The Few and the Fearless: A Blog About Roofers

Ah, sunshine. It's so nice when it is streaming through your window or when you get to relax under it in your own backyard. Unfortunately, it is not so nice to roofing shingles. If you've ever looked at a roof that's a few years old in a sunny area, you might have noticed that the shingles are brittle, starting to curl, or otherwise in bad shape. Surely, these partially worn shingles aren't going to stand up well when a big storm blows through town.

If you live in a sunny area, it is important to choose a type of roofing that stands up to the sun. Cross plain black shingles off the list, and go for one of these alternatives instead.

1. Light-colored shingles

If you really love the shingled look and are on a budget, just opt for shingles in a lighter color. Pale cream is best, but if a lighter tan or light olive green looks better with your home, those are okay choices, too.

Dark colors absorb more sunlight, which means they suffer the effects of sunlight far more than materials made from lighter colors. So lighter-colored singles will last longer than those that are black or dark brown. It's not as good an option as some of the other materials on this list, but it is very affordable and a good choice for a DIY enthusiast since it's easier to work on a shingle roof than one made from other materials.

2. Metal roofing.

You can shine light on metal for years and years, and nothing will happen. In fact, the sunshine might be better for the metal since it will keep it dry, thereby reducing corrosion. Metal roofing is a lot more durable and better looking than the shiny aluminum roofing that farmers used on barn roofs a few decades ago. You can find metal roofs in a wide range of colors, from white to gray to brown. Choose a light color if you're concerned about energy efficiency, but even dark metal roofs will last for decades in the sunniest area.

The easiest type of metal roofing to have installed is called standing seam roofing. It comes in big panels. There are also metal roofing shingles, which lend a more textured look but are a lot harder to install.

3. Slate

People used to make roofs from slate years ago. It went by the wayside simply because it is heavy and hard to install. However, since slate is literally rock, it is very durable and a good choice if you're in the market for a sun-resistant roof. Slate comes in a range of natural colors. Some have more or a purple or green tint, and others are stark gray or brown. 

The challenge with slate is that because it is so heavy, not all homes can support it. Have a roofer examine your home and tell you if slate is an option before you decide to go this route.

4. Concrete Tile

A roof made from concrete? It sounds strange, but actually, these roofs are a top choice for sunny areas that also get high winds, such as along the beachfront. Concrete is resistant to sunlight, and it's also heavy enough that it won't blow away. The tiles are made small enough that they can easily be installed. Concrete is cheaper than slate, although it is not usually considered to be as attractive. You can, however, find concrete tiles in a range of colors.

Consider the options above when roofing a home in a sunny area. Black shingles are just not a great choice, in spite of their versatility elsewhere. 

To learn more, contact a residential roofing company.