Top 5 Roofing Materials for Southern California | LA Roofing

In 2023, the global roofing market was estimated at $82.2 billion, with a 5.5% CAGR (2023-2033). Thus, there are numerous options for roofing materials.

However, if you’re located in South California or plan to build a home there, you have limited options. The area experiences drastic weather changes—from mild and wet winters to hot and dry summers.

So, here are the top roofing materials you should consider for your home!

1. Metal Roofing Materials for Southern California

In the past, metal roofs were only used in industrial structures like warehouses. However, recently, with the emergence of technical advancements, they have become a great option for residential roofing materials in Southern California.

These are primarily available in stainless steel, aluminum, and copper, with a massive ratio of recycled content.

The roofing material can also be made to resemble other materials, including slate, tile, wood shakes, and wood shingles.  

Nowadays, standing seam metal roofs are quite popular. They have a series of metal panels that are locked together. So, when the metal heats during the harsh summers, the panels let the metal panels expand. In cold winters, it lets them contract without a hitch.

Some benefits of metal roofing materials are:

• They have a long lifespan (around 40-70 years), making them a great long-term investment.
• They are easy to install and maintain. This is especially true for copper roofing materials.
• The material is energy-efficient, sustainable, and fireproof.

2. Asphalt Shingles

If you’re tight on budget, asphalt shingles are a great option! Asphalt shingle roofing material is made out of fiberglass mat soaked in asphalt and layered with different colored granules.

It’s available in a wide variety of shingles, like 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury/premium. While people usually choose the dimensional shingles, some also go for the expensive luxury type.

Asphalt shingles offer you several benefits for being so popular in South California, like:

• They come in versatile shapes, making them perfect for most roof types.
• They go with several design plans. For instance, 3-tab shingles are great for traditional houses. The material can also mimic slate tiles and cedar shakes.
• The material is energy-efficient, storm-resistant (impact-rated), high-wind-resistant, algae-resistant, and sound-insulated.
• They are easy to install and repair.

3. Slate Roofing Materials in California

Slate is a premium natural roofing material, which is inert and dense. These roofing tiles are available in different hues owing to the difference in their chemical and mineral constituents and makeup.

The difference in this chemical and mineral makeup also causes them to change color according to weather. Slate tiles that hardly change color are termed “permanent.” The ones that change colors the most are labeled “weathering” slates.

While it’s quite expensive, slate roofing materials have always been in high demand for the following benefits:

• The material is dense, making it energy-efficient.
• Being a natural stone product, it’s fire-resistant. This makes it quite popular in places that face frequent wildfires.
• Slate is a naturally-made product, so it needs minimal processing, making it environment-friendly.
• The material lasts from 100-150 years, making it a cost-efficient and lifetime investment. 
• If you ever replace slate tiles, there will be minimal waste as they’re repurposed for driveways, garden paths, and flooring.
• It’s one of the most aesthetic materials in the market and elevates your house's resale value.

4. Concrete and Clay Tile Roofing Materials For Southern California

Due to the dry climates of Southern California, concrete and clay tiles are also quite popular. Buildings from the past with these tiles still stand tall today. Their composition, form, and color make them ideal for keeping your home cool.

Natural clay is fired in a kiln to create clay tiles. Concrete tiles are made by mixing Portland cement and sand. They offer similar benefits to slate but are much less expensive.

Some beneficial features of these tiles are:

• They are available in a wide range of styles and colors.
• Exposure to natural elements doesn’t fade them.
• They can stand high winds.
• They are durable and fire-resistant.
• Frequent maintenance is not required.

Note: The tiles are heavy, so you may need roof reinforcement before installation.

5. Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shakes and shingles are available primarily in cedar, southern pine, and redwood. Generally, shingles are machine-made and have a smooth finish, while shakes are handmade and have a rough appearance.

These roofing materials offer great aesthetics with their natural appearance. Thus, it’s more expensive than an asphalt roof. The greatest benefits of using this material are:

• Wood is a poor heat conductor. Thus, you can keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
• They can withstand high winds.
• Cedar and redwood shakes offer greater stability to the roof deck.

Note: Before installing this roof, ensure there are no restrictions on using wood in your locality.

Now that you’re aware of all options and their benefits identify the best one for you. If you’re looking for a reliable building material supplier and roofing contractor, connect with us right away. Our team has years of experience under their wing and will ensure you get the roof of your dreams!