Kinds of Roofing Material Available For Your Roof
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A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, might top a house. Location is a top concern when selecting a roofing material, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used. In the medical profession a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but for homeowners it’s “owner know thy roof.”
Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules . This is an inorganic shingle with a high fire rating and often a longer warranty (and life span) than other types of shingles. This type of shingle does not absorb water, and it resists cracking. It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories. Sounds like a winner!
An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural 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’s used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles. This roofing is most often used on industrial buildings. It has a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 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. Wood shingles are amongst the most difficult to install. Wood burns. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not eliminate it.
In the interest of being complete, a discussion of other elements of the roof is necessary. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of roofing material or sheet metal strips placed 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 help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. 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 the types of roofing material is the Internet. The more you know the less likely you are to get wet.