Here in Australia, our lovely ‘sunburned’ country, we’re used to warmer climates. As the first line of defense against the heat at home, the roof above our heads is crucial for ensuring the spring and summer months are as comfortable as possible. Here are the best kinds of roofing material to choose in warmer climates.
Slate
Slate roofing is widely acknowledged as one of the most beautiful roofing materials available. Slate roofing is a centuries old European tradition and is known to be durable, long lasting and requires little maintenance. Light-coloured and earth-toned slate tiles will help in reducing heat absorption because of their natural reflective properties.
Terracotta
Terracotta tiles have been used in hot climates for millennia. Their light colour has natural reflective properties and the process through which they are baked in a kiln makes them hard and less porous in terms of holding in heat. The space beneath each curved arch of a terracotta tile allows for air and water circulation and runoff, preventing heat capture and keeping the home cooler.
Metal
Improvements in technology over time have meant that metal is essentially rust-proof these days and is highly resistant to natural damages such as storms and fire. Metal, especially white metal, is extremely effective at reflecting the sun’s heat and furthermore, once the sun sets, metal cools down quicker than other materials, meaning hot nights are much more pleasant. If you opt for white metal, you’ll want to consider the angle of the roof’s slope and whether the powerful glare will annoy neighbours.
White Tiles
White tiles are said to reflect as much as 77% of solar rays. They are also highly durable, however they do require power washing to maintain their reflectivity and their clean white appearance.
Green or Living Roofs
These are more popular for office buildings and they help to counteract the negative effect of heat soaking into dense areas with lots of asphalt roofs, parking lots and roads. Green roofs incorporate a waterproof membrane filled with soil and vegetation intended to cool naturally through the temperature of the soil and the growth of the greenery. The entire system will also protect the base roofing underneath, adding to the longevity of the roof in warmer climates.
Concrete
Concrete roofing has similar advantages to terracotta tiles. It has a notable density, which means it takes a long time for heat to get inside. Brighter coloured tiles can reflect the sun and cooler coloured tiles can reduce the sun’s heating effect. The baking process of concrete toughens the materials so that they can withstand heat, wind and rain.