Weather-Resistant Roofing: Best Materials for Every Climate

No matter how prepared you may think you are, when Mother Nature strikes, there’s no telling what damage may be done. And when it comes to your home, that damage may include your roof. Investing in weather-resistant roofing can help you avoid expensive problems down the line. However, it is not a “one size fits all” solution. 

Continue reading to find out the best roofing materials for every climate—whether you’re in hot, cold, dry, or wet areas.

Why Is It Important to Install a Roof Based on Climate?

Wear and tear is normal for any roof, but if you aren’t starting with the right materials for your climate, your roof may wear out much more quickly. 

The types of roofing materials best for hot climates are different from materials for cold ones. Likewise, if your area is prone to snow, rain, hurricanes, or tornadoes, then you will instead want materials that best withstand storms. 

Best Roofs for Extreme Weather

Extreme weather is considered any unusually harsh weather or climate conditions that can have catastrophic effects on a community. These events include snow and ice storms, hurricanes, and hail storms—all of which make it necessary for homeowners to find the best roofing material for extreme weather in their area. The following is a look at the different types of weather events you should consider when having a new roof installed.

What Are the Best Roof Types for Snow and Ice?

During snow and ice storms, the weight added to your roof can cause water damage and put it at risk of collapse. To avoid this, you want a roof that effectively directs snow and ice away from it. Here are the best options:

• Polymer modified shingles
• Metal roofing
• Slate roofing
• Clay tiles
• Fiberglass asphalt shingles

What Are the Best Roof Types for Hurricanes?

If you’re in Hurricane Alley, then you know the winds that tear through your area can cause a lot of serious damage. The best roofs for hurricane prone regions are built to handle winds as strong as 100 miles per hour or more. These are the right choices for this type of climate, with links to each so you can learn more:

• Metal roofing
• Asphalt shingles
• Wood shake roofing
• Ceramic tiles
• Natural slate

What Are the Best Roofs for Hail?

Hail storms, which may produce hail the size of a baseball or golf ball, can cause some of the most significant damage during a storm—from denting vehicles to breaking windows and glass doors. It can also be one of the most damaging types of weather conditions for your roof. To avoid the cost of this damage, consider these roof materials to protect your home during hail storms:

• Rubber roofing
• Asphalt shingles
• Metal roofing
• Slate roofing 
• Clay barrel tiles
• Cedar shakes

Best Roofing Material for Hot Climates

If you live in a hot climate, then you probably already know the importance of weather-resistant roofing. You need a material that will endure high temperatures and, ideally, keep your utility bills low. 

The best roofing material for hot climates are cool roofs, which are designed to reflect sunlight so your roof absorbs less heat. They also reduce your need to use air conditioning because heat isn’t being transferred into the home as much. Consider the following roof types for hot climates:

• Metal roofing
• Slate tiles
• Clay tiles 
• Concrete tiles
• Solar roofing
• Green roofing
• Membrane roofing
• Rubber roofing

Our four top picks from this list are explored in more depth here, including pros, cons, and costs.

Best Roofing Material for Cold Climates

When the weather outside is frightful, snuggling up inside your warm, cozy home is definitely delightful. But remember that your roof isn’t feeling so comfortable during the winter months. 

From snow to sleet to subzero temperatures, you need a roof that’s strong enough to hold up throughout the colder months while providing the insulation necessary to keep your home warm. Consider these options if you need the best roof for cold climates:

• Slate tile roofing
• Metal roofing
• Asphalt shingles
• Clay tile roofing
• Concrete roofing
• Wood shingle roofing

Best Roofing Material for Dry Climates

Weather-resistant roofing also means picking the right roof for a very dry climate. If you’re in a desert area, ultraviolet radiation, temperatures above 100 degrees, and high winds that can cause sand or dirt to beat against your home can really create a constant barrage of abuse to your roof.

As a result, you need durable roof options that can provide protection from these oppressive conditions. Here are the best roofing materials for dry climates:

• Clay tiles
• Metal roofing
• Slate tiles
• Ceramic tile roofing
• Concrete tile roofing

Best Roofing Material for Wet Climates

The old adage tells us that when it rains, it pours. And this is especially true if you’re in a wet climate and have a roof that isn’t strong enough to keep water out of your home. 

Whether you’re dealing with constant drizzles or torrential rain pours, you want to ensure that your roof keeps your home dry. Here are some of the best roofing material for wet climates:

• Asphalt shingles
• Metal roofing
• Wood shingles and shakes
• Clay tiles 
• Concrete tiles
• Slate roofing

Hiring the Right Contractor for Your Roof Type

No matter what the best roofing material is for your location, you need a skilled roofing professional. The good news is that roof contractors in your area should be very familiar with the ins and outs of installing any roof that is particularly suited to your unique climate. They can also help you weigh the pros and cons of different materials as well as find the right roof for your budget.

Asking friends and neighbors for recommendations is always a good way to find a contractor. You should plan to get between three and four quotes to find the best price for your project.

If you’d like someone to do the research work for you, Modernize can pair you with up to four roofing contractors in your area. Click the button below to get started.