Different Materials for
Roofs and Their Benefits
home equity articles and tips
Whether you are building a new home or re-roofing a commercial building, choosing the right material does not have to become a nightmare. The main factors to consider when choosing material should be durability, style, color, sustainability and lifespan. Researching information about eco-friendly products such as shingles and slate to aesthetically pleasing tiles and durable galvanized steel can be time consuming; however, the following list of the most commonly used roofing material will help expedite the research.
Concrete or Clay Roof Tile
Clay and concrete roofing tiles are resistant to the elements, insects, mold and require little maintenance. Another advantage to using concrete or clay tiles is that both are non-combustible, averaging a 50 year lifespan. Specifically, concrete tiles are designed to replicate other materials; versatility offers style that will accentuate any house or building’s design. Alternatively, clay tiles are just as durable as concrete tiles, and the light coloration of clay tiles helps reflect sunlight.
Fiber-cement Tile
Fiber-cement tile is comprised of sand, cement and wood fibers, creating a light, durable material that is fire resistant. Lighter than concrete tiles, fiber-cement tiles are manufactured to replicate wood or slate roofing material. Resistant to harsh weather, bugs and fungus, fiber-cement tile is a cost effective alternative that provides a beautiful appearance.
Rolled Roofing
Modified bitumen rolled roofing is a material that is made from plastic, fiberglass, or rubber, making it extremely waterproof and affordable to install. An authorized and competent contractor can easily lay a rolled roof because the material is manufactured in large rolls. Bartch Roofing Company, experts in installing modified bitumen rolled roofing, advise using this material on the roof of a work-shed, low-sloped house, commercial building, or industrial building.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing has changed its look; long gone are the days of ugly tin roofs. Metal roofing can be installed quickly and without difficulty. Economical, impervious to inclement weather and fire resistant, this material requires very little upkeep, is energy efficient, and will not mold or attract insects. Even heavy snow storms and hurricanes will not dent the material. Now that metal roofing is available in all styles and colors, customers who had been previously deterred from purchasing the material may now give it a second look.
Shingles
Shingles are the most common types of roofing material. Asphalt shingles are reasonably priced, easy to install, and come in multiple colors. The best feature of the asphalt shingle is that it has granules, which deflect sunlight. Composite shingles are made of two types of fiberglass, which adds to its durability. By affixing a layer of asphalt to a layer of slate or wood, composite shingles are designed to look like wood or stone roofing material for half the cost. Wooden shingles come as hand sawn and tapered shake shingles or sawn shingles; both are typically sawn from Cedar trees. Wooden shingles are manufactured in three categories for sale. Lastly, a slate shingle is the most durable roofing shingle on the market. It is resistant to the elements, insects and fire and can last up to 100 years.
Using good quality and energy efficient roofing materials will extend the lifespan of a roof. Knowing the benefits of the types of roofing material that are available, as well as consulting and contracting with a reputable and licensed roofing company will allay most concerns about any upcoming roofing project.
Savannah Coulsen is a freelance writer. She lives in Raleigh. Savannah loves to read and write and she hopes to write a novel someday. Savannah also loves learning and is a self-proclaimed health guru.
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