A roof can be made of many different types of materials. It’s important to be familiar with all of them to help guide your customers.
Wood shingles and shakes offer a natural, rustic aesthetic that’s good for dry climates. They’re energy efficient and can even require a fire retardant.
Asphalt
Asphalt is one of the most popular roofing materials for homes across North America. It’s known for its durability and longevity, as well as the variety of colors and styles available. It’s also relatively easy to maintain, and many of the styles are resistant to algae, moss, and molds.
An underlayment is installed over the roof deck before asphalt shingles are applied. It performs two primary functions: it provides a weather barrier until the shingles are installed and protects the deck from moisture that may infiltrate the roofing system.
There are three main categories of asphalt shingle products: strip shingles, dimensional shingles, and premium shingles. The latter are manufactured to mimic various styles, such as shake, natural slate, or Victorian. These shingles typically have a two-layer construction and are thicker than strip shingles. They’re also heavier, which provides improved warranty protection. The asphalt is modified using additives, such as atactic polypropylene (APP), styrene ethylene butadiene styrene (SEBS) or styrene-isoprene-styrene (SIS). The addition of these modifiers allows the asphalt to better resist sunlight, heat, cold, and water.
Wood
Wood is one of the most common roofing materials, although it has regressed somewhat in popularity since the introduction of other more weather-proof options. However, it remains a viable choice for homeowners who prefer the aesthetic of natural materials or want to complement homes with traditional or rustic architectural styles.
Wood shingles and shakes are available in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors to match any home design. Cedar is the most popular wood roof material, offering a classic look and moisture- and rot-resistant qualities. It is also a good choice for wind-resistant roofs, and it can withstand impact damage from fallen debris like branches or hail.
Other types of wood roofs include yellow pine and cypress. These less expensive options do not offer the longevity of cedar, but they provide good durability and energy efficiency. They are also a good choice for dry climates. A drawback of wood is its susceptibility to moss growth, which can cause the structure to degrade and require costly repairs. It is also flammable, so it isn’t a suitable option for homes in or near wildfire-prone areas.
Slate
Slate is one of the most beautiful roofing materials available. It has a natural beauty and elegance that complements both historic homes and modernist buildings constructed in recent decades. It is impervious to water and extremely durable, making it a great choice for those looking for a lifetime roof.
Slate comes in a variety of thicknesses. Thicker slates last longer, but can be more difficult to install because they can add substantial weight to the roof. Thicker slates may also require a roof structure that is stronger than those built for asphalt shingles.
Depending on the quarry, slate can be either hard or soft. Hard slate has a longer life expectancy than soft slate. Soft slate, however, is less expensive than hard slate.
Slate is very durable and will withstand a lot of wear and tear, but it can be fragile. If you have a slate roof, be careful when moving around on it and avoid walking in areas where the slate isn’t secured. This will help to prevent damage and stains from being caused.
Clay
The oldest roofing material, clay tile is a durable option with a lifespan of up to 150 years. It is impervious to extreme temperature changes, precipitation and erosion. The tiles can be left unglazed or glazed, and are available in a wide variety of colors and styles.
The tiles are molded into rolled or interlocking shapes and fired for hardness. The terra-cotta clay also has insulating properties, helping to reduce energy costs by reflecting the sun’s heat during summer and trapping cool air during winter.
Clay tiles require minimal maintenance but should be professionally cleaned at least once a year to remove debris and to check for signs of damage, including mildew, mold, moss and insects. Regular professional inspections are also advisable, as is the replacement of any broken or missing tiles. The roof’s pitch and slope is also a consideration, as clay tiles can’t be installed on low pitches without special underlayment and fastening methods. The tiles are also heavy, and their weight can add stress to a home’s structure. However, a well-installed clay tile roof can be expected to last up to 60 years.
Metal
For decades, metal roofing meant corrugated panels that looked like they belonged on sheds or barns. However, today’s metal roofing systems can be fabricated to look as attractive as asphalt shingles, clay tiles or cedar shakes. These roofs are also highly durable and long-lasting, often with 30- to 50-year lifespans.
Residential metal roofing can be made from steel, aluminum or copper. Rolls of 24- or 26-gauge steel are coated to prevent rusting and then finished with baked-on paint or natural metal, such as galvanized or galvalume (AZ). Some roofing contractors offer a special ‘cool roof’ coating that creates a reflective surface to lower air conditioning costs.
Another option is a standing seam metal roof, which is a series of interlocking metal panels. These are typically formed from galvanized or galvalume steel and can be coated to match the color and style of your home. Some metal roofing professionals offer powder coating, which adds a rugged texture and protects the base steel from hail, blowing limbs and other weather damage. You will also need to decide whether you prefer exposed or concealed fasteners in the metal panels.