A variety of roofing materials, each with advantages and disadvantages, can top a house. Location is a top concern when selecting materials, for example a sturdier material should be used in areas prone to hurricanes or heavy snow fall. In the medical world a popular phrase is "doctor heal thyself," but in the world of homes it's "owner know thy roof."
Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules. This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Sounds like a winner!
An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. These shingles weigh more and cost more than most other shingles.
Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles. This is used most often on industrial buildings. It comprises of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 years.
Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.
The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. They are made with a assortment of woods, but cedar is most common. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. As expected wood shingles are susceptible to fire. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not 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. The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. A Drip Edge is an "L" shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to shed water and protect the roof's wood parts. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.
The Internet is full of selective information on these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. Ignore this info and you could be all wet. - 16035
Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules. This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. According to Underwriter Laboratories it can also withstand high winds. Sounds like a winner!
An inorganic, three dimensional shingle is Architectural Shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. These shingles weigh more and cost more than most other shingles.
Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles. This is used most often on industrial buildings. It comprises of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. This roof is easy to install and will last a long time, 10-20 years.
Metal roofing is steel panels used in place of shingles. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. Durable, long lasting and resistant to fire, metal roofing is a great choice.
The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. They are made with a assortment of woods, but cedar is most common. These are more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. As expected wood shingles are susceptible to fire. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but does not 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. The boot is a flashing made to fit around the base of a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. A Drip Edge is an "L" shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to shed water and protect the roof's wood parts. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.
The Internet is full of selective information on these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. Ignore this info and you could be all wet. - 16035
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