Choosing Roofing Material

A roof does more than just keep a home dry. It usually has quite an impact on the overall appearance of a home and hence, its value. What’s more, a new roof is one of the single largest home improvement expenses that one will encounter. Therefore, it makes sense (and dollars) to choose material that will enhance a home’s architecture and last a long time.

Wood, asphalt, metal, slate and cement constitute the most common roofing material choices. Collectively they encompass an almost infinite selection of styles, colors and grades.

For the most part, roofing material is a durable, yet decorative, layer that covers a waterproof membrane that is the real stop gap from water entering the home. The roofing material simply protects the membrane from becoming damaged. Most membranes consist of an asphalt impregnated building felt which is wherein the seams are lapped at installation for proper water shed. The membrane is available in various thicknesses (weights) and widths.

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular roofing choice covering more than three quarters of the residential roofs in the United States. There are two types of asphalt shingles — organic and fiberglass. Organic shingles consist of a wood-fiber base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules. A fiberglass shingle consists of a fiberglass mat, top and bottom layers of asphalt, and mineral granules.

One advantage that a fiberglass shingle has over the organic shingle is fire resistance. Fiberglass has a UL Class A while organic shingles only have a UL Class C. Underwriters Laboratories (UL) system for classifying the fire resistance of various materials. Roofing materials are rated Class “A”, “B” or “C”, with “A” have the highest resistance to fires originating outside the structure.

Organic or fiberglass, asphalt shingles come in a variety of weights, styles and colors. In general, the thicker and heavier the shingle, the longer it will last. The three-tab shingle is the most common. It is also the lightest and least expensive. The “architectural grade” or layered shingle is heavier, more attractive and pricier.

Wood shingles were once the rage, especially in California, the Northwest and parts of the Midwest. Their popularity has, however, waned due to concerns about their ability to resist fire. Wood shingles have a UL fire rating of Class B, C or none at all. Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar and sometimes redwood, southern pine and other woods. The appearance and lasting quality of a natural wood roof can be greatly enhanced if it is treated regularly (every three to five years) with a shingle and floor oil. A good wood roof care program consists of cleaning with a power washer, select replacement of damaged material and oil treatment. A pigment in the oil will offer greater protection from deterioration by ultraviolet rays, one of the biggest predators of wood roofing.

Because consumers love the look of wood, but not the fact that it is less fire resistant and is more maintenance-intense, manufactures are producing shake look-alike material by the droves. These imposters look like shake, but, in most cases, have a UL Class A fire rating. Look-alike roofing materials include such products as metal tiles and concrete or fiber-cement shakes.

Tile – clay or concrete – is a durable but fairly expensive roofing material. “Mission-style” and “Spanish” round-topped tiles are widely used in the Southwest and Florida. Flat tiles are also available to create a French and English “look.” Tile is available in an array of colors and finishes. One concern with tile is that it can be heavy. If it is being used to replace another type of roofing material it is important to verify that the structure will support the load. An engineer can help here. If you have a terra cotta tile roof, it’s recommended to schedule a Terracotta Tile Cleaning service periodically for proper maintenance.

Slate, one of our favorite roofs, literally is stone. Quarried in Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, it comes in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, more expensive than other roofing materials. Furthermore, its application requires a highly skilled craftsperson. As with the shake and tile, slate has its “look-alike” cousins which are significantly less expensive and can be installed by an experienced roofer. Slate look-alike material is made from Portland cement which is reinforced with cellulose fibers.

Metal, once reserved for commercial roofing, has found a growing niche in the residential market. The two most prevalent types of metal roofing are standing seam and corrugated panels. The standing seam material is generally factory finished with paint or a powder coating. The corrugated panels and tile look-alike material are subject to a rigorous factory priming process followed by a granular mineral finish. Metal is durable, but its life expectancy ultimately depends on the properties of the metal selected, its coating and its installation.

The price of a new roof can vary widely depending on the material selected, the contractor performing the work, the home itself, area of the country, local labor rates, time of year, and other factors. To get a good idea of the cost of your roof, get three or four estimates from reputable residential roofers or contractors from a roofing service like the Reformed exteriors Keep in mind that cost is only one factor, and it must be balanced against the quality of the materials and workmanship.

How long should a roof last? Different materials have different life expectancies. The American Society of Home Inspectors provides the following estimates: asphalt shingles, 15 – 30 years; wood shakes/shingles, 10 – 40 years; clay/cement tiles, 20+ years; slate, 30 – 100 years; and metal 15 – 40+ years. These estimates depend on local conditions, installation, quality of materials, proper design and maintenance. Connect with experts like these Durham roofers and consult them for your roofing concerns.

 

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