Which Roof Is the Best in Coastal Areas?

Living in a coastal area may be beautiful, full of scenery, and easy on the eye, but it often means a little more property and roof maintenance.

For example, you’re more likely to be hit by strong winds, wearing down your roof, there may be salt in the air, which can cause more rust and corrosion, and typically, the climate is a little more intense – colder weather and also hotter weather during the summer months.

So, what are the best roofs for coastal areas?

• Slate 
• Clay tiles
• Copper
• Aluminum

This article will explain more about each of the best roof types for coastal areas, beginning with slate.

Slate roof

Let’s kick things off with slate roofing – a traditional material that is super durable, available in a wide variety of colors, and looks beautiful on coastal homes.

Despite the long-lasting nature of slate, there is one key drawback, and that’s the price. Slate is very expensive, but you do get many years out of it. So, it’s all about weighing up the pros and cons, and for us, the pros far outweigh the cons.

Clay tiles are a great roof material for coastal areas

Next up, we have clay tiles. Clay tiles are another popular roofing option for coastal homes, thanks to the aesthetic look, durability, and other key properties.

For example, clay tiles are resistant to weathering effects of the sea and heavy wind. Furthermore, as these tiles are heavy, they are a lot less likely to come loose from the roof during intense winds.

And as you know, especially if you live in a coastal area, high-speed winds and regular tiles do not mix well. It’s not raining cats and dogs; it’s raining sharp roofing objects…

Copper

Yep, that’s right – we’re on about Copper. And while it’s not as popular as both slate and clay, this material still has its place.

In fact, in the right environment, it can look absolutely stunning in certain coastal areas.

But what makes it so great, aside from its obvious unique look?

For starters, it’s resistant to corrosion, long-lasting, easy to maintain, and matches the natural look of coastal homes and scenery.

There are a few downsides, though. For example, although it has weather-resistant properties, it can more easily be scratched and dented in comparison to slate and clay tile. Also, it can be quite expensive. While copper is cheap in small amounts, the cost of a whole roof can quickly become quite expensive.

So, if you experience intense storms and high-speed winds, you may wish to choose a different coastal roofing material.

Aluminum

Finally, we have aluminum – another one of the best roofing options for coastal areas.

Over the last few years, aluminum roofs have become more popular. But why is this the case? Well, this coastal roofing material is lightweight, energy-efficient, and super durable. Also, it’s much less expensive than steel roofs and other options.

In fact, aluminum roofing may help you save money on both heating and cooling for your home – not a material to write off, that’s for sure.

Are metal roofs suitable for coastal areas?

If you’re wondering why metal roofs did not make the list, that’s because not all types of metal roofs are ideal for coastal areas.

And while typically, metal roofing options are a good choice, some metals may rust quickly due to the saltwater from the sea, alongside other unmanageable factors.

But that does not mean a metal roof won’t work for your home. For more advice, and to see whether or not a metal roof would be a good fit for your home, we’d recommend speaking to a professional roofing contractor.

Do you need further roofing advice?

The best roof for coastal areas depends on your personal needs and preferences. However, all materials listed in this article are great options. But, there are two standout options: slate and clay tiles.

If you need any further roofing advice, whether to do with coastal areas, or you’re in need of a quote for your roofing project, contact Jacob’s Ladder today – we’re here to help!