Roofing Types

ROOFING MATERIALS

Fortunately, roofing materials are usually pretty straight forward. While materials are the smaller list it is usually the focus of our clients since the roof type they have is not something they can change. The shortlist of the most common options cover over 95% of residential roofs in the United States. If you don’t see the roofing material you want to discuss listed here, don’t be too concerned. If you would like to use something like a vegetative green roof, give us a call so we can discuss what options you have available. For the rest of us, the following will hopefully help you make the right decision on what roofing material you want to use on your home.

A WHOLE-SYSTEM APPROACH TO SLOPED ROOFING

For homeowners, installing a new roof does more than change the look of a home; it protects their family and belongings. It does so through a series of roof components that work together to form a complete system and help increase the performance of a roof.

WHAT ARE THE SIX COMPONENTS OF A ROOFING SYSTEM?

The shingles provide the principle water-shedding surface and create the unique look that sets your home apart from others on the block.
Underlayment provides an added layer of protection between the wood deck and the shingles, acting as a secondary water barrier.
Ice and water barriers protect the vulnerable parts of a roof− such as valleys, around chimneys and other roof protrusions− where water can flow.
Starter strip products are critical for proper shingle installation, and provide the first row of sealant needed to help prevent shingle blow-offs and water penetration.
Hip and ridge products complement the asphalt shingles and provide the finishing aesthetic of the roof.
A balanced ventilation system allows heat and moisture to escape from the attic. It also helps eliminate ice damming and premature shingle deterioration by keeping the attic temperature closer to the outside temperature.

ASPHALT ROOFING

Also called composite shingles, this is by far the most common residential roofing material in the United States. Asphalt shingles are usually made of fiberglass sandwiched between layers of asphalt. The top layer of asphalt has small stones embedded into it. These stones help to add durability to the life of the shingle by protecting the shingle from impact and the damage caused by the sun. There are two major sub types of asphalt shingles, three tab shingles and architectural shingles.

ASPHALT ROOF SHINGLES / COMPOSITE ROOF SHINGLES

Most homeowners only replace their roof once, making the decision on what material to use so important. Asphalt shingles are a proven roofing technology, providing homeowners an unmatched level of beauty, affordability and reliability for more than a century.
Click the button and you’ll find information on the characteristics of asphalt roofing, examples of the different types of asphalt shingles, companies which manufacture shingles, and more.

TILE ROOF’S

Another widely popular roofing style are wood roof shingles. Wood roofing shingles have been used for thousands of years and actually provide greater insulation than their asphalt counterparts. They also have a unique look that is hard to replicate with any other shingle. If you are considering a wood shingle roof or are in need of a repair, give our experts a call and we can explain all of your options to help you make the right decision for your home.

WOOD ROOF SHINGLES

SLATE ROOF SHINGLES

Slate tiles are a popular choice as a roofing material for residential homes because of their beauty. They offer a unique variation in color that is natural and beautiful. They originated in the northeast US where slate deposits were first discovered but are easily accessible in all parts of the country today. They also offer a unique look as every slate deposit where the stone is mined is slightly different and look and color giving each home a unique look that can’t be exactly duplicated. In recent years, synthetic slate has become an option and are made from manmade materials. Slate roofs, because they are made from stone, are heavy and require the roof support material are up to the challenge of holding the weight. Slate roofs are beautiful but are expensive both in terms of the material and the installation. With that said, if you were to look at the long term return of a slate roof, in will increase your home’s value and last as long as a century if it is installed well. Expect to pay more upfront but expect to get a great return on the investment the longer you live in the home. Keep in mind that if you do not purchase extra slate tiles upfront and store them for repair, you will be nearly impossible to find matching colors if you need a repair some years later.

MATEL ROOFING

Metal roofing has become a more popular option in the recent years because of their durability and it’s resistance to fire. The increase is using metal roofs on residential homes has occurred in areas with higher than normal fire risk. Metal roofs are often made up of coated steel or aluminum, however copper, zinc and stainless steel are also commonly used. The most common type of metal roof is called the standing seam roof made up of corrugated panels but also comes in styles that mimic wood shakes, clay tiles and slate roofs.

CONCRETE SHINGLES

Some roofing tiles are made from concrete and are similar to the tile and stone roofing systems in many ways. Like clay tiles roofing, concrete roofs provide many of the same benefits including resisting damage from fire, wind, hail, and heat. Concrete roof tiles are made from mixing portland cement, sand, water and then placed in a mold to get the desired shape and thickness.

SOLAR ROOF SHINGLES

Solar roof shingles are the newest players on the block. Solar Roof complement your home’s architecture while turning sunlight into electricity. With an integrated battery, energy collected during the day is stored and made available any time, effectively turning your home into a personal utility. Glass solar tiles made by some manufacturers are sold as so durable they are warrantied for the lifetime.