The Southwestern United States can endure 100-degree days for months on end. This may sound like an extreme case of drought for some people, but it’s a just a regular day in New Mexico. While all roofing systems are designed to take a beating from any weather, not many materials can withstand the extreme heat and radiation of a continental climate.
Goodrich Roofing has been installing roofs on homes and businesses under the New Mexican sun for decades. Here are a few roofing materials that are best suited for this kind of weather.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles are a staple of Southwestern homes and have colored the landscape of New Mexico for years. This choice is not purely aesthetic, however, as ceramic is known to have the highest specific heat out of all roofing materials. High specific heat means it takes a lot of exposure to raise the temperature of ceramic. Twelve hours of direct sunlight will barely heat up a ceramic tile, making it the perfect choice for this climate.
The main drawback for this particular choice is its premium pricing. Ceramic tiles are by far one of the more expensive choices in roofing, which, unfortunately, discourages many homeowners from having it installed. This brings us to the next best option.
Concrete Tiles
Nowadays, you can enjoy the heat resistance of ceramic tiles without its bank-breaking costs by using concrete tiles. These are perhaps the best alternative for ceramic tiles, the only drawback being their limited style choices and heavy weight.
The good news is that quite a few manufacturers have been blending in some dyes to give concrete slabs more character, but the overall aesthetics remain meager. Nevertheless, roofs made of concrete tiles are the best roofing type in terms of affordability and heat resistance.
Metal Roofing
Metal sounds like a bad idea under the hot sun, but the science behind its ability to keep your home cool is solid. Metal roofs are often installed with space between the ceiling and the roof itself. This space provides a natural thermal barrier and insulator, allowing your home to be more energy-efficient, even during the hottest days.
Goodrich Roofing can help you find the best roof to face the harsh Southwestern summers. Call us today at (505) 219-4450 to request a free estimate. We serve New Mexico residents.