Roofing materials
November 26, 2008 by Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
Filed under Roofing Materials & Contractors
A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house. Location is a top concern when selecting materials, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used. In the medical profession a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but for homeowners it’s “owner know thy roof.”
Fiberglass asphalt shingles consist of a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules . This is an inorganic shingle with a high fire rating and often a longer warranty (and life span) than other types of shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Sounds like a winner!
Architectural shingle is an inorganic, three dimensional shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than 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. This is used most often on industrial buildings. It has a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. Easy to install, this type of material will last between 10 and 20 years.
Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.
The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. 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.
A roof has other elements in addition to the shingles. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of roofing material or sheet metal strips placed to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. A special type of flashing is a “boot,” made to fit around a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. 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. The more you know the less likely you are to get wet.
Residential metal roofing
December 12, 2008 by Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
Filed under Roofing Materials & Contractors
According to the National Roofing Contractor’s Association the popularity of residential metal roofing has skyrocketed over the last decade. Is it that the corrugated tin barn look has come into style, or did pixies and elves with metal roof stocks skew the results? No. The market now includes new types of metal roofs that look great while being durable, light weight, and fire-resistant. Formerly only popular for business and industrial buildings, metal roofs have found a new home…on houses.
Metal roofing materials have a number of other advantages. They’re quick to install and excellent reflectors of heat from the sun. It’s a common misconception that because it’s hot on a metal roof it will be hot under the roof. But the metal roof reflects the heat, that’s why it’s hot above the roof. If it’s hotter on top, it’s cooler down below the roof.
Metal roofs are made mostly from aluminum and steel, but copper and other alloys are also used. While the new metal roofs can mimic the look of other traditional residential roofing materials, some architects stick to a commercial look because of its clean lines.
This is the real world, and in the real world nothing is perfect. Metal roofs also have drawbacks which each homeowner must evaluate in relation to the advantages. Metal roofs are expensive, between $150 and $600 a square (100 square feet). But this expense can be recovered if the homeowner remains in the home for a long time, and metal roofs help save money by minimizing the need for maintenance of the supporting structure. Anyone who wants to know what life is like inside a drum can live in a house with a metal roof during a rain storm. A metal roof can be much louder than other types of roofs. But sound deadening insulation helps minimize this noise. Metal roofs, particularly aluminum and copper materials, are soft and prone to denting from hail stones. Some metal roofs, however, are warrantied against denting. When planning to walk on the roof for maintenance such as cleaning the gutters, keep in mind that a metal roof tends to be slippery when wet. Some metal finishes can chip and peel, although again they’re generally guaranteed for many years against such marring.
A quick note on lightning for residential metal roofing is, don’t be afraid. People assume that because metal conducts electricity a metal roof will attract lightening. This isn’t the case, particularly when trees or other objects surrounding the home are higher than the roof. Metal roofs can also be grounded for extra protection.
When you wish upon a star, and residential metal roofing is where you are, look up at the shining light, and be happy your choice was right.
