When it comes to selecting the proper roofing materials or roofing design for your home, it is important to take into consideration the type of climate that you live in. The same type of materials you use for a hot, dry climate will not be the same for those who reside in Michigan’s colder, bi-polar climate. Roof types for Michigan’s climate differ from those in areas that are warm and dry year round.
Common Roof Types for Michigan Climate
Michigan experiences both wet and dry moments throughout the year. You may even see all four seasons in one day, you never know what you are going to get with Michigan weather. Because of this, many homeowners or builders use asphalt shingles as their preferred roofing material. With this being said, you may notice that 99% of homes in Michigan have a sloped roof. When using asphalt shingles, it is recommended to have a pitch of at least 4/12 with a minimum requirement of 2/12. For homes, a slope is very important to allow water to run off of your roof. Standing water can cause damage or leaks to your home, which can become very costly. There are other materials that are not as commonly used for Michigan’s climate, including:
- Solar Roofing
- Metal Roofing
- Slate Roofing
Roofing in Dry, Warmer Climates
Even though this isn’t typically a Michigan thing, we can draw a contrast by mentioning roofing in warmer areas. In areas that do not experience much moisture, or are prone to extreme heat other materials are necessary. Asphalt shingles may not hold up in an area that constantly hits temperatures above 100 degrees, they would melt. Also, if there is no rain or melting snow, a slope is not necessary. Common roofing materials used in dry and hot climates include:
- Clay or Terracotta Shingles
- Cement Roofing
- White Tiles
- Green Living Roofing
When selecting materials to use in hot temperature areas, keep in mind that they not only need to withstand the extreme temperatures but are often selected to help cool down the inside of your home.
Need help to select your roofing type or materials? We can help!
Let us answer any questions that you may have about roofing in Michigan (the colder climate). If you are in need of a new roof, roof repairs or anything else that pertains to roofing in Michigan, contact us today!