In Georgia, the climate is generally humid subtropical, with long and hot summers (when temperatures often exceed 95F) and mild winters. The state also experiences widespread precipitation and sometimes tropical cyclones. Obviously, roofs must withstand significant challenges.
Most roofs in Georgia are gable roofs, precisely because this style of roof allows rainwater to be evacuated quickly. If a gable roof is completed with reflective cover materials, it becomes ideal for the climate in Georgia.
Basically, a gable roof includes at least one gable and two sloping sides, but there are many variations, with lots of angles, valleys or varying pitches – combinations of hip and gable roofs to create unique designs. These are just a few examples:
- A hip roof on a square structure, with the sides joining to form a single peak, known as open gable roof or pyramid roof
- A hip roof, with each side including two sloping angles with a much steeper lower angle compared to the upper angle, known as box gable roof
- A polygonal hip roof with multi sides and steeply pitched slopes rising to a peak, known as gambrel roof
- A roof with two gable roof lines intersecting at a 90-degree angle, known as cross-gabled roof
Characteristics of a gable roof
- According to roofing Loganville GA contractors, it is easy to build and not very expensive, especially when it comes to a simple design
- It provides space to use in the attic
- It allows easy drainage of water resulted from rain and snow
- You can install protection and ventilation elements that increase the roof`s service life
- If the frames and support are not properly constructed, the roof may become unstable and even break down in severe weather conditions involving strong winds
- In areas with heavy snowfall, it is recommended that the slope has at least 40 degrees inclination, to prevent the accumulation of snow
- A gable roof can have the cover made from more materials than other types of roofs, because its shape is suitable.
Like we mentioned before, gable roofs can be easily transformed into cool roofs, which is what buildings in Georgia need to withstand local climate. Sun exposure and heat are factors that deteriorate and degrade roofing systems. A cool roof can be made by using reflective tiles/ shingles or special coating solutions, typically white or light colored. This way, the roof will absorb less heat and reflect more sunlight, while also reducing dramatically the energy consumption necessary for cooling or heating the building. In the long run, transforming a roof into a cool roof will extend its lifespan, which translates into sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
The temperature on the surface of a roof can be extremely high in the summer and it will quickly reach the indoors. But with a cool roof, the heat radiating through the building is greatly reduced, because it will be reflected instead of absorbed.
For this reason, metal roofs are more and more popular in Georgia, for both residential and commercial buildings. They are particularly durable and tend to replace common asphalt shingles.