Best Materials for Shaded Roofs
You've probably heard that too much shade is bad for roofs. It allows them to stay moist for too long, leading to moss growth and deterioration. This is all true — but it does mostly apply to shingle roofs. If you have a shaded roof, choosing the right roof replacement materials can go a long way toward preventing any issues in the future. Here are a few new roof materials that fare quite well in the shade.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs don't hold onto water. They're slippery enough that water slides right off of them. They might take a little longer to dry in the shade than in the sun, but not significantly so. While a metal roof will cost a bit more than a shingle roof upfront, metal roofs also last a lot longer, which means you won't have to replace your roof again any time soon. Another advantage of metal is how durable it is in wind storms. The big, heavy panels are unlikely to be lifted by winds that might blow off shingles.
Tile Roofs
Roofs made from concrete and clay tile also hold up well in shaded areas. A tile roof in the shade may grow some algae, but that is mostly a cosmetic issue, and it can largely be kept under control if you have the roof cleaned regularly.
Tile roofs are heavy, so they are not always an option for older homes that were designed to support lighter roofs. However, most newer homes can support a tile roof. They cost more than shingles, but they come in all sorts of patterns and colors, making them a really aesthetic roof material.
Rubber
A less conventional option for a shaded roof is rubber. The rubber won't mold or rot if it stays wet for a bit longer due to the shade. Rubber works really well on low-slope roofs, but you can apply it to roofs with a greater slope, too. Another advantage of rubber is that it is fire-resistant. If you live in an area where wildfires are prominent and have a tree overhanging your roof, rubber is a very good choice.
While shade generally is not good for roofs, it does really depend on your roof material. If you can't move the structure that is shading your roof, then you should instead consider replacing the roof with one of the materials mentioned above. Metal, tile, and rubber all work well in this situation.
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