Roofing Materials

This article will focus on the different types of roofing materials. We will look at what is best in different locales, and give you an estimated cost for roofing. Whatever your wish for roofing materials are, be sure to know the cost of installation and durability issues. A good roof will last for many years - a poorly installed roof will be nothing but trouble. Use these guidelines in your next roofing project

The Benefits of a Metal Tile Roof
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of metal tile roofing is the obvious strength of steel and aluminum. Yet metal tile roofing is surprisingly lightweight, which makes its installation simple, and it can be installed directly onto various forms of existing sheathing. The light weight of metal roof tiles in turn reduces the cost of other building components, and reduces fire hazard weight. Most metal roof tiles also allow for the flow of air beneath them, and this kind of ventilation can reduce the heat build up in your attic space and therefore also your cooling costs. Metal roof tiles are class A, B, and C fire rated (non-combustible), and will not crack, curl, or age. Metal roof tile are also resistant to mold, fungus, algae growth, streaking, hail, and staining. Despite common fears regarding noise, with proper insulation the metal tile roof is as quiet as any other kind.

Reasons to Install Copper Roofing
Copper roofing has been used for centuries world-wide, and is favored by architects due to its endurance properties and lasting beauty. Copper roofing can be applied to achieve both contemporary and historical styles, and although copper roofing installation can be expensive, long term maintenance costs of copper roofs are close to none. To receive professional, efficient copper roof installation. contact us today.

Slate Roofs
Slate is another roofing material that is long lasting and near indestructible. Seeing a roof that is slate and 100 years old is not uncommon. This type of roof is often seen in New England. It is as resistant to outside influences as clay tile, and is also extremely heavy. Practically any kind and type of the many varieties that are included in this broad term, is a fine choice for a home´s roof. The natural material that is slate is rigid, strong like a piece of glass. Depending on where the slate roof was quarried, the qualities, color and longevity vary. The advantages, generally speaking of roofing slate, are many: it is fireproof, strong enough to resist hail storms, aesthetically appealing and can last a century or even longer.

Basic Roof Tile
Roof tile has been used since archaic Greece, and is today one of America´s most popular forms of roofing. Roof tile act as an outer-most layer of sheathing, and drain water well due to their unique structures. There are many roof tile shapes available, including flat, roman, pantile, barrel, tower, and Tugela. All roof tile shapes allow for overlapping and/or interlocking, and they are hung in parallel rows from the framework of a roof. The advantages of a tile roof include important features such as fire safety, non-combustibility, and durability.

Clay Tile Roofs
A Clay Roof works as well in New England as it does in Southern California, but in New England, the trend is towards metal roofs because of the intemperate weather. Clay is a good roofing material regardless of where it is located, and is resistant to insects, mold and decay, won´t burn, and will often outlast the decking it is built upon. You will see this roof on homes with a southwestern, Italian, or Spanish Mission design. This style is more prevalent in California. Keep in mind that a clay roof is very heavy, and expensive to install. It should never be walked on. Plan on paying $100 to $400 a square to have a clay roof installed.

All About a Shingle Roof
When it comes to roofing, there is definitely no doubt about it – shingle roofing is the most popular form amongst Americans today. Roof shingles are roof sheathing made of individually overlapping elements, usually rectangular in shape, that are laid in rows to create a waterproofing effect. Roof shingles come in a wide variety of materials, including wood, asphalt, ceramic, slate, copper, tin, cement, , plastic, Asbestos, and fiberglass. At only $2-6 per square foot, metal shingle roofing is an extremely popular choice in shingle roofing, as it is able to imitate almost any roofing style or design for a fraction of the cost. However, the range of shingle roofing opportunities is endless, and each material can provide you with different qualities, depending on your needs.

Asphalt Shingles
If you can´t afford the high cost of clay tile or slate roofs, the most popular and least expensive is the asphalt roofing shingle. These are the most popular roofing material. They come in two types - organic, and non-organic, which is fiberglass. They follow strict guidelines for manufacture. They come in a variety of colors and durability. They are seen on homes in every part of the country. The biggest downfall of this shingle is its vulnerability to wind and ice damage. Always be sure to have a certified roofer install them to insure that warranties are in effect. Plan on paying on average of $55 per square for installation.

Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles are a good roofing material generally made from Western Red Cedar. Cedar is resistant to rot and decay. It comes in two types depending on manufacturer. There is a hand sawn and tapered shingle, called a shake, and a shingle that is sawn.

They come in three categories - one, two and three. A number one is the best for roofing. They often come in different sizes. Plan on paying $50 to $100 a square to have them installed.

PVC Roofing
Developed in Europe in the 1960´s, PVC roofing arrived in America in the 1970´s, and its use has rapidly grown since. PVC roofing today covers approximately 10% of roofs in the United States, especially within North America where there are many low-sloped roofs. PVC roofing is highly reliable, and the reinforced PVC roofing membrane has even more attributes than regular PVC and other forms of roof sheathing. A PVC roofing membrane is a layer of sheathing that provides additional insulation, protection, and sound-deadening features, and is placed over an existing flat or shingled roof.

Living Under Green Roofs
Green roofs have many meaning in the world of roofing materials, which we will try to set straight in the following. When talking about green roof systems, the meaning is, most often, a vegetation-covered roof planted over appropriate turf. Roof systems that are merely painted green, naturally, are not included by the term green roof. Some refer to roofs with plants and pots to be green roofs, although, as the description of green roofs will show you, this is not really the case. Additionally, green roofs may refer to eco friendly or solar panel roofs.

	Pabco Roofing
	Gaf Roofing
	Champion Metal Roofing
	Elk Roofing Shingles
	Trex Decking
	James Hardie Siding
	Monier Life Tile