Roofing Materials

A roofing system consists of a variety of materials that are combined to provide weatherproof protection for structures. Roofs protect structures from the sun, rain, snow, and other elements in addition to being waterproof.

Roofing materials differ based on the roof’s form, location, and temperature, as well as whether the roof is used for residential or commercial purposes. Asphalt shingles are often used in residential construction because they are very affordable and have a long lifespan. Metal, EPDM, and built-up roofs are commonly used in commercial buildings where flat roofs are more popular.

There are many different types of roofing materials to pick from, and a little research may lead you to explore a different form of roofing rather than simply replacing the one you already have. When it comes to roofing materials, you must consider aesthetics, durability, cost, and structural difficulties when making your decision.

Asphalt Composite Shingles

Roofing Materials: Asphalt Composite ShinglesAsphalt composite shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials in America, if not the most popular. Asphalt shingles are popular across the country because they are believed to be highly effective in a variety of climates and environmental circumstances. Although the initial prices are often modest, depending on your location, they have a limited lifespan and must be replaced after around 20 years. Impact-resistant shingles should be considered by homeowners who reside in hail-prone regions or places. You may even be able to earn a reduction on your insurance rate if you install impact-resistant roofing ahead of time.

For almost 150 years, asphalt shingles have been the industry standard, and for good reason. Asphalt is a water-resistant material that may be manufactured to look like tile, wood, or slate shingles. Asphalt shingles are also very affordable and simple to install, maintain, and repair, making them an excellent choice for the average American first-time purchaser. They are available in three different styles, which adds to their versatility and makes them the finest choice. Three-tab shingles, dimensional shingles, and luxury shingles are the three primary types.

1. 3-Tab Shingles

 Roofing Materials: 3-tab shingles3-tab shingles are the most basic of the three, consisting of a single sheet of overlapping shingles that seem like any other shingle. Each shingle has slight color changes that give it a dynamic appearance as it overlaps. They’re commonly seen in older homes or in more affordable homes built when they were more popular. They’re made to last for 20 years or more.

2. Dimensional Shingles

Dimensional shingle roofDimensional asphalt shingles are tougher and more durable than 3-tab asphalt shingles, and they may last up to 30 years or more. The primary difference between them and the single-layer 3-tab is that they are stacked in 2 or 3 layers. When it comes to investing, dimensional shingles are even more cost-effective. The curb appeal alone makes their increased up-front cost pay off big time due to their improved textures and patterns.

3. Luxury Shingles

Roofing Materials: Luxury ShingleLuxury asphalt shingles have the appearance of slate and cedar shingles at a fraction of the price. They’re commonly used on older homes that want to retain a natural-looking design without the high cost.

Wood Shingles

Wood shingleWood shingles are often made from four different types of trees: pine, cypress, red cedar, and redwood. They are sawn on both sides, resulting in a consistent taper and thickness. Wood shakes vary from shingles in that they are split from logs and then reshaped for production. They’ll be thicker on one end than the other, like a small wedge.

Shakes are split directly from the log and reshaped for production, whereas shingles are separated from the log and reshaped. Their rough edges give them a distinctive texture and rustic appearance that many homeowners desire. Their wedge form adds a lot of depth, especially when layered together. Likewise, shingles are sawn on both sides to ensure that they are uniform in shape and thickness. When they’re put one on top of the other, they’ll have a more equal, clean look.

Real wood shakes or shingles are a luxurious alternative for roofing. They are extremely long-lasting, and with correct installation and care, they may last up to 50 years.

Slate Shingles

Roofing Materials: Slate shinglesThere are four primary reasons why a slate or shale roof is a great investment. 

Timeless beauty – Shale comes in a variety of colors and tints, and its texture lends it such an aesthetically beautiful appearance that it’s been chosen as the roof of choice for many ancient structures and fine homes.

Longevity – Slate roofs can survive for more than a century. It’s known as the “eternal roof” since it outlasts the homeowners and many more! Its lengthy lifespan makes it an excellent investment as well as an environmentally beneficial option. In the time it takes to replace a slate roof, 3–4 other roofs are replaced and thrown away.

Fire Resistant – They are fully fireproof, unlike a lot of roofing materials. 

Slate shingles are water resistant and can survive heavy rains, snow, and strong winds. It also doesn’t decay, fungus, or mold develop on it.

The potential for a slate roof to break quickly when hit with force by hail or other debris is one of its disadvantages. They also have a high upfront cost. The pay-off of slate shingles, on the other hand, is a huge benefit if you want to set it and forget it, or if you are interested in making a long-term investment in your house.

Metal Roofing

Metal roofThere are advantages and disadvantages to each type of roofing material, as with many others. Among the several advantages of metal roofing are the following: 

Long Life Expectancy Metal roofs will last for the duration of your home’s ownership. Metal roofs have a 30-to 50-year life expectancy, according to several manufacturers. They’re fire, bug, mold, and rot resistant, so they’re a good investment.

Shedding Snow and Rain You won’t find a roof that is more resistant to snow and rain than this one. Water runs quickly off the flat, seamless surface, and the dark color heats up quickly, promoting snowmelt.

Heat Conduction – When it’s not winter and the weather is warm, the metal roof reflects the sun, reducing the amount of heat generated during the day. You may save money on electricity by not having to turn on the air conditioner because the sun’s warmth does not penetrate the roof.

Lightweight Material – When compared to other roofing materials, this material is quite light. When compared to concrete at 900 lbs. per square and tile at 750 lbs. per square, this material is fairly light at 50-150 pounds per square (100 square feet).

Some disadvantages include:

Noisy During Extreme Weather Rain on a metal roof might be comforting to some, but it can also be incredibly noisy and disruptive during severe weather. 

Can Dent Easily Metal roofing may not be advised in locations prone to hail. If heavy hail hits the metal roofing, it can dent, just like a car.

Metal Shingles

Roofing Materials: Metal ShingleInterlocking metal shingle roofs have overtaken asphalt shingles as the most common kind of residential metal roofing. There are several metal shingle varieties to choose from, the most common of which are galvanized steel and aluminum, while zinc and copper shingles are also available. 

Metal shingles can outlast many other types, and you can obtain metal shingles that look like other types. For example, unlike cedar shingles and slate impressions, these metal shingles will seem similar but will likely be less expensive and last longer.

Stone-coated Steel

Stone coated Steel Stone-coated steel replicates the look of magnificent, rustic clay tiles at a fraction of the cost. It’s surprising how similar they appear; you’ll get everyone fooled! 

Consider the following when deciding whether a stone-coated steel roof is suitable for you:

Stylish – Stone-coated steel shingles come in a number of designs. Due to cutting-edge technology, you’d never guess the tiles are composed of metal. To the untrained eye, they seem identical to slate and clay. However, it will continue to look as good as new for many years without any additional care.

Durable – Rain, freeze/thaw, snow, and wind are all resistant to stone-coated metal tiles. They won’t shatter, distort, or split, and they won’t absorb water. They’ve shown extraordinary resiliency in the face of extreme weather, including hail, fires, and even earthquakes.

Lightweight – Because it is so light (.5 pounds per square foot), a stone-coated steel roof may be put over existing roofs. The lightweight can also assist in reducing the load on your home. Heavy roofs can increase the structural load on the home structure, causing settling, cracking, and further repairs.

Adds Value  A stone-coated steel roof can work in your favor if you ever decide to sell your property, since it is attractive, long-lasting, and unusual, and it will definitely attract the attention of a potential buyer.

Rubber Slate Tile

Rubber slate tileSynthetic slate is considered to be more durable, environmentally friendly, and safe than real slate. Synthetic slate is fire-resistant and efficient against extreme exposure to external flames while also preventing the spread of the fire. Because of their small weight, they don’t require any additional reinforcement, making them ideal for use in residential buildings. To make any unique alterations during installation, synthetic slate may be trimmed and sliced using a knife. This isn’t the case with true slate shingles, which require exact cutting and dimensions.

Clay Tile

Clay TilesClay roof shingles combine the rustic architectural appearance of shingles with the many benefits of clay tiles to create a unique roofing solution. Clay roof shingles will be a one-of-a-kind look that you won’t find anywhere else, with such authenticity. 

Modern clay tile roofs may be seen in warmer locations since they can tolerate excessive heat and are exceedingly durable. However, if you get freeze-thaw resistant tiles, you may use them in colder climates. Both practically and aesthetically, they are ideally suited for homes built with clay or concrete in the southwestern states.

Clay shingles are substantially heavier than asphalt shingles or metal roofs, so you’ll want to be sure your home can handle the extra weight before going with them. They also have a larger initial cost than other forms of roofing, as well as the possibility of further damage repair charges if your property is in a storm-prone area.

Concrete Tile

Concrete tileConcrete tile is quite widespread and has been around for millennia. It is attractive, long-lasting, and cost-effective; many roofs constructed over a century ago still have their original, entire concrete roofing. Concrete tiles come in a variety of colors, tints, and textures, and they may be made to seem like other, more expensive types of tiles. 

Concrete roof tiles are resistant to hail and strong wind damage, and will often endure the lifespan of the house. Concrete tiles have been tested to withstand gusts of up to 125 miles per hour, which would rip off many other types of home shingles. Their seamless form makes it difficult for leaks and damage to occur. Definitely worth the cost!

Built-up Roofing

Build-up roofBuilt-up roofs have been utilized for over a century. BUR systems, often known as tar and gravel roofs, are constructed of alternating layers of bitumen and textiles that form a membrane-like substance. Depending on your needs, they might have varying numbers of plies or layers. Roof decks or insulation can be immediately covered with built-up roofs.

Roofing felts or plied sheets are the materials used to make the membrane, and they are reinforced with an organic or glass-fiber mat. The bitumen used in between these plied sheets is often asphalt, tar, or cold-applied adhesives. The asphalt or coal tar should be heated first and then applied with a particular spreader. However, the cold-applied adhesive, if you didn’t notice, does not need to be heated before use.

They’re most commonly employed on flat or low-slope roofs. Flat roofs work well with this style of roofing since the material allows for easy walking without causing harm. They thrive in hotter climes and have a typical lifespan of 15 to 30 years, though some can live up to 40 years.

Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofingOne of the fastest-growing materials in the business is thermoplastic roof membranes. They are heat resistant and have a distinctive appearance. The membrane outlasts several competitors and other roofing materials in terms of durability. Durability and energy efficiency are two significant advantages.

DurableThermoplastic membranes have a long life span. They’re flexible, so they can tolerate punctures, rips, chemical spills, oil, and other things. They also fight bacterial development and standing water, which both shorten the membrane’s lifespan.

Energy Efficient – Due to their heat-resistant features, membrane roofs are well-known for their ability to manage energy costs. They are often black, white, or grey in color and are highly reflective, reflecting UV rays away from the building and therefore lowering your cooling and energy costs.

Solar Tiles

Solar tile

Solar tile are not solar panels; instead, they are solar-powered roof shingles that are sleek, elegant, and incredibly eco-friendly. Solar tiles have a number of obvious disadvantages, including high installation costs and a dependency on sunshine for electricity. However, it is estimated that after 7–20 years, the cost savings from switching to solar will equal the initial cost. It also adds a significant amount of retail value to your home! People claim that the advantages outnumber the disadvantages tenfold.

Cost-Effective – Homeowners found a substantial reduction in utility expenses within the first year of installation. You can eventually attain 100% independence from local utility companies while avoiding ever-increasing electricity costs. There are also some significant tax advantages to installing solar roofing.

Long-Lasting – Solar tiles are made to last, and maintenance and repair costs are minimal when compared to normal roofing materials and repairs. Solar tiles provide excellent resistance against wind, hail, and fire. The Tesla solar tiles have all been approved to the highest weather standards available for a roof.

Environmentally Friendly – Using solar energy can help us reduce our dependency on exhaustible resources. Solar power is a form of renewable energy that does not rely on the combustion of fossil fuels to create electricity. It’s a fantastic alternative to existing methods because it’s clean and ecological. There are no greenhouse gas emissions from solar energy.

Back-Up Power – What about overcast days or terrible weather? “You might wonder. How do the solar panels acquire their energy? ‘Technological advancements have been achieved to allow the panels and tiles to collect energy during the day and utilize it as a backup for days when the sun isn’t shining brightly. ‘You will still have a continuous supply of electricity.