How to Choose Roofing Materials
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Composition tiles
Shingles come in an assortment of qualities. You can get asphalt or composition shingles in 20-year, 40-year and other time-rated qualities. Obviously, the higher rated your shingle quality, the longer it is likely to last and the more expensive it will be to buy. These shingles are good looking and come in a large selection of colors. Advantages are they are light weight, affordable, look clean and attractive, can be walked on, most offer class A fire protection and in certain circumstances, can be applied over an already existing layer. The liabilities are that they can warp, blow loose, break down over time, and can scar when hot. Asphalt or composition roofs also acquire a worn look over time. Basically, asphalt or composition tiles are the most economical roofing materials. - 2
Metal roofing
Metal roofs are high quality, long lasting roofs. They do have a different appearance from the traditional shingle. Many of the issues with noise -- rain for example -- have been resolved so the roof is long-lasting and excellent insulation. These roofs are high quality, durable, eco-friendly (being made of a high percentage of recycled metal), light-weight, and extremely energy efficient. They are very fire resistant and pest free. They also come in almost any color you might want. The downside is that they are costly to install. - 3
Cement or concrete roofing
Concrete tiles are fabricated out of a mixture of elements added to the concrete to make it long-lived and lighter. Some are coated. The tile mimics many other styles of roofing so you can select the kind of design you like. Concrete roofing has a high resistance to fire, no rot or insect problems and offers good insulation. Concrete tiles are improving in weight but are still heavy and may require extra support to make them safe. They also tend to be somewhat expensive. Many of the cracking and disintegration issues have been resolved, but it remains to be seen if these material will really stand up to their very long guarantees. - 4
Clay tiles
Clay tile is perfect for creating design effects. It offers a Southwestern, contemporary or Hispanic flavor to a house. Clay doesn't rot and is not flammable. It will probably outlast the structure beneath. It is expensive, however, cannot be safely walked on, and being very heavy, requires special supports for the extra weight. Although this is a long-lived roof, if it does need repair, it will be very costly. - 5
Slate roofs can be creatively installed
Slate or stone tile has a wonderful natural quality look all of its own. It is fire, insect, rot and weather resistant and is NOT an inexpensive form of roofing. Apart from its price, it should not be walked upon which can become a problem for maintenance. Slate, too, is very heavy and requires extra support. It also has a limited palette of colors available. - 6
Shake roof
Roofs of wood shake are less desirable these days in some climates as they break down too easily and can be fire hazards, though there are now treatments to remedy both these issues somewhat. They give a lovely rustic appearance and are good insulators, but can be complicated and expensive to install. Individual tiles can shrink over time. - 7). Thatch and sod are being revisited for their ecological possibilities. Much of the new plant and growing roof materials are still being experimented with to see how much they can be improved over their historical uses to match the needs of current-day homes.
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A 'white' roof
Selecting a color for your roof is both an aesthetic and a practical decision. Remember that lighter colors reflect sun and keep a house cooler whereas darker colors absorb sun and keep a house warmer. In hotter climates, white roofs are encouraged. Some of the highest reflective colors are considered 'cool roofs' and may qualify for energy rebates from local energy companies.
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