Roofing

Selecting the Right Roofing Materials

From natural materials like slate and wood to man made products such as asphalt, sheet metal, and plastic polymers; there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from today than ever before.

Some types of roofing may be better suited for your house than others. Factors such as the slope of the roof and strength of the framing could limit your choices. In areas prone to wildfires or hurricanes, look for a product with a high fire rating or good wind resistance. Below is a rundown on the different types of roofing available.

Types of Roofing Materials

Asphalt Composition Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing for homes, comprising over 80% of residential roofing market.

Materials: Made of either an organic paper fiber mat (better for cold weather and wind resistance) or fiberglass (more fire and moisture resistant) impregnated with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.
Appearance: Available in traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated “architectural” shingles.
Eco-Friendly: Petroleum based product that’s not eco-friendly. Can be recycled, though often taken to landfills.
Durability: Not very durable. Algae resistant shingles are available in humid climates to prevent staining.
Weight: Moderate in weight.
Slope: Can be used on fairly low to steeper sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good fire resistance, fair wind resistance.

Metal

While more expensive than asphalt, metal roofing lasts longer and is more wind resistant.

Materials: May be composed of steel, aluminum, copper, or zinc alloy. Steel roofs come with either a zinc coating or painted finish. Copper roofs are installed unfinished and acquire a protective green patina with age.
Appearance: Available in sheets or in shingles that resemble other materials. Can be installed with the fasteners hidden (standing seam) or exposed.
Eco-Friendly: May be made from recycled materials and can be recycled when replaced. Absorb a third less heat than asphalt.
Durability: Fairly to very durable, depending on the material.
Weight: Lightweight.
Slope: Available for low or steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good resistance to both fire and wind.
Cost: Moderate (steel) to expensive (copper).

Plastic Polymer

These durable synthetic roofing shingles resemble either wood shakes or slate.

Materials: Molded from a high-tech plastic polymer material.
Appearance: Made to resemble slate or wood shakes.
Durability: Claimed to be long lasting and low maintenance.
Eco-Friendly: Some are made from recycled materials. Can be recycled when replaced.
Weight: Light to moderate in weight.
Slope: Can be used on moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good fire and wind resistance.
Cost: Moderate.

Clay Tile

While brittle and heavy, clay tiles can last a long time and are very fire resistant.

Materials: Made from natural clay which is fired in a kiln.
Appearance: Traditional Italian or Spanish look, can also be made to resemble wood shakes or slate.
Eco-Friendly: Made from natural materials but requires significant energy to manufacture.
Durability: Long lasting and low maintenance but brittle and can break.
Weight: Heavy, require reinforced roof framing to support.
Slope: Can be used on moderate to steeper sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Excellent fire resistance, fair to low wind resistance

Concrete Tile

Less expensive than clay tiles, concrete roof tiles are also heavy but can last a long time and are very fire resistant.

Materials: Made from a mixture of Portland cement and sand.
Appearance: Can be made to resemble traditional clay tiles, wood shakes, or slate. Color can be throughout tile or only applied on the surface.
Eco-Friendly: Made from natural materials but requires significant energy to manufacture.
Durability: Long lasting and low maintenance but can break.
Weight: Heavy, require reinforced roof framing to support.
Slope: Can be used on moderate to steeper sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Excellent fire resistance, fair to low wind resistance.
Cost: Moderate.