As a professional roofer, you always want your customers to have not just a good roof, but the right roof over their heads. However choosing the ideal material for that roof can be complicated when you have to deal with the myriad of climates that exist across the United States. Across gale-force winds, formidable snowstorms, downpours and intense heat, there are numerous environmental factors that roofing professionals have to consider.
With the roofing material used being so critical to how a home or business withstands the natural elements, you can guarantee angry calls from customers if you happen to install the wrong type of product. A little extra thought and consideration for the elements your customer’s roof will have to withstand goes a long way, especially when it comes to creating happy clients and lasting business relationships. Consider how the following climates impact which roofing material is most appropriate for the job.
Hot Weather
Those who live in scorching locations with the wrong materials overhead know just how uncomfortable the interior temperatures can get. Plus, common roofing materials like wood, rubber, and asphalt are known to crack under intense heat, which is why there needs to be plenty of thought put into a home or business’ roof before installation.
One of the best roofing materials to use for hot climates are terracotta tiles. As they are able to withstand serious heat for decades, terracotta tiles are an excellent choice for keeping everyone cool inside. The slightly curved design of terracotta tiles allows them to circulate air around the roof, which also helps to reduce the amount of heat that reaches the indoors.
However, terracotta tiles do have a higher upfront cost, meaning that some customers will prefer cheaper solutions, such as concrete titles or even a slab roof. These materials have similar properties to terracotta tiles but at a considerably lower cost, so your clients will feel assured their home will remain hospitable despite the heat.
Tropical Weather
Those who call places that experience tropical weather home have to navigate some fairly extreme conditions throughout the year. Fortunately, there are plenty of suitable roofing materials that can withstand wet and wild conditions.
If your client is concerned about unsafe winds picking up and blowing away their roof, the best solution may be concrete tiles. While these are excellent for repelling the sun’s rays to reduce the temperature inside, some options are rated to withstand wind speeds that reach as high as 125 miles per hour.
Another robust material for tropical climates is metal roofing. With a light-colored choice significantly reducing how much heat a roof absorbs, metal materials are great for resisting tropical storms involving strong winds and heavy rain. In fact, some metal roofing options are rated to survive wind speeds that exceed 140 miles per hour.
Snowy Weather
As you might suspect, homes and businesses in cold climates require their own roofing solution that ensures the indoors remain warm and dry year round. With massive snowstorms hitting some of the least expected states in recent times, customers are increasingly conscious about whether their roof can hold out against unexpected chills.
The top choice for roofing in snowy and ultra-cold weather is currently slate tiles. This material is strong enough to protect homes against harsh snow, wind, and hail, plus it’s great for installing on steep roofs common in states with severe winters. Meanwhile, slate tiles are also quite aesthetically pleasing, ensuring they are a popular choice with customers.
Metal roofing materials are another top choice for cold climates. While snow and ice can build up on other types of surfaces, adding potentially dangerous pressure, this simply falls off a roof with the right kind of design. However, metal roofs in wintery destinations will require extra insulation to ensure optimal warmth.
General Weather
Those who are lucky enough to live in a location where the climate doesn’t usually tip to either end of the spectrum can choose from a variety of roofing materials. Rather than debating whether their roof will get picked up by a hurricane, customers will instead focus their attention on longevity, aesthetics, and of course, price.
If this describes the mindset of your potential customers, many will find stone-coated steel roofing to be a first-rate option. With this roofing material often coming with a lifetime warranty and a wide variety of colors, stone-coated steel is an adaptable solution that countless people find appealing.
Get started with FieldPulse
Choosing the perfect roofing material for your next client’s home or business requires some thought, but you can ensure the job goes as smoothly as possible when you make the most of FieldPulse. Our powerful business management app helps field service operators take charge of the most tedious parts of their business, all while on the move – like organizing client information, scheduling jobs, processing invoices, and much more.
Schedule a free demo and discover how FieldPulse can save your business time, money, and stress.
