Roofing

Types of roofing materials

Asphalt Shingles

If you can't afford the high cost of clay tile or slate roofs, the most popular and least expensive is the asphalt roofing shingle. These are the most popular roofing material. They come in two types - organic, and non-organic, which is fiberglass. They follow strict guidelines for manufacture. They come in a variety of colors and durability. They are seen on homes in every part of the country. The biggest downfall of this shingle is its vulnerability to wind and ice damage. Always be sure to have a certified roofer install them to insure that warranties are in effect. Plan on paying on average of $55 per square for installation.

Clay Tile Roofs

Clay is a good roofing material regardless of where it is located, and is resistant to insects, mold and decay, won't burn, and will often outlast the decking it is built upon. You will see this roof on homes with a southwestern, Italian, or Spanish Mission design. This style is more prevalent in California. Keep in mind that a clay roof is very heavy, and expensive to install. It should never be walked on. Plan on paying $150 to $400 a square to have a clay roof installed.

Slate Roofs

Slate is another roofing material that is long lasting and near indestructible. Seeing a roof that is slate and 100 years old is not uncommon. This type of roof is often seen in New England. It is as resistant to outside influences as clay tile, and is also extremely heavy. It is very expensive to install, because skilled stonemasons typically install it. Prepare to pay $1,000 a square to have it installed. The good thing about this high cost is that you have a roof that will never need to be replaced in your lifetime.

Wooden Shingles

Wooden shingles are a good roofing material generally made from Western Red Cedar. Cedar is resistant to rot and decay. It comes in two types depending on manufacturer. There is a hand sawn and tapered shingle, called a shake, and a shingle that is sawn.
They come in three categories - one, two and three. A number one is the best for roofing. They often come in different sizes. Plan on paying $70 to $100 a square to have installed.

Metal Roofs

In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the most popular materials used for roofing. They lasted for decades, but are extremely expensive to build. Today, we see Galvanized or Galvalume Steel roofs. Galvanized is the most popular, and Galvalume is used in the South where hurricanes are common. The typical metal roof costs anywhere from $1.80 to $6.00 per square foot to install. It installs very quickly and easily. It is resistant to fire, insects, mildew and rot. These roofs are often seen in climates that get a lot of snow.

Whatever your wish for roofing materials are, be sure to know the cost of installation and durability issues. A good roof will last for many years - a poorly installed roof will be nothing but trouble. Use these guidelines in your next roofing project.

Factors that affects roof.

Sun delivers a combination of ultraviolet rays and heat can prematurely age a roof.

Snow or ice that melts and refreezes (called ice damming) pushes up the roofing material and causes leaks. Ice damming can be a temporary problem that ends when the thaw is complete. Excessive amounts can damage the roof and roof structure.

Rain is normally kept at bay by a roof. But when rain or moisture gets underneath roofing, damage can occur.

Wind can remove any roof in the most extreme occurrence. However even minimal amounts can weaken a poorly installed roof by letting dirt and moisture get underneath.

Moisture from condensation underneath a roof not only harms the roof and sheathing, but also can cause problems inside of the house.

Trees provide shade to help cool a house. They also provide leaves and limbs that can fall or scrub against the roof.

Algae and moss get a foothold on moist surfaces. Excessive growth can retain moisture and cause eventual weakening of the roofing material.