Tips Reference

Roofing Materials You’ll Need (or Want)

Posted on 29. Mar, 2009 by Mark Coleman in Roofing

A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house. Location is a important concern when selecting materials, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used. In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”

A base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules are fiberglass asphalt shingles . This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This type of shingle does not absorb water, and it resists cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Seems like a winner!

An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance close to wood or slate roofing. These shingles weigh more and cost more than most other shingles.

Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or in addition to shingles on steeper roofs. Most people have seen this type of roofing, most often on industrial buildings. It consists of 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.

Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. Zinc is used in the best steel panels. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.

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. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. 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 strips of sheet metal or roofing material placed to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe. Boots containing lead generally last longer than the roof. 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. Felt paper also contributes to protecting the wood portions of the roof, particularly the frame.

A great source of information on roofing materials is the Internet. Ignore this information and you could be all wet.