Why your roof matters more in a hot climate
When summers are brutal, the roof is your first line of defense against heat gain — and the material you choose shapes your cooling bills for decades. Here's how the three main options compare.
Metal roofing
Roughly $8–14 per square foot, with a 40–70 year lifespan. Metal reflects solar heat rather than absorbing it, which helps keep the home cooler through the hottest months.
Clay and concrete tile
Around $10–18 per square foot. Tile uses thermal mass to keep interior temperatures steadier through the day. The trade-off is weight — your roof structure needs to be able to support it.
Asphalt shingles
The budget choice at $4–7 per square foot. Standard dark shingles absorb heat, but cool-roof rated versions perform noticeably better and are worth the upgrade in a hot climate.
What to ask — and watch for
Ask contractors about solar reflectance ratings and ventilation upgrades, both of which affect how a roof handles heat. And know the warning signs that your current roof isn't coping well, plus the red flags to watch for when comparing quotes.