In Arizona, installing the correct roof type makes a tremendous difference in ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. In a climate where temperatures range from warm to extremely hot throughout the year, your property needs a roof with low heat retention. A roof that excels at withstanding heat will save you many dollars in energy costs and keep your property's interior comfortably cool.
Effective roof types in Arizona work in various ways to protect homes and commercial buildings against heat. Some roofs allow for airflow between the decking and roofing materials, preventing direct heat transfer into the house. Other roofing materials work to reflect sunlight away from the roof or prevent thermal transfer.
If you need a roof replacement, read on to learn more about the best roof types for the Arizona climate.
The Best Types of Roofs for the Arizona Sun
The best type of roofing material to use for your Arizona property may depend on several factors. Be sure to speak with your contractor to figure out what roofing type is the right fit for your home or commercial building.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiling is a popular and cost-effective roofing material that is highly durable, making it a good option for an Arizona property. The production of concrete roof tile involves mixing sand, water, cement, and iron oxide, then molding and heating the materials to form heavy, natural-looking roof tiles.
Concrete roof tiles offer a Class A fire rating and can withstand rot, inclement weather, extreme temperatures, and wind speeds over 150 miles per hour. This type of roof has an average life expectancy of over 50 years, saving you on roof replacement costs over the long run.
Composite Slate
Composite slate is a roofing material offering the best of both worlds:
- The natural aesthetics of quarried slate
- A lightweight, durable construction that doesn't require expensive substructure modifications.
Brava Roof Tile's synthetic slate roofing contains UV inhibitors, increasing this material's resistance to the Arizona sun. These tiles also have a high weight-bearing capacity, which means that you can walk on your roof without causing damage.
Brava Old World Slate roof tiles come with a Class 4 impact rating, a 50-year limited warranty, and a wide selection of natural slate colors.
Composite Spanish Tile
Composite Spanish tile, also known as barrel tile, is one of the fastest growing roof types in Arizona. Thanks to its lightweight construction, excellent thermal qualities, and low maintenance requirements, a barrel tile roof is a viable alternative to a traditional clay tile roof.
Brava's Spanish roof tile is available in an endless range of color combinations - you can choose roof tile colors that match your property, or preferences. Composite Spanish roof tile contains UV inhibitors that prevent sun radiation damage and fading. The Arizona heat is no match for Brava Roof Tile!
Roofing contractor, Jeff Guthrie, of Phoenix Roofing Contractors says, "One thing we really like about Brava’s Spanish roofing tile is that it has a Class 4 impact rating and you can choose between a Class A and Class C fire rating."
Composite Cedar Shake
If you are looking for a fire-resistant and low-maintenance alternative to wood shake roofing, consider Brava's composite cedar shake. These polymer shingles have the same tones and textures as real cedar, giving your property a natural and authentic appearance. However, unlike wood roofing, composite cedar shakes are easy to install and require minimal ongoing maintenance.
Composite cedar shake shingles provide your home with optimal protection against extreme temperatures and the sun's radiation. This roofing type is also highly resistant to damage from severe weather, insects, and rot - a perfect solution for anything Mother Nature throws its way.
Spray Polyurethane Foam
Do you have a flat roof? Spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing is the go-to option for flat roofs in Arizona, and commercial property owners often opt for this roofing type to increase their buildings' energy efficiency. Because polyurethane has excellent thermal properties, installing an SPF roof can reduce your cooling costs by up to 15%.
SPF roofs are lightweight and durable, and they can expand and contract with a property's structure. Installing this roofing material is also relatively quick, easy, and cost-effective. SPFs require little ongoing maintenance.
Standing Seam Metal (Aluminum, Zinc, or Copper)
Standing seam metal roofing consists of steel panels that lie directly on the roof deck. The panels' seams overlap in raised ridges running vertically along the slope of each roof section. This type of roofing has a functional lifespan ranging between 30 and 50 years.
A lightweight but durable metal, aluminum is the ideal material option for standing seam metal roofs. However, zinc and copper also work well, and the latter has a unique aesthetic appeal, especially with the patina's development over time.
Select the Right Roofing Material For Your Arizona Property
Now that you have a better understanding of the best types of roofing in Arizona, be sure to speak with your roofing professional to help make an informed decision ensuring that you derive optimal, long-term value from your new roof.
Choosing suitable roofing materials, such as those manufactured by Brava Roof Tile, can significantly enhance your property's protection, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency for years to come! Contact us today to request a sample.
