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Roof Covering and Roofing Materials Guide From ImproveNet
Roof covering is the most customizable part of your roof. Shingles and shake can come in all shapes,
sizes, materials, and colors. This means all different types of prices too. In this section we will
give you an overview of the most common types of roofing material, hopefully assisting you in
selecting roof covering that is right for both your tastes, climate needs, and budget.
Finding quality material is critical in the longevity of your roof. Using the finest material will
add monetary and aesthetic value to your home. Roofing Wholesale Co. provides the
best material for your roofing job, at an unbelievably great price.
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Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material found in United States, especially on
steep-sloped roofs. These are usually reinforced by organic or fiberglass material. Organic
reinforcement provides a shorter life and is less fire resistant than their fiberglass counterparts.
Fiberglass roofing shingles are the most popular and are the most budget-friendly.
Asphalt roofing shingles may be coated
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with special laminate to provide a more aesthetically pleasing texture. They
also can come equipped with zinc plating to discourage algae build up. Expect features such as these
to increase the pricing of your roof, but these are still going to be the most affordable roofing
option. Asphalt roofing shingles have come in grades with an expected life of 20-50 years depending on
the price. The actual life span is a few years lower in warmer climates, but these types of shingles
come with 20+ year warranties generally. These also require little-to-no maintenance compared to
other material choices. Asphalt shingles are great if you are looking for a fairly standard roof, for
a great price, that will last you well over a decade, if not more.
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Wood shake and shingles provide a warm and elegant look, even a rich aroma, to the top of your
home. Aesthetic reasons are mainly why people choose to go with a wooden roof on their home. These
types of shingles are generally made from cedar or redwood and occasionally southern pine.
The natural roofing
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look is popular on the west coast including California and the Northwest, even parts of the
Midwest. The difference between roofing shakes and roofing shingles is that shingles are machine-sawed;
whereas shake are handmade to look rougher. The life expectancy of wood shake and shingles is shorter
than most other roofing products, lasting between 8-25 years, with proper maintenance. A compressed
version can be purchased that has a 30+ year life span, but expect to pay for that. Furthermore, this
roofing option is pricier than most options on the market, yet it still remains popular, as homeowners
cannot resist the look.
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Tile roofing is fast-becoming one of the most popular materials used in roofing. It is available in
concrete or clay, and in a multitude of colors and shapes, giving homeowners the ability to find
something that exactly matches their home. Shapes of mission and rounded tile is widely popular in the
southwest and Florida. Flat tile can be used to create a French or British look. The main drawback to
tile is
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its weight. If you are adding tile to your home be sure to consult with your roofing contractor
to make sure the existing roof structure can support the weight of tile. Expect to pay similar prices
to wood roofing with this material, but unlike wood, this product will last well over 50 years,
requires very little maintenance, and poses no fire hazard.
Slate roofing is considered to be the classiest type of roof cover. It comes in various grades and
colors. Slate roofing is the perfect topping to an elegant home providing amazing textures and style.
Slate is very high-quality and very low maintenance, with a life expectancy of hundreds of years.
Expect to pay high prices for this high-quality roofing product. In addition, an expert roofing
contractor should be used in slate installation, as it requires much skill. Furthermore, an expert
roofer can work wonders with slate, giving your roof an even better look. As with tile roofing, weight
may be an issue, so it is important to make sure the structure of your roof can handle this material.
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Metal roofs have become a popular alternative to traditional roofing materials. This is due to the
fact that metal is lightweight and durable, and can be manufactured to give virtually any look
imaginable (even imitate other types of roofing). Some metal tile is 1/10 the weight of clay tiles,
making them much more safe in severe weather and earthquakes. Metal roofs come in either
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shingles or panels, both with a life expectancy of over 30 years. Most metal roof manufacturers also provide a
lifetime warranty. Metal roofing comes at a higher cost than most roofing material except for slate,
but require no maintenance and have a great fire rating.*
* Fire rating. It is important to keep in mind that various municipalities have different requirements
in regard to fire rating. This may limit your choices in roofing material please consult with an
experienced contractor that is familiar with roofing before you decide to purchase materials. They
will know the local codes and be able to guide you with your decision accordingly.
• Reasons for Roof Repair
• Repair vs. Re-roof
• Covering/Roofing Materials •
• Roof Slope and Style
• Roof Ventilation
• Roofing Maintenance and Tips •
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