The roof you choose goes far beyond just mere preference; it's also a matter of choosing what is most practical for your home and the climate in which you live.

In today's blog, we take a look at how different climates influence the type of roof you should have - both in terms of material and colour.

Hot, subtropical and tropical climates

Whether you live in area that is susceptible to high temperatures or a comibination of high temperatures and humidity (as with subtropical and tropical climates), then you'll want to invest in a roofing material capable of reflecting heat as opposed to absorbing it.

As Roo Roofing is a Brisbane-based roofing company, we work with tiled (concrete and terracotta) and metal roofing, both of which work in hotter climates. Light-coloured tiled roofs are known for their ability to keep heat out of the home, and the advancements made with metal roofing have made current options far more capable at repelling heat, too.

Another reason metal roofs are a great option is because they work well in wet, tropical locations. They're rust resistant and prevent roof algae from growing. While light-weight, metal roofs are great at withstanding strong winds, so they can be great for areas vulnerable to severe storms and/or cyclonic conditions.

In many ways, tile roofs and metal roofs share many of the same benefits even though they're drastically different from one another. Metal roofing is great if you want to go with a more lightweight option that can reflect the heat and withstand strong weather. Tiles, however, do typically repel the heat and insulate the home more effectively. And remember that while metal roofing can repel the heat, the metal itself may scorching hot if you need to climb onto the roof itself on a particularly hot day.

Cold climates and snow

For cooler climates in Australia, similar roofing options tend to be acceptable, but there are some differences worth taking into account. First of all, whereas you'd choose a lighter colour in warmer climates, going with dark tiles or metal roofing is better in climates that remain relatively cold throughout the year. That's because darker coloured roofs will absorb the heat from the sun, something that is particularly important during the winter.

While it certainly doesn't snow in Brisbane, there are a few areas in Australia where it does. For homes in these areas, it's often an important step for the roof to have additional reinforcement. One of the ways this can be done is through the roof frame - such as more beams, ceiling joists, etc.

If you live in Brisbane and think your roof may be in need of a change, give Roo Roofing a call on 1300 734 148.