If you were born and raised in the U.S., it can be easy to forget just how large this country is. Not including Alaska and Hawaii, it spans four time zones and at least five climate zones. When planning for a new commercial roof installation, this is a fact with crucial implications: there is no one-size-fits-all type of commercial roof. The ideal choice of roofing for your business depends on a variety of factors, a major one of which is your local climate. Let’s look at the five major climate zones of the United States and determine the best commercial roofing style for each!

Northeast

The Northeast region of the U.S. ranges from semi-humid summers to icy cold winters with snowstorms and temperatures dropping to the teens. If your business is located in a New England state that gets heavy snow, rain, ice or hail each winter, you might want to go with a stone-coated steel roof, a type of metal roofing with superior resistance to freezing, thawing, hail, and high winds. Heavy-duty asphalt and wood shingle roofing also resist storms and hail but don’t tolerate high humidity well. Rubber roofing is a dependable and resilient option if you’re looking for something more affordable or adaptable to both hot and cold climate types.

Southeast

The further south you go near the East Coast, the more humid it tends to get. While the mountains may experience milder seasonal changes and somewhat less humidity, anywhere outside the higher elevations or along the coastline will have mild winters with sweltering, humid summers. A popular roofing choice in tropical places like India and the Mediterranean, clay is a shoo-in to handle the Southern climate. Slate roofing is another top contender due to its exceptional resistance to nearly everything: heat, cold, storms, high winds, humidity, and fire. For example, slate roofing could be your best bet if you live in the Deep South, where hurricanes are not uncommon.

Midwest

The Midwest region experiences an interesting melting pot of weather throughout the year. Summers are often humid and extremely hot, while winters swing to the opposite extreme, with temperatures dropping below zero. The Great Lakes area tends to get more rain and snowfall, while the plains are at risk for tornadoes. Slate roofing is once again a top pick for these states, thanks to its diverse characteristics. A metal roof will also make for a desirable investment if you’re looking for adaptability. Metal reflects sunlight and heat, keeping your building cool in the summer. Additionally, metal allows precipitation to slide right off during the winter. With an impressive resistance to winds up to 120 mph, stone-coated steel should also be at the top of your list if your business lives in an area prone to tornadoes.

Southwest

The Southwest is typically known for its dry, brutally hot desert climate, with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees and frequent droughts. However, a Rocky Mountain state like Colorado will also see plenty of cold temperatures and snow. Concrete roofing is highly recommended for Southwestern businesses because it is slow to absorb heat and shows superior fire resistance. Other heat-reflective and fire-resistant materials include clay, ceramic, and stone-coated steel. Stay away from materials like wood, asphalt and rubber, which will absorb more heat and crack under intense sunlight and temperature fluctuations.

Pacific Northwest

While the Southwest is mostly dry heat and sunlight, the Northwest gets all the moisture. The fall, spring and winter seasons tend to experience heavy rainfall with relatively moderate temperatures. The short summers stay pleasantly cool and somewhat dry. Metal roofing is the clear winner for a region exposed to such ample amounts of water. In particular, a hydrostatic metal roof is fully sealed and almost perfectly impenetrable by water and moisture. A hydrokinetic low-sloped roof with a polyurethane coating will also prove exceptionally resistant to water and ponding.

In Conclusion

If your business needs a new roof, it’s better to get started exploring your options sooner rather than later, as problems may persist or worsen. However, commercial roofing is an expensive investment and not a decision to make without considering the ways in which you need your roof to excel. Each climate poses unique challenges, and certain types of roofing are better equipped to each. Once you know how your regional weather affects your roofing requirements, consult your local roofing contractor for detailed recommendations for your particular building.