What are the different roofing materials?

 

In the previous blog, we read about some of the most common types of roofs. Now let us learn about the most common types of roofing materials used.

Just like the structure of the roof, the roofing materials also vary from place to place depending on the structure, the climate, and the purpose of the building.  Some of the most common types of roofing materials are asphalt shingles, clay, and concrete tiles, metal, slate, wood shingles and shake, synthetic roofing materials, etc.

Asphalt Shingles:

The most widely and commonly used roofing material in the United States is Asphalt Shingles. Asphalt shingles are popular because of their affordability and durability. They also offer a wide variety of colors which give the homeowners options to choose from. They can last for up to 50 years and the used shingles can also be recycled and used as a raw material for new roads.

Asphalt shingles work with many architectural styles. They have ideal weight which means that they are neither heavy nor light. They also have fewer leaking problems and are highly fire-resistant.

Metal roofing:

Metal roofing materials are durable and last longer. They can be used in extreme hot or cold weather. They are also fire resistant as they do not ignite flames during a wildfire or lightning.

The cost of cooling can be reduced as metal roofing reflect solar radiation but metal roofing can be relatively expensive. The metal roofing materials can be made up of zinc, copper, stainless steel, and aluminum.

Just like asphalt shingles, metal roofs can be 100% recycled at end of their lifecycle depending on the material used.

Synthetic roofing materials

Synthetic roofing materials are replicates of asphalt shingles, clay tiles, metal panels, wood shakes, etc.  They are mostly made up of rubber or recycled plastics.

Some synthetic slate weighs comparably less than natural slate. It is also believed that some synthetic products are algae, mold, and hail resistant. They are also claimed to be inexpensive in terms of labor, as anti-algae and fire-retardants coatings do not have to be applied.

Clay and Concrete Tiles:

Clay and concrete tile are very heavy, but they are durable. They are most likely to be heavy, expensive, and require additional framing. By adding a nice look and texture to the roof they are also fire resistant. Concrete tiles can be inexpensive in comparison to real clay, but they are also much heavier.

Wood shingles and shakes

There are two different types of wood roofing materials which are wood shingles and wood shake. While wood shakes have a rough texture because they are handmade, wood shingles are usually cut by machine giving it a smoother look.

Wood shakes provide a thick textured appearance adding depth and dimension to the roof. While wood shingles appear more uniform and flatter in comparison to wood shakes. Also, wood shingles are not very practical in a wet climate because they have higher chances of rotting away or molding.

These are some of the most widely used roofing products used. When choosing the material of the roof, consumers must consider external factors like wind, snow, heat, rain, and also the purpose of the building.

Contact us today to discuss your roofing project with us today and get a free quote on your project!

What are the materials used in roofing?

Just like the structure of the roof, the roofing materials also vary from place to place depending on the structure, the climate, and the purpose of the building. Some of the most common types of roofing materials are asphalt shingles, clay, and concrete tiles, metal, slate, wood shingles and shake, synthetic roofing materials, etc.

Why are asphalt shingles so popular?

Asphalt shingles are popular because of their affordability and durability. They also offer a wide variety of colors which give the homeowners options to choose from. 

 

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