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What is the Best Roofing Material for Residential Areas?

September 23, 2022 | 3 min. read

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Not all roofing projects are made equal. It can be overwhelming deciding on the roofing material for your home out of hundreds of colors and styles.

Roofing materials for business or industrial buildings vastly differ from what a homeowner would typically choose for their home. 

How do you know which shingles wouldn’t stick out like a sore thumb in your neighborhood? How will different materials perform in your climate?

Rescue My Roof has been educating homeowners for over a decade, helping them to power through the roofing process. In the end, they’re not only left with an effective roof – they have added curb appeal and style. 

Whether you work directly with Rescue My Roof, we believe you deserve a pain-free roofing experience. That’s why we’ll give you the information to help you succeed.

In this article, we will be covering the best shingle to use in residential areas. In the end, you will be able to determine which roofing material best fits your needs with minimal effort. 

Different Roofing Materials Made for Different Climates

While the best roofing material depends on the building you are working on – like an industrial building vs. a family home – the best material also depends on your location.

The type of roofing materials used in Wisconsin differs from the clay shingles popular in warmer weather.

Here’s the breakdown of what roofing materials are used in different geographic locations:

Asphalt Shingles in Snowy Climates

A snow covered log cabin in the forest surrounded by pine trees.

Your roof has endured some things when you live in a snowy climate. 

Freezing temperatures can be brutal on your roof, especially with issues such as ice dams. 

However, asphalt shingles can help best protect your home in snowy climates. Freezing and thawing won’t make them as fragile as other roofing materials. 

Asphalt shingles are installed alongside an ice and water shield, so you get extra protection from moisture. The added layer of protection makes asphalt shingles an excellent option for cold climates. 

Clay Tiles in Hot Climates

Beautiful Clay Tiles on a new roof.

Clay roofs are a premium roofing system made out of clay tiles. These tiles are hand-shaped and then baked at high temperatures.

You will often see clay tiles used in warmer climates as they can handle extremely high temperatures and keep your home cooler. 

If your roof has to withstand being baked in the sun every day, then clay tiles may be for you. They are more efficient in hot temperatures as drastic changes in weather can make the tiles more fragile and prone to breakage. 

Additionally, clay shingles are fire-resistant! This shingle will best protect your home if you live in an area at risk for wildfires. 

What Roofing Material is Best for Residential Areas?

Residential neighborhood in Milwaukee, WI.

What shingle material you choose will be significantly based on your area and your budget.  However, based on the durability of this shingle to withstand any weather condition, asphalt shingles are the most popular for residential areas. 

Asphalt shingles operate well in many climates, are long-lasting, cost-effective, and add curb appeal. For this reason, they are one of the most commonly used materials in the U.S. 

If you live in a neighborhood where asphalt shingles are the norm, they are a great, affordable option for homeowners. 

As a bonus: asphalt shingles come in a variety of colors. You can pick a color that best fits your style. 

Picking the Right Shingle Style for Your Home

Buying a new roof can be anxiety-inducing. But despite the overwhelming amount of roofing materials available, picking a shingle style can be the fun part. 

Asphalt shingles are the way to go if you’re looking for an affordable shingle that fits into any neighborhood and climate.  

Or, if you live in a warmer climate and need heat resistance, clay shingles may be the right option for you. 

Do you need help choosing? Read “How to Choose the Best Shingle Style for your Home” to learn more.
Rescue My Roof has helped many homeowners in Southeastern Wisconsin choose the best shingle style and color for their roofs. You can get a free estimate by contacting us today.