Life in the Southeastern United States comes with lots of advantages: beautiful coastlines, warm weather and plenty of sunshine, just to name a few. It’s no wonder so many people choose to build and live there. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t drawbacks too. Intense heat, hurricane conditions and invasive pests can be devastating to structures of all sizes. So, when starting a roof build or remodeling project, you need to make sure you’re choosing materials that can withstand the Southeast’s tumultuous climate and critters. Whether you’re a homeowner or a contractor, here’s what you need to know if you’re going to take on a roofing job in the southern states.

Durability is key

When thinking about adverse weather events in the Southeastern U.S., one thing usually comes to mind: hurricanes. These natural disasters can cause widespread destruction and devastation. But even when things don’t rise to hurricane levels, the Southeast can still whip up some seriously strong storms. That’s why it’s so important to use durable building materials like when tackling a roofing project in the Southeastern U.S.

Some southern homeowners choose metal roofs because of their toughness, while others opt for the more traditional asphalt shingles. Whatever you choose, make sure the product meets the building codes in your area to ensure compliance and the best protection from the elements.

But storms aren’t the only weather-related dangers to your roof. Anyone living in the Southeastern U.S. knows how hot and humid things can get, particularly during the summer months. If you’re building in a particularly humid area, like the more tropical parts of Florida or Louisiana, proper roof ventilation is extremely important. Without it, moisture can get trapped in your roof system and lead to mold, mildew, rot and other problems.

The solution is a quality roof ventilation system that strikes a balance between intake and exhaust to prevent excess heat and moisture buildup in your attic. Installing proper ventilation can mean the difference between a healthy roof and one that will quickly succumb to moisture and heat.

Prioritize pest prevention

Unfortunately, the threats to your roof don’t end with the weather. Animals like snakes, raccoons and ants can all become uninvited guests if you’re not careful. Squirrels in particular can wreak havoc on a home because they can be attracted to the exposed pipes on your roof. They will often gnaw on these pipes or on your pipe flashings, which damages the roof and can create leaks.

To prevent these critters from causing too much damage, consider using a Quarrix ProBoot Pipe Flashing on your exposed pipes. Because it doesn’t contain any lead, squirrels aren’t attracted to it. Instead, it uses an all-steel construction, which means it won’t corrode or rust, and there’s no rubber gasket that can fail, so you get maximum protection from the elements. The Pipe Boot installs quickly using a unique TightLOCK Top, making it simple to extend the life of your roof.

When it comes to choosing roofing materials for the Southeastern U.S., it’s all about finding durable products that are tough enough to take on everything from massive hurricanes to tiny squirrels. With sturdy exterior materials, proper ventilation and the right pipe flashings, you’ll end up with a roof that’s built to last.
 

Looking for roofing materials outside of the Southeast? Check out our infographic on regional roofing threats or our blog posts on roofing materials for other regions of the U.S., including the Northeast​, Southwest, West, and Midwest. Then contact Quarrix to find the right materials for your next project.