Roofing in Arid Climates – What You Need to Know

Arid climate is an alternative term to describe desert climate. Desert or arid climate prevails in areas or regions around the world that receive too little or no rainfall. The lack of vegetation or the vast stretches of barren land that are not suitable for cultivation would not be the sole criterion for a region to have arid climate. Arid climate is different from arid land. A region can have arid land but it may not be too hot. Desert climate is confined to hot regions of the world. A temperate or cold desert is different from what would qualify as arid climates. A distinction is drawn between polar climate and arid or desert climate, albeit both may be unsuitable for cultivation.

Homes in arid climates, such as places like southern Alberta in Canada, demand a roof that would be able to endure the heat and withstand the weathering – and you can get a roof that does just that from a local roofing company like Lethbridge Elite Roofing. Since there is no or little precipitation in such regions, most days of the year are sunny and the sun is at its scorching best. The regions that have arid climates usually do not have any pronounced winter. There can be cold nights and at times temperatures can plummet during the winter months in the respective hemispheres but colder months, like in subtropical and temperate zones of the world, are not a norm. Arid climates demand special materials for the roof, they should be flat and environment friendly, they should be sustainable since the weathering can be quite different from areas that receive rainfall or snowfall and the entire structure should be able to withstand strong winds. Many arid climates have dust storms. Strong hot winds are common.

Sloped roofs are a nonstarter. Roofing in arid climates does not need to facilitate the natural water runoff in case of rain. It does not have to allow accumulated snow to slide down. Sloped roofs would increase the surface area and hence the exposure to sunlight. This will add to the heating problem indoors. Flat roofs are an obvious choice. Some roofs may be slightly sloped if the region usually has some spells of rain or thunderstorm. In any case, flat roofs are waterproofed and there are drainpipes that will allow water runoff.

Rubber roofing obviously won’t work in a hot, dry climate. Ceramic or other tiles don’t work very well either. You may choose metal but it is not the best option. Light colored metal roof with adequate insulation may still be considered. Asphalt will heat up substantially but light colored variants would endure the heat better than rubber. Clay and such natural materials are a great choice. Clay would be an expensive option for roofing in arid climates. However, clay would be strong and durable. Clay has a fascinating ability to endure heat and it does not pass on the heat to the walls or indoors. Clay is a natural insulating material. Clay would also stand strong against intensely strong winds. Clay can also endure whatever little rain a region with an arid climate may receive. Weigh the pros and cons of other materials before choosing the best roofing in arid climates.

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