Replacing your roof in a hot climate? Here’s what to know before you choose a material

The cost of replacing a roof is no small expense, and with the climate getting warmer and warmer in many parts of the U.S., a different roofing material could be the answer to improving energy efficiency at home. Asphalt shingles are often the standard go-to for roof replacements, but are they really the best choice in hot climates? Some roofing materials can handle the heat better than others, and picking the right one could keep your home cooler and energy bills lower.

Best roofing materials for hot climates

When choosing the best roofing for high-heat conditions, durability and solar reflectance are key. According to COBEX Construction Group , clay tiles, metal roofing and light-colored asphalt shingles are among the best roofing materials for hot climates. Each offers different benefits depending on your home's structure, budget and local climate. 

Clay tiles 

Clay roofing tiles are made from natural, kiln-fired clay and are most often found on homes with Mediterranean or Spanish-style architecture. According to Sheffield Metals , they're especially common in hot-weather regions like Florida, Georgia, California and the Southwest.

Clay tiles are non-toxic and don't contain chemicals or hazardous materials. They're also fire-resistant and hold up well in the heat with very little maintenance needed. The downside: they're fragile, heavy, and usually cost more than other roofing materials.

Concrete tiles

Concrete tiles are made from a mix of sand, cement and water, and are designed to look like clay tiles, slate or wood shakes, according to Ariat Roofing , a Las Vegas-based roofer . They're heavier than clay tiles, cost less and tend to absorb more moisture, which matters if you live in a humid climate.

They hold up well in the heat, are naturally fire-resistant and don't need much maintenance, though the color can fade over time. Ariat Roofing says you could save 15% to 25% on your cooling costs each year with a concrete tile roof. Lighter colors or special coatings can help reflect even more sunlight. Just keep in mind these tiles are heavy, so your roof might need extra support before they can be installed.

Metal roofing 

Metal roofs have "exceptional heat resistance," according to New York-based Stella Roofing . That's because metal reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it, which helps keep your home cooler and can lower your energy bills. The Metal Roofing Alliance notes that you can save between 10% to 40% in energy costs after installing a metal roof

Like clay and concrete tiles, metal roofs are naturally fire-resistant. But unlike tile, metal doesn't crack, warp or rot, which makes it a good choice for homes in hot, dry climates or areas that get strong sun and occasional storms.

Metal is one of the more expensive roofing materials , but it lasts a long time and doesn't require much maintenance. Some metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years with proper installation.

Asphalt shingles 

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials thanks to how affordable and easy to find they are. But they don't always hold up well in hot climates. Over time, heat and sun can cause shingles to dry out, crack, curl or lose granules, especially on dark-colored roofs or south-facing slopes that get hit with the most sun.

According to the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors , things like UV exposure, poor ventilation and changes in temperature from day to night can all make shingles wear out faster. They can also get brittle with age and may not hold up well to heavy rain or snow once that top layer of granules starts to break down.

Some brands offer cool-rated shingles that reflect more sunlight and stay cooler in the heat. You can also choose impact-resistant shingles designed to hold up better in hail and high winds. 

Slate and synthetic slate 

Slate is a natural stone that performs well in hot, dry climates. It's still quarried in the U.S., including in Vermont, New York's Slate Valley, Pennsylvania and Virginia's Buckingham County, according to the National Slate Association .

Slate is dense, fire-resistant and doesn't conduct electricity, which makes it a safe pick for areas prone to wildfires or lightning. Its weight also helps it stay put in high winds. It's one of the most durable roofing materials out there and typically needs very little maintenance.

That said, it's expensive, harder to repair than other materials and usually doesn't come with a materials warranty, according to Bill Ragan Roofing , one of the best Nashville roofers . The tiles can also crack if hit directly.

Natural slate can meet Class 4 impact resistance, with 3/8-inch tiles able to withstand hail up to 2 inches in diameter at 76 miles per hour, according to the National Slate Association . It also has a Class A fire resistance rating when installed over a noncombustible roof deck.

Synthetic slate is made from recycled materials or polymers and is designed to look like real slate. It's lighter, more affordable and easier to install or replace, though durability and warranties vary by brand.

Cool roofs and energy efficiency: What you need to know

A dark roof can reach temperatures of 150°F or more on a hot and sunny day. A light-colored or reflective roof can stay up to 50°F cooler, according to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). That kind of difference can help lower indoor temperatures and lighten the load on your air conditioning unit. The DOE notes that cool roofs can cut air-conditioning use by up to 15% in single-story homes.

Cool roofs don't just help with comfort and cost. They can also reduce peak electricity demand during heat waves, which can ease strain on the grid and help prevent blackouts.

The federal Energy Star roof program ended in 2022, but the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) now provides independent ratings that show how well roofing materials reflect sunlight and release heat. Its online directory lets you compare products by solar reflectance and thermal emittance, so you can choose a roof that stays cooler over time.

Cool roofs may also qualify for rebates or energy incentives in some states, depending on where you live. In Florida, for example, the Orlando Utilities Commission offers a small rebate of 12 cents per square foot for reflective roofing materials that meet certain energy standards. In California, homeowners can use the CoolCalifornia Funding Wizard to search for rebates tied to cool or energy-efficient roof upgrades through local utility programs.

If your roof is still in good shape, a reflective roof coating might be another option. These coatings can be applied over some existing roofs to improve UV reflectance and help reduce heat without a full replacement. Some utility programs also offer rebates for reflective coatings that meet certain energy standards.

Tips for replacing a roof in hot weather

The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) points to heat as one of the biggest hazards to roofers. This is among the reasons that roofing crews, like Punum Roofing of Houston , one of the best Houston roofers , start at 7 a.m., ahead of the heat of the day. This isn't uncommon for roofers to start early. Other roofers we spoke with, like Mike Roy Roofing Co. and Mighty Dog Roofing , two other top-rated Nashville roofers, told us crews arrive around 6:30 a.m. Expect the roofer you hire to start early in the morning, and always confirm the timeline to be sure. 

The heat can also impact the installation of roofing materials. According to Fine Homebuilding , a residential construction trade publication, some peel-and-stick underlayments have high-temperature limits around 240°F, but that might not be enough for roofs that get a lot of sun or are at high elevations. Upgraded options made with butyl or acrylic can handle temperatures up to 300°F and are better for extreme heat. They also tend to hold their bond better over time. 

Installation timing matters, too. Metal Roofing Magazine notes that in hot weather, the release film on self-adhered underlayments can break down or get stuck if it sits in the sun too long. If your roof installation gets delayed, especially with metal, ask your contractor about UV limits and how it should be safely stored.

Getting a new roof is also an ideal time to check on your attic ventilation and insulation. According to Pennsylvania-based Bella Construction & Development , poorly ventilated attics can reach temperatures over 130°F. That heat makes its way into your home, causing your air conditioner to work harder. It's also a good time to check attic insulation while the roof is off. According to Energy Star , a well-sealed and insulated attic can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15%. 

Taking care of both of these things during a new roof installation can help you improve airflow and reduce your energy bills during a heatwave.

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