What Are The Best Roof Materials For Warm Climates?

Your roof plays a huge role in how warm your house gets on a hot summer’s day. Different types of roofing material will insulate a house at varying levels of quality. If you’re buying a house in a part of the country that is affected by extreme elements ranging from snow to sun, the material of your roof should be a significant consideration.

Here are five heat-resistant roofing materials which are the best for houses based in climates affected by the sun.

1. Rubber membrane roofing

This isn’t actually made of rubber, but a white single-ply rubber-like membrane which is lightweight, durable, weather-resistant and, most importantly, very reflective.

As a bonus, this material acts a water-resistant barrier to protect whatever surface is underneath it from wear-and-tear.

2. Photo-voltaic shingles

Solar panels are an excellent investment for green-minded homeowners who want to convert the heat beaming down onto the roof into energy. However, one of the main criticisms of this technology is they are an eyesore.

Photo-voltaic shingles are the latest trend in green home technology aiming to solve this problem. They are essentially solar panels shaped like small roofing titles. The entire system is hooked together and looks just like and can be made to look like any other tile or shingled roof. Your neighbors might not even know you’re making money off the sun.

3. White flat tile

White reflects light and heat far better than darker colors, which is part of the reasons why flat white tiles appear on the list. Studies suggest they reflect roughly 77% of the sun’s rays. Just like with white cars though, it’ll need regular power-washes to prevent it looking dirty.

4. White metal roofing

Metal roofing is popular because it holds heat for shorter periods than traditional roof materials. It also cools faster at night. Research suggests that white metal roofing reflects around two-thirds of the sun’s rays away from the house.

The main hurdle is the expense. You can expect to pay 20 to 30% more for a metal roof than you would for a shingle roof.  

5. Green living roofs

A wacky idea which is taking off in some rural parts of the world. Essentially, people are putting their gardens on their roofs. Soil, plants and all.

Of course, this is a very green option which helps release more oxygen into the atmosphere, which helps rural houses blend in with their surroundings.

At Horn Brothers, we have the expertise to recommend the right roof for you. Contact us today for more information and to receive a free consultation.