Your roof is an important part of your home. It protects you from weather damage, and it contributes to the aesthetic of your property.
Choosing the best roofing materials requires knowledge of the pros and cons of different types. This blog will help you make the right choice for your needs. Contact Buckeye Roofing of Columbus now!
The need for shelter from the elements dates back to the beginnings of human civilization. The earliest shelters were caves and natural structures, but as people moved about the world they sought more sturdy protection from weather and other dangers. Early roofing materials were simple, using whatever materials could be found locally. In tropical areas, palm fronds were an easy choice, and mud and straw were popular in other regions.
The next big step in roof construction came with the development of thatching, which was a method for weaving together dried vegetation. Thatch roofs were not only water resistant but also offered insulating properties, making them comfortable and durable. However, they were still prone to fire, and required frequent maintenance.
With the advent of clay tiles, first used by the ancient Greeks and Romans, roofing became more sophisticated. These were fired in kilns to make them hard and durable, and interlocking tiles helped protect against wind and rain. By the 1700s, tile roofs were common in many parts of Europe.
When settlers reached America, wood was a popular choice for roofs, whether yellow pine in the South, cypress in Florida or cedar in other regions. By the middle of the 19th century, rot-resistant redwood was a popular roof material throughout much of the country. Rolls of roofing were made from these cedar and other materials, and specialized builders became available for residential and commercial jobs.
In the late 1800s, market conditions changed and coal tar was replaced with petroleum-based roofing products such as asphalt. Then in the 1900s, Henry Reynolds developed a process of cutting up this roofing roll material into shingles to improve its look and reduce fire risk. Today, a variety of different materials are available to meet the needs of every home or business. Regardless of the type of roof you choose, it is important to work with qualified, professional roofing contractors to ensure that your roof provides years of service and protection. That way, your investment will be well worth it.
Materials
When you’re planning a roof, there are many different types of roofing materials to choose from. The type you choose will depend on the appearance you want, longevity, and material costs. Most importantly, your roof should be designed to suit the architectural style of your home and the climate where you live. The right choice of roofing materials will protect your home from the elements and improve its energy efficiency.
The most common roofing materials are shingles, metal, and concrete. Shingles are made of a variety of materials, including wood, clay, asphalt, and slate. They provide a good level of insulation and resist abrasions and fire. Wood shingles and shakes offer a natural look to a roof, which can enhance the value of your home. They are also durable, though they can deteriorate quickly under heavy winds and hail.
Metal roofing is a relatively new option that provides excellent protection against weather damage. It can be made from galvanized steel, aluminum-zinc alloy called Galvalume, or copper. It’s a popular choice in areas with high wildfire risk, as well as for use on low-sloped roofs. It’s available in a range of colors and has a lifespan of 50 to 100 years.
Concrete tiles are similar to those of clay but provide a more modern, sleek appearance. They’re heavy, however, so they require additional framing to support them. They’re long-lasting, but require regular maintenance to keep them watertight.
Built-up roofing (BUR) is a cost-effective, durable roof. It consists of three to five layers of bitumen-coated organic felt, polyester felt, or coated fiberglass felts. The layers are bonded together with hot asphalt, coal tar pitch, or a cold-applied adhesive. The layering can be covered with mineral granules or a reflective coating to reduce solar heat absorption and extend the life of the roof.
Other common roofing materials include EPDM membrane, TPO membrane, and PVC membrane. These come in large sheets, minimizing the need for seams. They’re usually glued to the surface of the roof deck and last 10-15 years. Rubber shingles are an alternative to asphalt shingles and come in a wide range of colors. They’re a sustainable, eco-friendly roofing option that comes with a warranty and can mimic the appearance of more expensive materials.
Shapes and styles
Roofing comes in a variety of shapes and styles. These roofs can add a unique aesthetic to the building and offer an opportunity for home owners to boost natural light in their homes.
The most common shape is the gable roof. These roofs are shaped like triangles and often feature a peak in the middle. They are popular among Colonial and Greek Revival architecture. They are also popular with modern homes and can be accented by dormers, which are small roofed extrusions with windows.
Another eye-catching style is the butterfly roof. This is a variation of the traditional gable roof that emulates the wings of a butterfly using two tandem pieces of roofing. This type of roof can help to enhance the beauty of a building as well as provide an environmentally-friendly way to harvest rainwater.
Installation
A roof is the shield that protects a home or commercial space from the elements, so it’s important to install it correctly. Hiring a professional ensures that the proper safety protocols are followed when working on rooftops and that the chosen material is up to code. Additionally, professionals are familiar with local building codes and can recommend options that meet structural integrity and energy efficiency requirements.
The most common types of roofing are shingle, metal, and tile. Each has its own pros and cons in terms of cost, durability, longevity, and fire resistance.
Shingle roofs are the most affordable and easiest to install. They also offer good weather protection and are relatively low maintenance. Metal roofs are more expensive and require specialized installation. Tile roofs are durable and long-lasting, but they can be heavy and difficult to install. The valleys of your roof are especially vulnerable to water damage, so it’s important to waterproof these areas properly. This is done with underlayment and felt paper. Other points that may need extra protection or system integration are pipe boots and drip edge.
