red tile roof

Fun Facts About Roofing

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Fun Facts About Roofing

Your Roof Type Varies by Your Location

Have you ever noticed the sea of white tile or metal roofs in South Florida? How about an abundance of red tile roofs in California? Most roofs in Texas are asphalt shingle roofs (although you do see some red tile roofs or slate roofs here, as well.) Different types of roofing materials work better in different climates. The type of roof you have will depend largely on what kind of weather is experienced in your area.

Your Roof Shape is Also Influenced by Your Location

The shape or style of your roof will also be influenced by your location’s weather. For example, different types of slanted or hipped roofs are better at resisting strong winds. If you live in Seattle, your roof will likely be a highly-pitched roof because of its ability to handle heavy precipitation. In the Southwest, you will see many flat-roofed homes, while in the northern states, the annual snow levels mean you’ll rarely encounter a flat-roofed home. (Another interesting note: flat-roofed homes aren’t truly flat: they usually have a slight incline of ¼ inch per foot to allow any precipitation to drain.)

Did You Know?
  • Wood shingle roofs are heavier than metal roofing materials.
  • It’s a myth that metal roofing increases the risk of a lightning strike. Roof covering material isn’t a determining factor of where lightning will strike as much as the placement and size of the building are. And in all actuality, a metal roof helps reduce the impact of a lightning strike. When lightning strikes a metal roof it’s conducted away fast, toward the ground or another nearby conductor.  Metal is also a non-combustible material.
  • You can use metal roofs to heat your water for taking a bath in a tub or the swimming pool.
  • Clay Tiles. People began using clay tiles for their roofs in 2800 BC – around the same time the Pyramids of Egypt began construction. Back then people were using packed sod and straw to keep rain out.
  • People can actually use their roofs as a food source. Garden roofs can have many plants and vegetables covering the roof surface. Roof gardens can reduce stormwater runoff, the urban heat island effect, and energy consumption. They can also improve air and water quality.