Not all roofing materials are equally durable, especially in the warm, humid climate of South Carolina. In addition to helping you select the right materials for your climate and aesthetic preferences, we can also assist you in choosing the most suitable roof style for your new home build.
Asphalt shingles, such as GAF Timberline Shingles, are particularly long-lasting. They’re also attractive and come in a variety of styles and colors. Metal roofs can also hold up well in South Carolina, but you might worry they may limit you design-wise. They are perfect for a rural barn-style home or a lovely Lowcountry home. A lot of our clients love to use metal roofing as accents for other architectural styles. Proper installation helps ensure your roof lasts well, and regular maintenance can help extend its lifespan.
Get started planning your new build in South Carolina with Blythe Custom Homes, and go to our website today.
What Roofing Materials Hold Up Best in South Carolina?
Some roofing materials work better in specific climates than others. The materials you choose should easily withstand South Carolina’s humid summers, coastal winds, and potentially heavy rains, as well as the odd snowstorm or ice.
Asphalt shingles are one of the most affordable, versatile, and durable roofing materials available. GAF Timberline Shingles are popular for custom homes in South Carolina. You can choose the specific color that matches your home’s aesthetic, while also getting top-notch defense against leaks and pests.
Some asphalt shingles can resemble wood very closely, letting you get the appearance of a wooden shake shingle roof without the risks of having a wooden roof. Wooden roofing materials typically don’t hold up well in South Carolina, so avoid using them for your custom home.
Metal roofs are an interesting option. We have clients who absolutely love metal roofing and how the sound of the rain on the roof is extremely relaxing. Some people worry that metal roofs can be prone to leaks and corrosion. However, when using a high-quality product that is installed and maintained properly, metal roofs can be a wonderful material for new home builds in South Carolina.
What Helps My Roof Hold Up Longer?
Even the most durable roofing materials might disappoint you if not installed properly, so rely on our South Carolina custom home builders to handle your project.
Proper Installation
If your roof isn’t installed properly, you might notice leaks almost immediately. Poor workmanship may also make it easier for pests to invade your home, causing all sorts of issues. Our experienced builders can handle the installation of whichever roofing material you choose. Take your time making this decision, as a home’s roof contributes to its overall curb appeal and aesthetic.
We welcome clients on walkthroughs after each major phase of construction. Once we install the roof, you can visit the construction site and see the result.
Good Maintenance
All roofing materials require some form of maintenance to ensure they hold up best. For example, if you choose versatile asphalt shingles, periodically inspect your roof visually for potential damage. A few times a year, look for possible missing shingles, piled debris, leaves in gutters, pooling water, or any other concerns.
You may then have your roof inspected to determine if there is any damage that needs repair. Good maintenance helps catch small threats to your roof before they escalate and require major repairs or even total replacement.
What Kinds of Roof Styles Are Best in South Carolina?
Certain roofing styles are even better suited for specific climates, and we can take that into account when planning your custom home in South Carolina.
For example, pitched gable roofs are suitable for areas that experience frequent snow or rain. Snow falls off the sides instead of piling up on top, reducing the risk of water damage and leaks. Heavy snow isn’t common in South Carolina, but it does rain here often, making gable roofs a good option.
Another common roof style for custom homes in South Carolina is a hip roof. While similar to gable roofs, hip roofs are better suited for windier areas, such as near the coast. Hip roofs are exceptionally common and work well for a wide range of custom home styles.
Tell us the specific kind of home you want to build, and we can recommend the best roof style and materials for your project. For example, if you want to build a traditional Tudor-style home, we may recommend a steep gable roof rather than a flat metal roof.
How to Choose the Right Kind of Roofing Material for a Custom Home
We help clients consider numerous important factors when selecting the right materials for their roofs in South Carolina, including aesthetics and energy efficiency.
Weather Resistance
The roof is your home’s best defense against the weather, so the durability of your roofing materials should be paramount. As experienced builders in South Carolina, we understand which materials work best in our climate and can help you make an informed choice.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics are also important to keep in mind. Not only do the roofing materials affect aesthetics, but the color of the roof also plays a role. We can help you decide which color best suits your modern, traditional, farmhouse, or other home style.
Energy Efficiency
Some roofs are more energy-efficient than others, whether due to the inherent quality of the materials or their color. Metal roofs reflect light, keeping homes cooler. Lighter asphalt shingles or shingles with reflective coating can have a similar effect, boosting your home’s energy efficiency.
Ease of Maintenance
Ease of maintenance is another important factor to consider when choosing materials for a roof. We can explain the maintenance expected for various roofing materials, ranging from metal to asphalt shingles.
Cost
Cost factors into most of the decisions our clients make when planning their custom homes. Based on your input, we can show you roof options that range in cost. Roofing materials are a key cost to pin down before construction begins, so take your time making this important decision.
Get Started Building in South Carolina
Build with Blythe Custom Homes and visit us online to learn more about the process.
