A assortment of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can be used to top a house. Location is a primary concern when selecting materials, for example a sturdier material is used in areas prone to hurricanes or heavy snow fall. In the medical profession a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”
A base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules are fiberglass asphalt shingles. 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. It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories. Seems 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’s used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles. 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 more common on industrial buildings. It is durable, withstands fire, and lasts a long time.
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 assortment of woods. Wood shingles are amongst the most difficult to install. As expected wood shingles are susceptible to fire. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but cannot eliminate it.
In the interest of being complete, a discussion of other elements of the roof is necessary. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of strips of sheet metal or roofing material used 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.
The Net is full of selective information on these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. Ignore this selective information and you could be all wet.
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