate since you can get as much as 100 years out of them. But, they also (usually) cost the most.

Conclusion

It’s good to know all this information since we’re looking at an investment. It’s smart, however, to defer to an expert’s wisdom regarding the choice of material. If you’re not a roofer, you’ll probably make a mistake and spend money on something that might not work well which is not going to be a pleasant experience, for you or for the roof. Professionals (usually) know best.

Roofers do roofing for a living. They likely think and breathe roofing even when they’re not working. And they’ll be able to think of all those little things that would never even cross your mind – and those things could be the most important decisions that you can make.