Roofing

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Roofing

Are you pondering a new roof? Wondering what type of material might be best for your home? There are many types of roofing materials—some of which are brand new—with a range of plusses and negatives. You can reroof with the same type of roofing material that you currently have or investigate alternatives. Some materials are environmentally friendly and some are long lasting or low maintenance. And who doesn't love low maintenance? Before making your choice, consider the life-cycle cost of your roofing material. Some materials, though much more expensive, require less maintenace 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 its age when calculating whether a roofing material is actually "too expensive." It might just be more cost-effective in the long run.

Roofing Materials A little information first - a square in roofing terminology is a 10 foot by 10 foot section of roof. Roofers determine this by calculation, and always add a certain percentage for cutting and replacement. Depending on where you live should dictate the kind of roof you would have. A clay roof works as well in New England as it does in Southern California, but in New England, the trend is towards metal roofs because of the intemperate weather.

Asphalt Shingles If you can't afford the high cost of clay tile or slate roofs, the most popular and least expensive is the asphalt roofing shingle. These are the most popular roofing material. They come in two types - organic, and non-organic, which is fiberglass. They follow strict guidelines for manufacture. They come in a variety of colors and durability. They are seen on homes in every part of the country. The biggest downfall of this shingle is its vulnerability to wind and ice damage. Always be sure to have a certified roofer install them to insure that warranties are in effect.

Clay Tile Roofs Clay is a good roofing material regardless of where it is located, and is resistant to insects, mold and decay, won't burn, and will often outlast the decking it is built upon. You will see this roof on homes with a southwestern, Italian, or Spanish Mission design. This style is more prevalent in California. Keep in mind that a clay roof is very heavy, and expensive to install. It should never be walked on. Slate Roofs

Wooden Shingles Wooden shingles are a good roofing material generally made from Western Red Cedar. Cedar is resistant to rot and decay. It comes in two types depending on manufacturer. There is a hand sawn and tapered shingle, called a shake, and a shingle that is sawn. They come in three categories - one, two and three. A number one is the best for roofing. They often come in different sizes.

Metal Roofs

In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing. They lasted for decades, but are extremely expensive to build. Today, we see Galvanized or Galvalume Steel roofs. Galvanized is the most popular, and Galvalume is used in the South where hurricanes are common. It installs very quickly and easily. It is resistant to fire, insects, mildew and rot. These roofs are often seen in climates that get a lot of snow.