Roofing materials

A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house.  Location is an important concern when selecting materials, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used.  In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”

A base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules is fiberglass asphalt shingles.  This is an inorganic shingle with a high fire rating and often a longer warranty (and life span) than other types of shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking.  It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories.  Sounds like a winner!

Architectural shingle is an inorganic, three dimensional shingle.  It is made of multiple layers which gives it a depth and thus an appearance close to wood or slate roofing.  Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than other shingles.

Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles.  It can be used on roofs with shallow grades or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles.  Most people have seen this type of roofing, most often on industrial buildings.  It has a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface.  Easy to install, this type of material will last between 10 and 20 years.

Steel panels used in place of shingles, metal roofing, are also popular.  The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings.  It is durable, withstands fire, and lasts a long time. 

Wood shingles are the oldest type of shingle.  Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a variety of woods.  These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. As expected wood shingles are susceptible to fire. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not eliminate it.

A roof has other elements in addition to the shingles.  These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof.  Flashing consists of strips of sheet metal or roofing material used to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof.  The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe.  The boot is sometimes plastic.  A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to shed water and protect the roof’s wood parts. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.

A great source of information on roofing materials is the Internet.  The more you know the less likely you are to get wet.

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