As different regions face extreme temperatures and once-in-a-lifetime weather events, the importance of choosing the right building materials is increasing clear. If you're in the market for a new roof, there are many things to consider. While cost, color, and the latest in material engineering often float top of mind for consumers, what might be great for one homeowner might be less than ideal for another. To better understand this aspect of the decision-making process, we connected with Joseph Dennes, SVP, Chief Technology Officer – Residential, at GAF.
Popular Types of Roofing Material by Region and Climate
"Asphalt remains the most common roofing material in the U.S., with more than 80% of homes across the country featuring asphalt shingles," highlights Dennes. "That said, there are variations of asphalt technology used in certain geographic regions due to its common weather conditions. Each roofing material has its own set of benefits and challenges, especially across the different geographic regions in the United States."
Northeastern States
In the Northeast, asphalt shingles are frequently used for residential homes because they are durable, versatile, and can withstand colder climates and harsh winters. "A lot of homeowners in this region are interested in architectural shingles and impact-resistant shingles due to functionality and durability against these weather conditions." He adds, "Slate and Woodshake are common as well due to the natural availability of the materials in the region as well."
Midwestern States
In the Midwest, asphalt shingles, especially those that prioritize impact-resistance, are also a common choice because they can handle and better resist the region’s varied weather - from hailstorms to rainy springs. "The GAF Timberline UHDZ® shingles and GAF Timberline® Armorshield II shingles are options for homeowners in the Midwest since they are incredibly durable and have passed UL's toughest impact-resistance test — UL 2218 Class 4," notes Dennes. "Shingles that passed this test were able to withstand the impact of a steel ball that caused cracks and ruptures through other shingles."
Northwestern States
In the Northwest, composite shingles are commonly used. "They are resistant to moisture and moss growth, which can cause significant damage to the roofing system, such as rot and leaks," shares Dennes.
Mountain Region
Across the Mountain region, he shares that steel roofing is a common choice due its supreme durability and longevity. It is longer-lasting than other roofing materials.
Southwestern States
In the Southwest, clay roofs have been popular because they perform best in the region’s hot, dry climate and have a long lifespan. "Tile, specifically, also has historical ties to the Southwest area as it’s been a popular aesthetic choice in the region for decades," notes Dennes.
Southeastern States
In the Southeast, metal roofing and tile are popular choices because they provide resistance to hurricane-force winds and also reflect heat.
Things to Consider When Getting a New Roof
- Consider the budget. "Homeowners should first assess their current and long-term finances to determine what roofing system and materials are in line with their budget," noted Dennes. "As a next step, they should consult with a certified roofing contractor who has experience with roof application in their geographic region."
- Compare warranties. "Homeowners can gain access to the strongest warranties in the industry by working with a GAF Certified or Master Elite contractor. These companies are the 'Best of the Best' in terms of roofing contractors in any given market and GAF has partnered with them because they maintain the same high standards as GAF."
- Think about the factors that influence its functionality. Falling pine cones or branches? Waterfront winds? "Durability, impact-resistance, and service life are other factors homeowners should think about for their roof, and the importance of these can range based on their geographic location."
- Overall aesthetics. "Especially if a certain shingle or color is used throughout their neighborhood," notes Dennes.
Hot Climates, Hurricane-Prone Climates, and More
"The local climate plays a major role in determining the right roofing system for a home," emphasizes Dennes. "Roofing materials need to be chosen based on their ability to withstand a geographic location’s weather conditions - from heavy snow and extreme heat to turbulent winds from hurricanes to hailstorms. If the right roofing material isn’t used, these weather conditions can significantly damage the entire roofing system as well as the interior of a home."
He expands, "For example, in hot climates, such as those in the Southwest, clay and metal roofs are commonly used because they reflect the tremendous heat that the region experiences. In locations with a colder climate and heavier snowfall, like the Midwest or Northeast, asphalt shingles as well as metal roofs are common because they are highly durable and can shed snow. Regions with higher percentages of humidity and rainfall, such as the Northwest, typically use composite shingles or treated wood to provide resistance against moisture and mold."
"In hurricane-prone areas, metal roofs are popular since they are impact-resistant, highly durable, and they can withstand the high, turbulent winds and flying debris from strong tropical storms. The new GAF TimberSteel™ Premium Metal Roofing System offers high durability, fire-resistance, and longevity and includes layers of protection to help protect homes against the elements. It is currently available in select areas and carries a UL 2218 Class 4 impact rating along with a 15-year hail warranty."
How Roofing Design Plays a Role
Along with having the best roofing materials that withstand the local climate and weather conditions, homeowners should consider the overall design of their entire roofing system and how it will provide resistance against exterior forces.
To explain this, Dennes shares the example of FORTIFIED Home™ solutions from the Insurance Institute of Business and Home Safety (IBHS). "The FORTIFIED Roof™ is a component of each of the FORTIFIED Home solutions. By installing a FORTIFIED Roof™ the sheathing is more secure to the framing, the roofing materials are sealed down around the perimeter of the roof, and a secondary leak barrier is installed to protect the inside of the home in the event that the roof covering does sustain damage.
He expands, adding that "GAF just announced a first-of-its-kind partnership with IBHS to expand access to the FORTIFIED roofing program, making resilient roofing more accessible to homeowners across the country. Through the partnership, GAF is expanding access to essential roofing products that meet IBHS’s FORTIFIED Roof™ standards, with enhanced warranty protection, and deploying critical training expertise and capabilities to help contractors identify products and installation methods that can better withstand potentially devastating weather events."
Should homeowners consider roofing colors? Experts Say Yes
Dennes explains to us that certain colors for roofing are more effective and suitable for specific geographic regions based on their climate and frequent weather conditions. The color of roofing materials can also affect the temperature inside a home. "At GAF, all our products go through impact-resistance and rigorous weather testing to ensure they can withstand severe weather conditions across all regions in the United States," he shares as he expands on the latest in reflective technologies.
"In colder climates, darker-colored roof materials are more popular because they absorb more heat, which can aid with snow melt and help keep the interior of a home warmer, [but in hotter climates] with a lot of direct sunlight, lighter-colored roofs, such as light gray or beige, are preferred because they reflect the sun, which can help make the interior of the home cooler and support energy efficiency."
Region aside, he notes that many homeowners prefer darker, deeper colors when given the option.
