Desert Homeowners: Which Type of Roof is the Best for My House?

We continuously get the same question from desert residents when conducting inspections: Which roofing material is the best for harsh desert weather? There are a variety of factors that determine such an answer. It depends on the values of the homeowner. Are style and design most-important? Is it longevity? Cost? Each type of roof has its benefits, but those benefits often come with factors that may sway a homeowner towards one direction or another.

In this post, we dive into the top roofing types and highlight some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Foam

Polyurethane foam roofs are becoming the most-popular roofing systems for desert homeowners and are widely used for commercial roofing systems as well.

Advantages

Polyurethane foam has the ability to withstand the expansion and contraction of a structure. It's lightweight, durable, and seamless. Foam roofs insulate your desert home for decades, leading to significant decreases in cooling costs. In fact, since foam roofs are capable of keeping homes cool in the summer and warmer in the winter, they help reduce reliance on utility-sourced energy, which is often produced from dirty, non-renewable sources.

Disadvantages

Foam roofs may be more expensive than traditional options. Depending on the type of coating you select, foam roofing has the potential to require semi-frequent maintenance. That said, premium coatings may be applied, reducing the need for maintenance and upkeep.

Tile

Tile roofs are, also, a popular roofing system in the Palm Desert area. Tiles can be produced from clay, concrete and sandcast. Concrete tiles are generally lower in cost than clay, but don’t last as long.

Advantages

Tile roofs can last up to 25+ years in the desert. Some tile roofs have been known to last up to 50 years. While tile roofs may last the entire duration of homeownership, the underlayment may need to be replaced every couple decades. Undamaged tiles can be re-installed and re-used. Tile roofs are also fireproof and resistant to rot. Concrete tiles are typically cooler than other roofing options, like asphalt shingles, which helps to reduce ambient temperature in attics and can help save on overall electricity costs.

Disadvantages

Tile roofs are quite heavy. Many roof structures are not strong enough to accommodate their weight. While the tiles themselves have the potential to last for decades, the underlayment will need to be replaced over the course of the lifespan of a roof. If not replaced, leaks may occur. In addition to these points, tile roofing systems can be fragile. Falling tree branches or the weight of walking on the roof can cause damage to the tiles.

Metal

Metal roofs are often used for both residential and commercial buildings. To some, they offer an appealing, modern aesthetic, accompanied by a long lifespan.

Advantages

Metal roofs perform well in desert areas and are among the longest lasting roofing materials that require the least amount of maintenance. When coated properly, metal roofs will reflect the sun and disperse heat. This helps to reduce energy costs with regards to cooling a structure. Also, most metal roofs are recyclable, adding to the eco-friendly aspects of such a roof.

Disadvantages

Metal roofs tend to cost more than other roofing systems. Metal roofs are susceptible to hail and heavy winds. While style and design are typically subjective, many people prefer the look of traditional materials such as common clay tiles.

Wood

Although wood roofs have declined in popularity in recent years, many homeowners like the aesthetic of a wood shingle roofing solution.

Advantages

Some wood roofs have a proven lifespan that can outlive other kinds of roofs (when properly maintained). Wood roofs are environmentally-friendly as well, and can be reused after being stripped from a structure.

Disadvantages

The primary disadvantage of wood roofs is that they are not fire resistant without the use of special chemical treatments. Added, they have been known to be quite expensive when compared to other roofing solutions.

Shingles

There are two types of shingles: regular 3-tab shingles and architectural shingles. On average, 3-tab shingles are slightly less expensive than the architectural shingles. 3-tab shingles are also thinner, which reduces their lifespan. 

Advantages

Shingles are an affordable option for any pitched roof. They have fire-resistant properties and may combat against harsh weather conditions. Certain types of asphalt shingles are recyclable, which aids in their eco-friendly value.

Disadvantages

Some types of shingle roofs require more-frequent maintenance than other roof types. Visually, they are not as aesthetically-pleasing to most people, which may reduce the resale value of a structure.

Summary

From this post, one can see that there are numerous factors that play into the decision of selecting a type of roof. We have only scratched the surface, but are available to consult and provide a no-cost inspection for homeowners in the SoCal area that are interested in learning more and evaluating whether a new roof is needed.

To schedule a roof inspection, visit the online scheduler and a team member will be in touch.

We can, also, be reached by phone for immediate assistance by dialing 844-348-ROOF.

Seven Ways to Maintain the Health of a Commercial Roof and Preserve Its Value

A roof plays a critical role in protecting the overall state of a commercial building. Regular roof maintenance will help to reduce potential problems that can cause costly damage to your building. Fortunately, there are some straightforward things that building owners and property managers can do to increase the lifespan of a commercial roof and maintain the value of a structure.

1. Fix Leaks Immediately

Ongoing leaks can lead to the need to replace an entire roof. A variety of other, expensive issues can arise from unforeseen building damage caused by leaks. If it’s leaking, get it fixed right away. Leaks have a tendency to evolve into serious problems that could have otherwise been avoided.

2. Get a Roof Inspected Bi-Annually

A simple roof inspection by a trained professional, twice each year, can go a long way. Have your roof checked for hidden leaks, cracks, or vulnerable spots that can develop into larger problems. It’s this type of preventative maintenance that makes all the difference in prolonging the lifespan of a roof.

3. Avoid Walking on the Roof

It’s best to avoid walking on a roof entirely unless you absolutely must. Placing the weight of a person on a roof with vulnerabilities, whether visible or not, can be dangerous. Leave this to a trained professional with experience in traversing roof structures.

4. Inspect the Roof After Storms

Heavy wind, dust, rain, or snow can expose roof vulnerabilities and lead to serious, costly damage. If your building is located in an environment with extreme weather, such as the mountains or desert, an inspection following a storm can save tons of money and reduce the stresses caused by major structural issues that could have otherwise been prevented.

5. Keep the Roof Clean

This is something that is often overlooked. A basic cleaning form a trained professional can remove build up of debris that could lead to clogged drains or even mold. Annual cleanings and equipment checks can go a long way in maintaining the health of your roof.

6. Trim Overhanging Tree Branches

If you have trees around your building that overhang above the roof, they are likely dropping branches, leaves and debris that may build up over time. This can lead to unexpected issues with your roof and building, even causing algae or mold to grow in certain climates. Keeping nearby trees trimmed can prevent these issues and save a lot of time and money down the road.

7. Inspect Roof Equipment for Proper Functionality

Wiring, air conditioning systems and vents are all considered equipment in this context and should be inspected twice a year to ensure proper functionality. This is yet another example of preventative maintenance that can keep a building safe while maintaining the structural integrity of its roof.

While these tips may seem like common sense to some, they are often overlooked given our busy, fast-paced lives. If you’re experiencing any of the aforementioned issues or simply have concerns about your commercial roof, feel free to get in touch with VRS to schedule a roof inspection. A trained roofing professional is available to help and advise to address your concerns.

Schedule a Roof Inspection

Introducing VRS Roof Tips

As roofing professionals with over 20 years of experience in the industry, we’ve seen it all. A common factor we’ve experienced time and again is the knowledge gap between our customers and their understanding of how to address concerns or questions with regards to their commercial or residential property and its roof.

With the launch of our Roof Tips section on our website, we aim to offer insights for homeowners, property managers, real estate developers, HOAs, and communities around Southern California in the form of a trusted resource for all things roofing.

Visit our website to benefit from our experience and learn from the roofing knowledge we share, as it’s our goal to inform consumers and partners by empowering people with tips and resources in order to build confidence in roofing contractors and the VRS Team.