Residential & Commercial Roofing Material Types
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Numerous Roofing Materials To Choose From
Roofs are the most important part of a building. They protect it from rain, snow and other elements that can damage its structure or cause leaks in your home. If you’re looking to put a new roof on your residential or commercial properties then there are many different types available and you may be scratching your head wondering which one is best for you. Here we look at some of the main options:
Asphalt Shingles – The Most Common Type Of Roofing Material Used Today
Asphalt roofing shingles come in many different shapes, colors and styles so that any home can get a specific look that matches the rest of the home. Some popular types of shingles are 3 tab, presidential shake, architectural, impact resistant and more. Most of them come in certain patterns so that they look nice when installed instead of having a flat, single color all the way across. If you are looking for the cheapest shingles out there, plain, nonpatterned options are available.
Metal Roofing – Durable And Long Lasting
If you want a roof that is going to last you 50 years or more, your first choice is metal roofing. Most metal roofing materials come with 50 year manufacturer warranties because metal doesn’t degrade in the sun and adverse weather nearly as fast as other roofing materials. Metal roofing can be more expensive to install though as it requires special technicians, equipment and the materials costs more. Metal comes in many different styles and colors so you can find the perfect fit. The most popular types of metal roofing are standing seam, r panel, corrugated metal, metal tile, metal shingles and stone coated steel.
Tile Roofing – Unique Look & Long Lifespan
If you want that Spanish tile look to your home, which typically goes well with properties with stucco, you’ll first need to make sure the structure of your building can support the extra weight that tile comes with. Concrete and clay are the most popular materials for tile roofing, but these materials are very heavy and will need extra support. The beauty of tile roofs these days is the aesthetic look they give to your property and the extremely long lifespan of the product. Tile can last over 100 years in some areas if properly maintained and now there are multiple styles of tile to choose from. You can even get tile that looks like slate roofing if that is what you are looking for.
Slate Roofing – Luxurious & Distinct Look
If you want a luxurious look to your home, slate roofing is a popular choice. It looks like a flat piece of stone in the shape of a shingle that is usually held in place by hooks. These slate shingles are delicate and have to be handled with care and anyone walking on them must be sure to distribute their weight evenly or risk cracking some of the tiles. Slate comes in numerous different colors, most of them are different shades of black or grey, but other types are available.
Wood Shake – Perfect For Historical Properties
For that old school look or historic properties, wood shake is very common. There are some downsides to this material though, such as the fact that wood burns up quickly in fires, so it can be a dangerous choice if you live in an area that is prone to fires or has a hot arid climate. Wood shake comes in a few different styles, the biggest differences being how flat the shake sits on the roof and the stain on the wood will determine it’s exact color. Some insurance companies won’t insure this type of roof, so make sure to check on that before making a decision to go with wood shake roofing.
Solar Tiles – Lower Energy Bills With Solar Roofing
Solar power is a great way to save money on your electric bill, but many people don’t like the look of having large solar panels on the roof. This is where solar roof tiles come in play. They look similar to normal roofing materials so they blend in with the rest of the roof, but inside they have solar cells that generate electricity when the sun is shining. These systems are quite expensive for the materials as well as installation and are still somewhat new on the market so there aren’t a lot of styles to choose from these days.
Green Roof – Regulate Building Temperatures Through All Seasons
If you want a unique roof that will help insulate as well as cool your home, then a green roof might be your best bet. Green roofs are added on top of a regular roofing material as dirt and grass. This extra layer on top of your roof is excellent at regulating the temperature inside your property and it actually looks pretty cool. The tough part about this roof type is that if there are any issues with the installation, it could end up costing you more in the long run from leaks and rot.
TPO – White, Reflective & Long Lasting Flat Roof System
If you’ve got a flat or low sloped roofing system, TPO roofing is an excellent choice. It is known for it’s white reflective color and it’s incredible cooling capabilities. The white reflective top coat helps to keep the roof from soaking up the suns rays and keeping the internal temperatures of the building at a constant level. TPO is easy to install, has very strong seams and lasts for 20-30 years if properly maintained. If you want a flat roofing system that will lower your cooling bills, then TPO is probably right for you.
EPDM – Durable, Time Tested Flat Roof Material
Most black colored flat roofs are made up of EPDM, also know as EPDM rubber roofing. Due to it’s dark color it does soak up the suns rays and will keep your building warmer than a white roof. If you want, you can get a coating put on to help relfect the sun and lower building temperatures. EPDM usually uses seam tape which can come apart eventually with the normal expansion and contraction that takes place from weather cycles. You can also use an EPDM roof with a ballasted system which is outlined below.
PVC – Reflective & Easy To Install
PVC roofing is new compared to the other materials we just covered, but it’s gaining popularity quickly. It lasts for just as long as TPO and EPDM and typically comes in a white color so it has very efficient cooling properties. Due to the fact it is newer, not as many roofing material manufacturers produce it, but it is widely available. Contact one of our specialists for more information.
Tar & Gravel – Extra Protection To Extend The Life Of Your Roof
Tar and gravel roofing is also known as BUR built up roofing. It’s basically an EPDM roof with rocks, stones, pavers or pebbles scattered on top of the roof. These stones help protect the roof from hail, rain and wind, but they also help keep the material weighed down and reduce the amount of sunlight the material underneath soaks up. This protective property also helps extend the life of the roof because the sun isn’t constantly shining on it.
Modified Bitumen – Cheap And Easy Option For Flat Roofs
Produced in big rolls to lay over the length of the roof, modified bitumen roofing is another solid option for flat roofs. It comes in various colors like tan, grey and black. These long rolls of bitumen or mod bit can be adhered to the roof using a method called torch down where we use a torch to melt the adhesive, but these produce harmful chemicals so most roofers stick to a cold applied adhesive to avoid the fumes. Mod bit lasts just as long as the other roofing materials as well, so no need to worry about that.
Get Help From An Expert Roofing Contractor
At Overhead Roofing Of Colorado Springs, we have been working with all types of roofing materials for many years. From flat & low sloped roofs to steep sloped roofing systems, we have repaired, installed and replaced them all countless times. If you have read through the article and still aren’t sure what type of roofing system is right for you, feel free to reach out to us and speak to one of our roofing professionals. We would be happy to inspect your roof and go over all of the details about your options so we can help you make the best decision for your budget and your property. We even do roof coatings if you don’t have the budget for a full roof replacement, so give us a call today to schedule a no obligation roof consultation.