Types of Roofing Materials
There are many types of roofing materials - some of which are brand new - with a range of pluses and negatives. You can re-roof with the same type of roofing material that your currently have or investigate alternatives. Some materials are environmentally friendly and some are long lasting or low maintenance.
Before making your choice, consider the life-cycle cost of your roofing material. Some materials. though much more expensive, require less maintenance and have a longer life expectancy than others. An asphalt composition roof might last just 20 years whereas a metal roof might last more than 50. Consider both the current and potential value of your home, and it's age when calculating whether a roofing material is actually "too expensive". It might just be more cost-effective in the long run.
The following describes some of the roofing choices available.
Roof type : composition (asphalt shingles)
Homes style : Can be sued on any house contemporary to historic. False thatched roof with the wrapped roof edge on 1920's tudor style.
Advantages :
- inexpensive
- ranges from low-cost 3-tab shingle to architectural shingles with extra durability and style
- many colors, types, and manufacturers
- suitable for most residential applications
- easy to repair
- fire resistant
Disadvantage :
- relatively short life-span (15-30 years)
- scars easily when hot
- subject to mildew and moss
- environmentally unfriendly
Roof type: wood shingles or shakes
Home style: bungalows, ranch, contemporary, cottage, historic
Advantages:
- natural look weathering to a soft grey
- offers some insulation value
- blends with the environment
- east to repair or replace
- long lasting if maintained (30-50 years)
Disadvantages:
- expensive
- usually requires professional installation
- high maintenaice
- tends to rot, split, mold and mildew
- poor fire rating unless pressure treated
Roof type: metal (steel, aluminum, tin, copper)
Home style: bungalows, ranch, contemporary, cottage, historic (virtually all)
Advantages:
- available in different looks including cedar shingles, slate, or standing scam
- many colors
- light weight
- durable
- long life span (at least 50 years)
- low maintenance
- can be installed over existing roofs
- excellent performance in high wind, hail and rain
- environmentally friendly
Disadvantages:
- may be difficult to install
- can be expensive
- may need periodic painting
Roof type: til (clay, concrete)
Home style: Mediterranean, Italian, french eclectic, Spanish eclectic, beaux arts, mission and prairie. may also be attractive on some contemporary or ranch style homes.
Advantages:
- non-combustible
- many colors and styles
- attractive
- fireproof
- east to maintain
- extremely durable when maintained
Disadvantages:
- expensive
- heavy
- used primarily in new buildings because of weight and structural requirements
- installation and repairs can be tricky
- fragile: walking on roof may break tiles
Roof type: slate
Home style: colonial,french, Italianate, exotic, revivals, chateauesque, beaux arts
Advantages:
- beautiful, distinctive appearance
- fireproof
- long life span
- low maintenance
Disadvantages:
- very expensive
- requires specialized installation
- heavy
- fragile
- high maintenance
Roof type: concrete (fiber reinforced)
Home style: virtually any style of home
Advantages:
- many colors and styles including shakes,tile, and stone
- relatively lightweight
- fire and insect resistant; meet many of the more restrictive fire codes
- low maintenance
- extremely durable
- resource efficient
Disadvantages:
- can be expensive
- uneven quality among products
Roof type: hot mopped asphalt with decorative stone
Home style: flat roofed California style modern
Advantages:
- inexpensive
- easy to repair
Disadvantages:
- stinks
- health risk to installers
- fumes promote smog
Roof type: engineered rubber/plastic
Home style: virtually any style of home
Advantages:
- about 1/3 the weight of slate
- long lasting (30-50 years)
- cost effective
- attractive
- available in a large range of styles and colors with more appearing constantly made of reclaimed materials
Disadvantages:
- new to market
Roof type: eco-roofs
Home style: flat to moderately sloped roofs
Advantages:
- environmentally friendly; filters rainwater through a roof system of vegetation and soil
- low maintenance; can extend the life of roof membrane substantially
- attractive
- provides insulation to even out climate variations; in particular, keeps house cooler in summer
Disadvantages:
- initially expensive
- unconventional in US, though used more than 30 years in Europe
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