If you are going to be choosing a roof anytime in the near future, this article is for you. Other than choosing a reputable, licensed and insured roofer the most important factor in having a roof installed is to understand roofing materials.
The roofing materials from which your roof is made are incredibly important. Understand, that even in mild SoCal, your roof will bear the “brunt of nature’s wrath”. While we don’ t have much hail, sleet, never any snow or freezing temperatures, the blistering sunlight can be the biggest problem for your roof. That and rain are the forces of nature that your roof must withstand.
What are the pros and cons of the roofing materials you have to choose from? Do you really need to know about construction materials for your roof? We think it is important for you to know…
Tile and Concrete for the Roof
Two of the most enduring roofing materials are concrete and tile. Both clay tiles and concrete tiles are available in an assortment of colors. They both have incredible durability and provide a contemporary yet old-school look and. Most clay and concrete tiles have a 50-year warranty. However, they are more expensive than asphalt shingles.
Asphalt for the Roof
Asphalt shingles are perhaps the single most common type of roofing materials out there. Asphalt can also be found in rolls, in built-up roofing and in other forms. Generally, these types of roofs are warranted for about 25 years, though they can last longer than that.
Single-Ply Roofing
Single-ply roofing materials are usually synthetic in nature. Single-ply roofing material is usually used for flat roof roofing systems. These offer strength, flexibility, and long-lasting durability. These single ply are pre-fabricated sheets which have the consistency of the quality of the products that are manufactured, the versatility in their attachment methods and therefore their broader applicability.They are considered to have greater durability than some other choices for flat roofs.
Metal Roofing Materials
Metal roofing has been a solution in areas where serious winter weather can create ice dams on the roof. Where in the past they were made of tin this material was replaced by steel and aluminum and copper can also be used. Metal roofs offer a very long life (50+ years).
Wooden Roofing
Wood shingles have been used since time immemorial. Called “wood shakes or wood shingles”, these add a stunning look to a home. Each wood shake roof is unique, as well, due to small variations in the shape, texture, color and size of the shakes. However, if these roofs are not properly cared for, mold, rot and fire can be serious threats. Wood shakes and shingles can last up to 30 to 40 years depending on the quality of shingles and installation methods.