Just as a lady’s hair is said to be her crowning glory, the same can be said for the roof of a home. A quality roof installed well by skilled artisans is a sight to behold, and as one of the first impressions of your home, it can increase the house’s value.
Roofs are made of various materials, including composites, metal, natural wood, clay, concrete, slate, and even tiles that can convert the sun’s energy into electricity. There are over fifteen basic options, and there are even more variations within this number.
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Even though so many roofing materials are available, choosing a roof is not a daunting exercise. Different materials have varying strengths and weaknesses, and some are more suitable in different climates and circumstances.
It has to be mentioned that roofs have different components and under the shingles, there are often wooden trusses to keep the roof in place. The following video discusses the different parts that a roof has to keep it waterproof and last a long time. Roofers have to make sure that everything is done correctly so that the roof is stable and able to withstand a lot of wind and rain.
Many Different carport Roof Types Can Be Used For Modern Houses
With advances in building technology, more options are available to homeowners.
There are also variations in roof types globally, with some roof types being more prevalent in countries with different climates or cultural norms.
The various options available to North American homeowners include
- Asphalt Composite Shingles.
- Standing Seam Metal Roofing.
- Metal Shingles/Shake Roofing.
- Wood Shingle or Shakes.
- Clay.
- Concrete tiles.
- Slate Shingles.
- Solar tiles.
- Transparent materials.
- Stone-coated steel.
- Rubber slate.
- Green roofs.
- Built-Up Roofing (BUR).
- Membrane Roofing, e.g., EPDM, PVC, Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO), are synthetic roofing materials.
- Synthetic (Rubber) Slate Tile.
The options are almost endless. This article will discuss the eight most used materials that cover modern North American homes.
Composite Shingles
The most commonly used American roofing material is asphalt composite shingles.
They are relatively low-cost and durable, with more than 20 years of life expectancy.
Asphalt composite shingles come in many different colors, including shades of brown, light and dark greys, black, green, reddish-brown, and even blue-grey. This versatile product is sold in three different variations.
The Simplest Design Is The 3-Tab Shingle.
This design is straightforward and overlaps in the same way that a conventional shingle does.
The advantages of 3-Tabe composite shingles are
- 3-Tab Shingles are the most affordable option.
- 3-Tab shingles are very Lightweight.
- Easy to Maintain.
- 3- Tab shingles are made from 100% recyclable material.
Dimensional Asphalt Composite Shingles Are The Next Level Up
These shingles are laminated or layered, and their thickness and depth make them look more like slate or wood shakes.
The double bonded layer makes them stronger and more able to protect from high winds and other weather phenomena.
The most substantial grades of dimensional shingles can withstand 130 mph winds and will last for between 40 to 50 years.
Luxury Asphalt Shingles Imitate The Natural Look Further
Luxury Asphalt Shingles are a roofing material similar to natural slate and cedar.
They are also the most durable and longest-lasting version of asphalt composite shingles.
These are the premium asphalt composite shingle, and prices are approximately twice that of 3-Tab Shingles.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing
Standing metal seam roofing is the most common metal roofing material used in North America.
This roof is made from aluminum or steel roofing panels joined in a raised seam that interlocks.
Standing Seam Metal Roofing is fire resistant and can carry high loads.
These properties make standing seam metal roofing popular in high snowfall areas and homes in areas where wildfires occur.
Metal seam roofing is very durable, and when it eventually needs to be replaced, it is fully recyclable.
Metal Shingles/Shake Roofing
Metal shingles roofing is perfect for homeowners who are not happy with the look of Standing seam metal roofing but want to enjoy the benefits of metal roofs.
Metal shingles are made from pressed metal and have finishes that include
- High-quality baked-on coating.
- Mineral granules.
They maintain the load-bearing qualities and fire resistance of standing seam metal roofing, and the price also falls into the same range.
Wood Shingle Or Shakes
Wooden roofs are one of the most attractive options available.
The downside is that they are vulnerable to fires, can be damaged by environments with high moisture content, and do not last as long as other more durable materials.
Typical woods used for wood shingles are cedar and redwood. Shingles are usually thin, wedge-shaped slabs that are produced by precise sawing.
Depending on the climate, wood shingles can last between fifteen and fifty years.
Clay Tiles Resist Heat
Due to their poor heat transfer qualities, clay tiles are a useful roofing material in hot climates. They can last a long time, with some lasting up to 100 years.
Made from clay, they are molded into shape and fired in a kiln to make them hard. They are often used in locations that have a lot of clay in the soil. It can be expensive to transport roof tiles as they are quite heavy.
Unfortunately, the manufacturing process is slow, which makes them more expensive than other materials.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are a variant of clay tiles and are molded from a mix of sand and concrete.
Concrete tiles are available in a variety of shapes and styles. Different colors are also available.
Concrete tiles have many advantages, including
- Concrete tiles are amongst the most durable roofing materials available.
- They are heavy and, as a result, can withstand high wind speeds.
- They are fire-resistant.
- Tile roofs are energy-efficient and contain warm or cool air inside the home.
- Tile roofs are rated as earthquake-resistant, and tests have shown them to have good seismic load capabilities.
Slate Shingles Are Good Looking Roofs
Slate shingles are good-looking roofs, and they have a reputation for durability and longevity. It is not unusual for a slate-roofed home to be weather resistant 100 years after it was built.
Slate roofing gets this strength from the material it is made from – like the box says – thin sheets of natural stone.
The only potential difficulty is finding an artisan who has experience installing a slate roof.
Solar Tiles
Solar tiles sound like the dream product; not only does the roof protect the occupants from the elements, but it begins to pay for itself by converting solar energy to electricity. What more does the homeowner want?
Why isn’t everyone rushing out and buying solar tiles?
There are pros and cons.
Pros Of Solar Tiles
There are three apparent pros to solar tiles.
- By generating electricity, they represent a free energy source that is fully renewable.
- They look great; no longer do homes with solar systems have to endure large bulky solar panels installed on their roofs.
- They are very durable and will last anywhere between 30 and 40 years.
Cons Of Solar Tiles
The cons of solar tiles are
- At a cost ranging from$21 – $25 per square foot, they cost between three and four times more than other roofing materials.
- They are not as efficient as solar panels, which cost significantly less than solar tiles.
- Solar tiles are difficult to integrate into an existing roof structure.
- If the capacity of the solar system is increased, it is difficult to extend the number of solar tiles in an existing roof.
Despite the drawbacks, solar panels are a fascinating technology that will become much more appealing as newer, more efficient ways of capturing the sun’s energy become available.
Conclusion
It is a buyers ‘ market with many roofing materials available to prospective homeowners. Whether you opt for the security of a simple lower-cost 3-Tab Shingle system or are prepared to adventure out into the world of solar power, there is no limit to the options you can explore.
When choosing a roof, it is recommended that you consult an independent expert who will provide advice on which is the most suitable material for your circumstances.
References
https://roofingcalculator.com/news/pros-and-cons-of-concrete-tiles
