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.
Roofing material
December 17, 2008 by Laminate & Hardwood Flooring
Filed under Roofing Materials & Contractors
When a homeowner makes a selection of a roofing material, they should, take the roofing material’s lifespan into account because this determinesthe overall lifespan of the roof. And that has an impact on long term cost.
A roof’s lifespan depends on a number of factors, including roofing style, materials, and the climate in the area where the home is located. It’s generally wise to select roofing products that have nearly the same lifespan to avoid piece by piece repairs throughout a ten to fifteen year period. Generally, roofing materials last for about twenty years. That assumes proper maintenance and no significant weather damage. Some materials have a lifespan of up to 50 years while some others last as little as 10 years. Here is a list of some common roofing materials along with lifespans.
The average lifespan of asphalt roofing is from 15 to 20 years with proper maintenance. Because of the low cost of the materials and the ease of repairs asphalt roofing materials are one of the most common types of roofing materials used throughout the nation.
Fiberglass roofing lasts between 15 and 20 years. Fiberglass roofing requires little maintenance and can be manufactured in many different colors and styles to give the homeowner the desired look. Roofs made from this material are water resistant and mold resistant.
Many homes in the northeastern portion of the nation use wooden shakes and shingles. These roofing materials will generally last for about 15 to 20 years, and can even last for as many as 30 years if the shakes and shingles are well maintained.
With an average lifespan of 40 to 75 years, slate roofing materials are amongst the longest lasting roofing products.
Metal roofing can last nearly 50 years. Metal roofs come in a variety of colors, finishes and styles, and can even resemble tiles and wooden shingles. These roofing products are nearly indestructible from weather and can be installed over the current roof.
A less well known option is rubber roofing. It’s easy to install, easy to maintain, and long lasting. It can be a single sheet cut to fit the roof or shingles. The very first rubber roof ever installed was in Wisconsin in 1980. It’s still doing its job after nearly 30 years.
Roofing materials come in many varieties and styles. Pick the one that’s right for you.
