Choosing A Roofing System And Materials

When the time comes to select a new roof, some important factors to consider include the type of material, style, color ,warranty, and total investment. There are various materials available and they offer varying benefits like ENERGY STAR ratings, aesthetic appeal, cost, life span and more. A knowledgeable roofing contractor can help you understand the benefits of the different materials and weigh your options to find the best fit for your individual taste, budget and home.

Consider these questions when choosing the right materials for your home:

Choosing A New Roof — Questions You Should Ask

• How long will my new roof last?
• What type of warranty will come with my new roof?
• Is the roof suitable for my area’s weather & climate?
• Is the roof too heavy for my home’s existing roof framing?
• Is the roof properly ventilated?
• Does the roof have enough slope?
• Will the roof complement the style of my home?
• Are eco-friendly or green roofing materials right for my home and area?
• Is the roof I am considering permissible by the local building codes and/or HOA guidelines?
• How much will my new roof cost?

Understanding the Basic Roof System Components

Most roof systems are comprised of five essential components:

Roof Coverings

This can include shingles, tile, slate or metal along with an underlayment that protects the sheathing from exposure and weather.

Sheathing

Which includes the boards or sheet materials that are fastened to the roof’s rafters to cover your house or structure.

Roof Structure

Rafters and trusses make up the roof’s structure and are constructed to support the sheathing.

Flashing

Sheet metal and other materials referred to as flashing, are installed into a roof system’s various joints and valleys to prevent water from seeping in.

Drainage

A roof features elements like shape, slope and layout that impact your roof’s ability to shed water.

Roofing Materials Explained

Asphalt Shingles

The majority of homeowners choose asphalt shingles due to low cost, straightforward installation and resiliency. Standard asphalt shingles are available in many color choices, which make them a nice choice for any architectural style. They are available in traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated “architectural” shingles. Asphalt shingles are made of either a paper fiber mat (better suited for cold weather and wind resistance) or fiberglass (offers better fire and moisture resistance) impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules. Typically, asphalt shingles will offer you one of the lowest priced options. On the other side, asphalt shingles have a lower insulative value and a shorter lifespan than many other roofing materials now available.

Wood Shingles And Shakes

Wood shingles and wood shakes are available in a range of woods including cedar, redwood and pine. Wood shingles are machine cut, while wood shakes are hand cut for a more rustic look. It is possible to purchase fire-resistant treated Class A wood shingles for an additional cost. Wood shingles and shakes can add attractive architectural details to bungalows and historic properties. Wood is a natural product and thus greener in some ways, but sustainability can still be an issue. Although very attractive, wood roofing systems are high maintenance, can have poor fire ratings and tend to rot, split and mold over time. If you like the look of wood, but want something more affordable with less maintenance, you might consider metal roofing or synthetic shingles that mimic the look of wood without the drawbacks.

Metal (Steel, Aluminum, Tile, and Copper)

Metal roofing offers some of the coolest roofs available, both in architectural style and temperature. Available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, metal roofs often contain a significant percentage of recycled material. Metal roofing provides high thermal/solar reflectance and incredible durability, lasting on average nearly twice as long as wood or asphalt. Metal shingles are significantly lighter than most other roofing materials and very resistant to bad weather and wind lift. Metal shingles are available in many styles and generally mirror the look of traditional roof coverings like shingles, slate and tile. With metal, you can get the architectural style you want with the price you want in an environmentally friendly material you can feel good about. This makes metal roofing systems a good choice for nearly any style home.

Recycled Synthetic Shingles

Recycled synthetic shingles, which are created from plastic or rubber, can be a great alternative to natural wood shingles or shakes. The shingles are shaped to mirror the look of wood or slate. Unlike traditional wood shingles, recycled synthetic shingles are UV-resistant, more moisture insensitive, can be more fire-resistant and have a longer lifespan. Some of the available recycled synthetic shingles offer a comparable lifespan to fifty-year asphalt shingles.

Clay And Concrete Tiles

While clay tiles are non-combustible and very durable, they are very heavy and require additional roof framing. Clay roofing tiles are available in lighter colors, which can reflect over 50% of solar energy and adhere to cool roof standards. Concrete roofing tiles also offer a great look and value to your home. Concrete tiles are versatile and come in many design options - colors, shapes and textures - to give homeowners many choices. Roof tiles are made from natural clay or concrete. Tile roofing materials are very durable and offer minimal maintenance. They are naturally fire-resistant, offer a significant level of insulation and have high impact and wind lift resistance. Tile is appealing primarily for homes in a Mediterranean, European or Mission style. The downsides of natural clay and concrete tile are weight and price.