Types Of Roofing Materials

Learn about Types Of Roofing Materials. Roofing essentially refers to the uppermost layer of the building. The selection from the types of roofing materials depends upon several factors that need to be analyzed. Foremost is the analysis of the function the roofing will be performing. There are several important functions of roofs, such as insulation from the natural elements such as sun, wind, snow and rain. Thus, when selecting from the different types of roofing materials, you need to consider the climate, style and cost in mind. Here are some types of roofing materials common in use nowadays:

Asphalt Shingles (or Composite)

These types of roofing materials are the most popular ones, as they are affordable in cost, easy from the installation point of view and durable to a certain extent. A 3 tab layer, Asphalt Shingles consist of a layer of fiberglass swathed with asphalt and other minerals. This roofing provides a good insulation against the natural elements as well as a good degree of fire protection. It comes in different brands, colors and types and is vastly preferable for homes.

Shake Shingles (Wood shakes)

Shake shingles come in a huge array of colors, types, shapes, width and textures and therefore, offer a complete element of uniqueness to the homes. Shake shingles are wood panels prepared by hand, and provide a very natural environment to the building; however there are many disadvantages to these types of roofing materials. Firstly, they do not offer a reliable fire protection thus they are concluded as highly undesirable by architects. Secondly, they are less durable as they are subjected to mold, rot etc.

Tile Roofing

Usually clay tiles are used as tiles in this roofing. Although they come in different styles, shapes and contours and help provide an exquisite look to the building, they are often expensive in nature. These types of roofing materials are extremely durable in nature as they are impervious to molding, rotting etc. The drawback to this roofing is that the tiles are extremely heavy and may only be applied to structures which can support them.

Metal Roofing

This roofing is nowadays considered to be an ideal roofing material. Metal can be installed as a flat roof or in the shape of shingles, and is extremely lightweight as compared to other roofing. Furthermore, these types of roofing materials provide an awesome insulation against the natural elements especially heat, and provide a huge fire protection while being recyclable. Although the installation cost of this roofing is exorbitant, these types of roofing materials require the least maintenance.

Slate Roofing

Much similar to tile roofing, these types of roofing materials come in small shingle like leaves and tend to be on the heavier side. The advantages of employing this roofing are that they prove to have a low maintenance cost, powerful durability, fire protection and immunity to wear and tear. Moreover, they give a very natural look to the house.

Concrete Roofing

Concrete roofing has several advantages. Firstly, it can mimic the wood shakes when mixed with another element, thus helping give a classy wooden look to the roof. Secondly, it can also produce a shingle-like appearance. In both the cases, the disadvantages of wooden shakes and tile/slate shingles are done away with. The advantages of these types of roofing materials are the same as metal roofing; however, concrete roofing tends to be more expensive.