Living in the Southeastern portion of the United States means getting to experience a wide range of weather patterns — sometimes all in one day! And while virtually every part of your home can be battered by intense heat, bitter cold, wind, rain, hail, and strong winds, your roof is usually hit the hardest. If you’re thinking of adding a new roof to your current home or installing a new one, it’s a good idea to plan for what’s in store and consider what type of roofing material is best for the Southeast.

Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in homes throughout the U.S. They're affordable and can last up to 25 years. Metal, poly, tile, slate, and cedar shingles are also popular choices. It's all a matter of personal preference, but some roofing materials will suit homes in the Southeast better than in other parts of the country.  

Important Factors To Consider When Selecting a New Roof 

Choosing a new roof based on aesthetics alone isn’t recommended; a roof plays an essential role in protecting your family from the elements. A new roof is an investment, so choose wisely. You want one that can last many years, but you also want one that adds curb appeal. 

The following are some important factors to consider when selecting roofing materials:

Local Weather Conditions

Some roofing materials are better suited for the weather conditions in the Southeast. It's essential to select a material that can withstand heavy rains, strong winds, blistering heat, cold temperatures, snow, and hailstorms. Asphalt, poly, and metal shingles are great options in the Southeast. 

Cost

How much you're willing to pay for a new roof is another significant factor in your decision, but spending more doesn’t always mean it’s the best for your home. In addition to roofing materials, you’ll also need to factor in labor costs and permit fees. Have a budget in place to cover any emergency repairs, too.

The three most common roofing materials used in the Southeast ranked from most expensive to most affordable are:

• Metal

• Poly shingles 

• Asphalt shingles

Design of Your Home

If it’s curb appeal you’re after, choose a material that complements the design of your home. You'll want a roof that matches your home's style and unique features. 

The Building Codes in Your Community

Live in an HOA community? There may be rules to what type of roof you can have. Get familiar with the building codes in your area, too. You don’t want to have to pay any fines, or worse, get a new roof installed only to have the HOA or local code inspector tell you to remove it!

Energy Efficiency

Homeowners are always looking for ways to lower their bills. The type of roof you select may help. Asphalt and metal shingle roofs are excellent options because they can reflect the sun’s rays away from your home. With metal or asphalt, your rooms will stay cooler during hot, sunny days, so you won't need to crank the AC as much. Less AC use translates to lower energy bills. 

Maintenance

Metal roofs are an excellent choice because they require no maintenance. They’re naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Plus, they will never crack or split, so you’ll never have to worry about replacing shingles. 

Longevity

A new roof can be costly, so it makes sense to choose one with longevity. Of course, roofing materials differ significantly in cost. Asphalt shingles are a low-cost solution, and high-quality asphalt shingle roofs can last up to 25 years. However, weather conditions in the Southeast may reduce their longevity. Metal roofs are the most expensive but typically last well over 50 years. 

Best Roofing Materials for Southeast Based on Weather Elements

Water resistance: Asphalt shingles are naturally waterproof. They don’t absorb water, so if your asphalt shingle roof is in top condition, you shouldn’t have to worry about water penetrating it. Of course, shingles may get blown away over time, creating open spaces where water can seep through. 

Strong winds: Living in hurricane-prone areas in the Southeast means you need a roof that can handle high-force winds. Asphalt shingles are a good choice, but metal roofs are better. A high-quality metal roof should withstand wind up to 160 mph.   

Sun: Metal roofs, especially light-colored ones, are great at reflecting heat. They’re an excellent choice when you need a roof that can hold up well when it’s hot and sunny outside. 

Hailstorms: Impact-resistant roofing materials like metal and poly shingles are ideal for withstanding hailstorms. One thing to consider with metal roofs is that they can be noisy, especially when pelted by rain and hail. 

Fire resistance: Metal roofs are naturally non-combustible and won’t catch fire. Metal roofs are an excellent option if you live in an area prone to lightning strikes. 

Common Roofing Trends and Shingle Types Used in the Southeast 

Asphalt shingles are still the most common roofing material used in the Southeast; however, that's starting to change. Now, metal roofs are trending upward.

Many homeowners are replacing their existing roofs with metal because of its longevity. Also, metal roofs are becoming more popular in the Southeast due to their ability to survive hurricane-force winds, hailstorms, and wildfires. When it comes to energy efficiency, metal roofs are fantastic at reflecting the sun’s heat and keeping rooms nice and cool. 

Be Sure To Choose a Licensed and Experienced Roofer 

A new roof is a significant investment, so selecting the right one should not be taken lightly. Getting in touch with an expert is one of the best ways to know which roofing material is best for your home in the Southeast. Talk to an experienced, licensed, local roofing company — they can offer some sage advice and suggestions to help you make the right decision.

Author Bio: Owner Shannon McCord is a licensed home builder and has completed over 1000 roofing projects, with over 25 years of building experience. Prior to starting Roofing World, Shannon was a community housing developer. Shannon is a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Engineering and Marketing.

Cover image by Joshua Sukoff on Unsplash