Climate change is affecting weather patterns through the country. New Jersey is no exception. You may have noticed more extreme conditions and the impacts on your home. From hotter summers with heavier rainfall (or none at all) to more frequent freeze-thaw cycles in the autumn and winter, the roof on your home is going through more. If you’re planning a roof replacement or building a brand new home, understanding climate change roof selection is more important than ever.
At RGB Construction, we’ve been helping Gloucester, Camden, and Burlington County residents make smart, weather-conscious roofing choices for decades. Here’s what you need to know about how climate shifts are influencing modern roof selection in South Jersey.
Key Takeaways
- Climate change is altering roofing priorities in South Jersey, with increased heat, rainfall, and temperature swings requiring more resilient materials and designs.
- Heat-resistant and reflective roofing—like cool roofs or lighter-colored shingles—can reduce indoor temperatures and help HVAC systems operate more efficiently.
- Storm and moisture protection are critical, especially with more frequent extreme weather events. Homeowners should look for impact-rated shingles, upgraded underlayment, and proper flashing.
- Proper ventilation and moisture control in the attic are essential to prevent mold and condensation problems in increasingly humid conditions.
- Roofing materials like metal, architectural shingles, synthetic slate, and GAF Timberline Solar Shingles offer long-term durability and climate-readiness for South Jersey homes.
Why Does Climate Change Matter in Roofing?
You may think that roofing materials are built to endure all kinds of weather—and they are—but no roof is invincible. As climate change intensifies, the conditions roofs are built for will also change. This means that roofs will need to:
- Withstand high UV exposure for longer periods of time
- Handle heavier rainstorms and wind-driven rain
- Perform under increased moisture levels and humidity
- Expand and contract with frequent temperature swings
In other words, the materials you choose today will determine how well your roof can stand up to climate change in the next few years.
Key Considerations in Climate Change Roofing Selection
Now that you know why choosing the right roof for climate change is important, let’s look at some considerations to keep in mind:
1. Heat Resistance and Reflectivity
Hotter summers means more heat. Dark shingles are common in New Jersey, but they aren’t designed for the intensity of the summer sun. As most people know, darker colors absorb heat, meaning the temperature of your roof will increase, also impacting the interior of your home and forcing the HVAC system to work much harder. Consider cool roofs or reflective shingles, as well as lighter colors to help reduce heat absorption.
2. Storm and Wind Resistance
Throughout the years, New Jersey has seen more intense weather patterns, including straight line winds and tornadoes. Your roof must be able to resist the uplift from high winds, wind-driven rain penetration, and debris impact. Look for impact-rated asphalt shingles, durable underlayment, and storm-secure installation methods to protect your home during increasingly volatile seasons.
3. Water Management
Flash floods are happening more frequently. You may think this is an issue for your foundation, but the roof also needs protections. Consider high-performance underlayment to prevent leaks, properly designed flat roof drainage systems, and enhanced flashing and sealing at edges and valleys. Don’t forget to inspect and update gutters and downspouts, too. They’re key to keeping water away from the foundation.
4. Mold and Moisture Control
Trapped moisture tends to occur when rain increases or humidity is high, particularly in homes with poorly ventilated attics. Aside from confirming that your ventilation is adequate, consider evaluating your soffit and ridge vents. When getting your roof repaired or replaced, choose moisture-resistant decking and materials. Lastly, maintain proper attic insulation to reduce condensation.
Which Roofing Materials are Best Suited for Climate Change?
If you’re considering a new roof, some materials are better suited for changing climate conditions in the Mid-Atlantic region:
- Architectural asphalt shingles: Stronger than traditional shingles, with improved wind ratings
- Metal roofing: Long lifespan, reflects heat, and sheds rain and snow efficiently
- Synthetic slate or rubber roofing: Mimics natural materials with better impact and moisture resistance
- Cool roofing systems: Reflective surfaces designed to improve energy efficiency
- Solar shingles: Get the benefits of architectural asphalt shingles paired with the energy-efficiency of solar. Consider GAF Timberline Solar Shingles for your home.
RGB Construction works with top manufacturers like GAF to offer options that meet ENERGY STAR® standards and local building codes.
Have RGB Construction Help Your Climate Change Roof Selection
If your roof is ready for a replacement, consider choosing your next roof based on how climate change is impacting the region. At RGB Construction, we believe your roof should be built for more than today—it should be ready for tomorrow. By factoring in climate change roof selection, we help South Jersey homeowners make smarter, longer-lasting roofing decisions.
If you’re ready to future-proof your roof, schedule an inspection or roof consultation with our team today. We’ll evaluate your current system, recommend climate-smart upgrades, and install high-performance materials built to withstand whatever the weather brings next.
Call 856-264-9093 or schedule your consultation online to get started.
