Roofing is far from a one-size-fits-all category. Factors like climate, functionality and style often vary by region, giving each area of the nation a roofing style of its own. Whether your project is in the desert, on the coast or in an area that endures frigid winters or scorching summers, ABC Supply has roofing products that will withstand conditions for every style.

Check out the types of roofing that are trending in each region — and the reasons behind their appeal.

 

Southwest

The American Southwest is known for its dry, scorching summers, which is why many homeowners in the area opt for clay or concrete roof tiles. These materials are popular in the region for good reason — they are great at counteracting heat.

Clay tiling (often called terra cotta) comes in a variety of natural colors and possesses highly insulative properties that disperse heat evenly, reducing cooling costs during high-temperature seasons. Plus, the region’s lack of precipitation and moisture helps increase the lifespan of clay tile roofing, making it an even better option for Southwestern homes.

Beyond boasting impressive potential to reduce energy costs, the Spanish-style aesthetic of clay tiling is another reason for its popularity in the region. While clay tiles come in many shapes, barrel tiles are their most iconic form as they are a hallmark of Mission-style architecture commonly found in Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California.

Concrete tiles often catch the eye of homeowners who are looking for a more modern twist. They offer similar benefits to clay and come in a wide variety of sleek options. They can mimic the look of slate or stone tiles — perfect for anyone looking for a bit more customization.

Additionally, more roofs in the Southwest are being outfitted with solar panels in order to use the region’s many sunny days to build energy efficiency and save on cost.

 

Pacific Coast

The Pacific Coast — especially the Pacific Northwest — sees ample rain, wind and moisture. Roofs in the region must be able to stand up to the wet conditions, and that makes composite shingles (also known as synthetic shingles) a strong contender for homes. They are engineered from rubber and plastics, allowing them to withstand strong winds and precipitation. Their fire-resistant quality can provide homeowners some peace of mind, especially given the recent uptick in the number of wildfires in the area.

Composite shingles can also be designed to look very similar to slate tiles or even cedar shakes, which have long been used in roofs in the Pacific Northwest and provide a nice boost to a home’s curb appeal. When it comes to color palette, dark tones like charcoal and black are a popular choice for modern homes, while brown or cedar-tone composite shingles pay homage to the region’s lush and abundant forests.

A growing number of roofs on the Pacific Coast are also sporting solar panels, driven in part by regional regulations that promote the use of renewable energy.

 

Northeast

The Northeast is known for its Colonial-influenced homes, with roofing playing a central role in the region’s rich architectural history. With long, harsh winters, roofs in the area must be built to withstand the elements. Slate roofs boast supreme durability, fit to tolerate even the heaviest of snowstorms. They are perhaps best known for their impressive longevity, often keeping their integrity for 50 years or even a century before needing to be replaced.

Slate is also among the most visually stunning roofing materials. The elegant look of slate — which naturally comes in colors like gray, black and blue-gray — blends well with the traditional Colonial aesthetic of the Northeast, adding market value on top of its durability. To add a bit more character, moss-green or variegated blend tiles offer a look that perfectly complements evergreen trees and other plant life common in the Northeast.

 

Midwest

With cold, snowy and icy winters, living in the Midwest calls for a roof that protects against the elements while maintaining energy efficiency. Metal roofing is gaining traction in the region, offering the durability and longevity necessary to withstand decades of the changing seasons. Metal roofs are especially effective in preventing snow and ice buildup, which can protect homeowners from costly repairs. Since metal roofs reflect UV rays, cooling homes during hot summers takes less energy.

Homeowners will be happy to know that the aesthetics of metal roofs have evolved in recent years. Metal shingles, also known as stamped metal roofing, replicate the appearance of a traditional asphalt roof with all the benefits metal offers and are growing in popularity. From a design standpoint, standing seam roofing is a common option, featuring long, vertical panels with raised seams that span the entire roof. Standing seam metal roofs are especially popular for use on commercial buildings but have recently become more widely adopted as a roof option in residential settings.

 

Southeast

In the southeastern United States, seasonal weather swings from warm, humid summers to cool winters.

Traditionally, asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used in the Southeast. However, metal roofs are becoming more popular due to their longevity as well as their ability to survive severe weather. Plus, the common occurrence of hurricane-force winds and hailstorms has made sturdy metal roofs an increasingly popular replacement for asphalt roofs in the region. Metal roofs offer versatility with a wide range of colors and textures, allowing them to emulate various roofing styles. Additionally, they are energy-efficient, reflecting the sun’s heat and keeping homes cool during sweltering summers.

In recent years, an array of neutral roofing colors has been in demand in the Southeast. These feature bases of deep and light browns accented with clay colors and cooler gray tones.

 

Nationwide

While each region has its own distinct styles and roofing types with unique functionality and aesthetic significance, asphalt shingles remain the most popular throughout the United States. The affordability, durability and climate-versatility of asphalt shingles make them a common choice regardless of region. Asphalt shingles cover virtually any roof shape and are easy to install and maintain, making them a popular choice from coast to coast.

ABC Supply has diverse roofing products to match any look or climate and a wide array of solar products available. Visit your local ABC Supply location to find the right roofing materials for any job. Be sure to learn more about the latest homebuilding trends in each region, such as siding, windows and doors.