Climate describes the typical weather and temperature conditions during the year. Some regions are dry and hot, while others are cold and wet. Climate information is typically used for gardeners and farmers to grow healthy crops. However, homebuilders can utilize climate information to build stronger structures with hardy materials. Some materials flourish in extreme cold but don’t hold up well to extreme heat. Others are excellent for wet weather but dry out easily. Your climate plays a huge role in the structural integrity, value, and safety of your home. Climates are typically categorized as tropical, dry, temperate, continental, and polar. What do these categories mean, and where does your home lie on this spectrum?

Tropical

Tropical climates are distinctively hot and wet. Humidity is common year-round in these areas. Summers are intensely hot and humid, while winters are typically mild. The average temperature rarely drops below 65 degrees Fahrenheit, even in winter. Summer thunderstorms and heavy rain are common. The southernmost part of Florida has a true tropical climate, while the rest of Florida and other southern states like Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi are subtropical. Homes here need heat, humidity, and water-resistant qualities. Southern states are very prone to hurricanes for half of the year, so wind resistance is a necessity. Rubber roofs are great for wet conditions but can get extremely hot, so there may be better choices. Clay, metal, and cool roofing can redirect heat and remain sturdy in heavy wind and rain. Vinyl siding is rare in these climates, as it is prone to warping and damage with high heat. Sturdy siding like stucco, adobe, or cement is ideal for hurricane- and heat-proofing.

Dry

This climate is self-explanatory and similar to tropical if you take away the humidity. Water evaporates very quickly in these areas, making the air very dry. Dry air is hostile to plant life, and animals must find a way to stay hydrated in these conditions. Deserts are a common example of dry climates, and they’re usually very hot in the daytime. Most southwestern states, like Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada, have very dry climates with hot summers and mild winters, not unlike temperate regions. Usually, roofs in these locations will need to absorb heat and have fire resistance. Clay or metal roofs are excellent for this, while materials like wood can catch fire easily. Stucco siding is very popular for its breathability, which is an important factor for dry, hot weather. Vinyl is a cost-effective choice, but it can warp or even melt in extremely dry heat.

Temperate

Temperate climates are warmer than they are cold, but they do experience moderately colder winters than fully tropical climates. They usually have warm or hot summers, often with humidity and stormy weather. Southern states like Tennessee and South Carolina typically have a temperate climate. The southernmost Midwestern states like Missouri and Kansas can also see a temperate, subtropical climate (though some of these states are described as both temperate and continental).

Homes in these regions need roofing, siding, and frames that can withstand heat, humidity, and moderately cold weather. Some midwestern states are in areas with extreme thunderstorms and tornadoes, like Kansas and Missouri. Larger cities tend to feature homes with expensive, durable materials; it’s quite common for a Kansas City siding contractor to install brick or stone to withstand tornadoes. Slate, metal, and clay roofing can withstand high temperatures and heat.

Continental

Continental climates typically see warm or even cool summers with cold winters. In the USA, the northernmost states, such as Maine, North Dakota, and north Wisconsin, tend to see this type of weather. Vinyl or brick siding can crack or warp in cold weather, especially when snow or ice gathers on it. Homeowners will need siding and roofing that is resistant to snow, ice, and extreme cold. Asphalt shingles often become brittle in colder winters. Slate, metal, and concrete are typically recommended for roofs in colder climates like continental and polar. Fiber cement, stucco, and better quality vinyl siding can withstand colder temperatures better.

Polar

Polar climates are quite rare in the United States. In fact, only one state consistently has polar climates in the northern part of the state—Alaska. Polar climates see cool summers and extremely cold winters. Year-round, the temperature will rarely go above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters can see -60 degrees Fahrenheit! It’s not unusual for the climates here to be dry as well, so they will share some features with dry climates. Homes here typically have pitched (angled) roofing to avoid the weight and temperature of snow damaging the house, as flat roofs can do. Asphalt is popular, but only due to cost and not sturdiness; high-quality asphalt may fare better. Metal roofing and siding are excellent for extreme cold, blizzards, and snow.