When considering a roof replacement, most homeowners who live in warmer climates make the mistake of prioritizing the entire cost of the project over the selected roofing materials types. This can cause them to purchase in inferior types of roofing materials that won’t absorb heat as well nor last as long. Basically, these types of roofing won’t provide the same return-on-investment.
Homeowners living in warmer areas should consider replacing their roofs with one of these types of roofing materials.
Slate Tiles.
Slate is great because it’s durable, aesthetically pleasing, and low maintenance. Thanks to its many light, earth tones, it naturally reflects light and absorbs heat well. There are downsides, though. Slate is usually pretty pricy, unless you live in an area near a natural slate reserve. Plus, it’s one of the more heavier types of roofing material, which means shipping costs can make things even more expensive.
White Metal.
Although white metal roofing types only reflect about 66% of the sun’s energy, they do cool much, much faster at night than other kinds of roofing and hold heat for shorter periods of time. Although metal types of roofing cost between 20% to 30% more than other materials, the enormous energy savings, durability, and low maintenance make up for the price difference. Plus, with the right care and attention, metal roofs can last for as long as 100 years.
Living Roofs.
Living roofs are composed of a waterproof membrane that’s been filled with vegetation. These plants release oxygen into the hair, helping to beat the “heat island effect” that’s created by the multiple asphalt surfaces in cities. However, these types of roofing require a special set of expertise to install, which is often hard to come by and consequently costs more.
These are just a few of the different kinds of roofing materials out there that work well in hotter climates. If you live out west or down south and need to replace your roof, consider investing in slate tiles, white metal, or living roofs, all of which will provide you with a high ROI. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments.