Tennessee is known for having a very warm climate. We’ve all seen those summer days when you go outside, and the sun is just burning. Some years, the temperature can go up to as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unfortunately, these temperatures can get so hot that even our homes are affected. Hot temperatures can mean higher electric bills and more damage to your roof.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the impact of heat on your home. This is what we’ll talk about today.
Best Roofing Materials For Hot Climates
The first step to choosing a new roof for your home will typically start with selecting a roofing material. This is also your opportunity to start your roof off on the best foot and set it up for success. If you happen to live in a hot climate, read on for some info regarding choosing the best roof for your climate.
Efficiency
In terms of retaining a cool indoor atmosphere, metal roofing definitely has a leg up on most other types of roofing materials on the market. This advantage is because a light-colored metal roof can reflect a lot of sunlight back into the atmosphere. This is especially true of metal roofs with a reflective coating specifically for this purpose.
The best part is that this allows for a metal roof to significantly reduce the strain being put on your air conditioner during the hot summer months. Not only will it save you money on your electric bill, but it’s also good for the environment.
Two slightly less common roof materials that also provide great resistance to heat are clay and slate tiles. Both of these materials are extremely resistant to fires and would hold up well in case of a forest fire.
Durability
Metal, clay, and slate are all extremely durable materials. As a point of comparison, asphalt shingles typically last about 20-30 years, whereas metal roofing can last about 40-80 years. Clay and slate tiles can even last up to 100 years; that’s a very long time!
Do keep in mind, however, that heavy materials such as slate require expert installation and are not suitable for all homes.
For most homeowners and commercial businesses, metal roofing is the perfect option. It’s durable, versatile, and fairly affordable to install. Fortunately, here at Austermiller Roofing, we have a fantastic supplier for metal roofing. We can order beautiful standing seam metal in custom sizes and shapes, specifically for your roofing needs.
Price
The next big thing to consider when you’re researching roofing materials is cost. Generally speaking, there is no flat fee for roof installations or repairs. Instead, most roofing quotes depend on the material used and the size of the roof.
For a frame of reference, here are some average prices for different types of roofing material:
Asphalt – This type of roofing is typically the cheapest to install and is also one of the most popular options for that very same reason. Having said that, asphalt roofs typically don’t last more than a few decades and are not very resistant to heat.
Metal – If you’re looking for a reasonably-priced option that can stand up well in hot climates, metal is a great way to go. In many cases, it can also end up saving you some money on your air conditioning usage.
Clay/Terracotta Tiles – Clay tiles are often considered one of the prettiest roofing options, especially for a brightly colored home. A lesser known fact, however, is that they are also very good at standing up to the heat. Some clay tiles can last as long as 100 years.
Slate – Likely the most expensive type of roofing on this list, slate isn’t seen too often in residential homes these days. Although it is extremely long-lasting, it does come with a higher up-front cost.
Best Roof Color For Hot Climate
We already know that light colors tend to reflect heat from the sun, while dark colors absorb it. But how does this apply to roofing?
Well, in short, this rule holds true for roofing material just as much as anything else. A light-colored roof may be able to absorb a little less heat than a dark one. So if you live in a very warm climate such as Tennessee or Florida, you might consider installing a light-colored roof. Fortunately, metal roofing comes in many colors, including white, yellow, and much more.
Remember that heat is not the only thing to consider when deciding on a roof. For example, a white roof might reflect a bit more sunlight here and there, but is it pretty? Does it match the rest of the house? And will it look dirtier when covered in twigs or leaves? These are all important considerations to keep in mind when talking to your roofing company about color options.
Roof Shape For Hot Climate
Another consideration to keep in mind when selecting a roof for your home are the other environmental factors. So it may be hot in your area, but does it rain? Are there frequent storms? If you live in a region that’s prone to heavy rains, you’ll want to pay special attention to flashing and leaks. If your region is stormy, try to look into wind-resistant roof designs. For example, hip-style roofs are often applauded for their aerodynamic design, which makes them naturally more resistant to strong winds.
Environmentally Friendly Roofing
As we mentioned earlier, metal roofing can save you a lot of money on air conditioning in those hot summer months. But did you know that it’s also good for the environment?
Metal roofing allows you to use less electricity and is, therefore, more eco-friendly. In addition to that, it’s also more durable. Standing-seam metal roofing, in particular, can hold up for many years to come and requires fewer replacements.
How to Choose A Roofing Company
Now that you know more about what kind of roof you might be interested in, it’s time to look for someone that can install one. Here are some important criteria to keep in mind when selecting a roofing company.
Cost – As we mentioned before, roofing prices vary quite a bit. Just as any other company, roofing contractors all price their labor differently. Always ask for a quote before proceeding with a roof repair or replacement. Here at Austermiller, we offer FREE roofing quotes. This way, you can make an informed decision regarding your home.
Quality of Work – Is the roofing company any good? Do they offer quality service? This is very important. After all, you don’t want to invest thousands of dollars into a roof just to have another leak spring up in a few months time. Badly installed roofing can also eventually cause damage to your home. For example, a piece of flashing that wasn’t installed correctly can let a small leak through. Eventually, this small leak can settle in your attic and allow mold to grow. Since mold requires expert removal, this can result in very expensive repairs down the line.
Warranties – Many roofing companies actually offer great warranties. Over time these warranties can save you thousands of dollars. Here at Austermiller, we offer some great coverage for fully replaced roofs. Just ask us!
Qualifications – Do they have the licenses required to perform the roofing installation you need? For example, large commercial projects might require a specialized license that differs from a regular residential roofing one. Ask your roofing contractor what kind of certifications and licenses they carry.
Roofing In Mt. Juliet
We hope that this guide helped give a little insight into the different types of roofing materials frequently used in Tennessee. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you still have any questions or roofing needs. Our team here at Austermiller is happy to talk you through all of your options and help you weigh the pros and cons of different roofing materials.
The best part is that we offer FREE roofing estimates. In other words, you don’t have to begin any work until you have as much information as possible to make the best decision for your roof. Simply call or fill out our online form to get in touch with our team today.