Types of Residential Roofing
Your roof provides structural support for your home. Colorado Springs Roofing also supports ceiling construction, allowing for high ceilings that add airiness and space. When choosing a residential roofing material, consider your climate, architectural style, and maintenance preferences. A good-quality roof will last longer than one that needs to be properly maintained.
Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing option for residential homes. Known for their durability, affordability, and fire resistance, they are designed to protect your home from severe weather and provide longevity. Asphalt shingles are available in various colors and styles to fit any aesthetic and add little weight to the roof. This makes them easier to install and repair than other roofing materials.
These shingles are made from an organic or fiberglass base mat saturated with asphalt and then coated with opaque mineral granules. They are available in a square butt strip or an elongated shingle with one to three tabs, and they can be found in both traditional and laminated styles. Using cool-roof technology, these shingles can be manufactured to reflect more of the sun’s heat, keeping your home cooler and cutting down on the cost of air conditioning. Some shingles are also energy efficient.
Another benefit of this type of roofing is that it can be adapted to any roof pitch. This is not true for other types of roofing, which may require additional structural support if they are being installed on a steeper roof. This versatility allows a homeowner to add a skylight or other features to their home’s roof without worrying about the structural integrity of the house.
Another advantage of this type of roofing is that it’s a good choice for homeowners in harsh climates where they experience heavy rainfall or hail storms. These shingles are able to resist damage from these extreme conditions, and they can be repaired fairly easily. In addition, these shingles are easy to clean and resistant to mold and mildew growth.
Metal roofing has come a long way from the corrugated tin panels of barns and sheds. Today, you can find metal roofs that suit less rustic and more refined structures – from California contemporaries to East Coast Victorians – in shingle, slate, and shake styles, as well as a spectrum of colors and finishes. Metal is highly durable and resists rust, fire, mildew and insects. It is also recyclable and can improve the energy efficiency of a home.
The best residential roofing material depends on a combination of factors, including climate, house design and homeowner preference. For example, if you live in a place with harsh winters, a metal roof is a good choice because it can withstand snowfall and high winds. If you want a more traditional look, you can opt for wood or clay tile roofs.
There are many different types of metal shingles to choose from, including galvanized steel and aluminum. Zinc is a very durable option and has an attractive appearance, while aluminum is less expensive and doesn’t corrode. Both can withstand strong winds and heavy snowfall, as well as resist damage from wildfires and hail.
Another option is copper, which is extremely durable and has a lifespan of 50 years or more. However, it is also one of the most expensive options. Some homeowners choose to cover a copper roof with tiles to reduce the cost and still enjoy the benefits of a metal roof. Whatever type of roof you choose, it is important to maintain regular inspections to identify and repair any issues before they cause damage. It is also a good idea to invest in gutters and downspouts to ensure proper drainage and prevent water pooling, which can lead to foundation problems.
Tile roofing has an upscale, luxury look that adds value to your home. It is also a durable choice that will protect your home from extreme weather and other threats to your property. These roofs can be made from terracotta, clay, ceramic, concrete, or slate and are hand-installed in rows over the surface of your house. Like shingles, they overlap to help water flow off of them rather than pooling. They are non-combustible and rot-proof and come in many styles.
These types of roofs are best for areas with very hot climates, as they will resist cracking from the intense sun and heat. They can be very expensive to install, and may require a stronger structure to support their weight.
When deciding between a tile and shingle roof, consider the style and look of your house as well as how much you’re willing to spend on a replacement roof. While shingles have a limited range of colors and textures, tile roofs are more versatile. They can be molded into different shapes and styles to match specific architectural design elements or even to create a Mediterranean or Southwest look.
It is important to note that if you have an existing shingle roof, it can be difficult to replace it with a tile one without first removing the entire roof and replacing the underlayment. This can take longer and is usually more costly. However, it is still a viable option as long as the underlying framework of the roof can support the weight of the tiles. This will be determined during the reroofing process by a qualified professional. If not, the underlying roof framework will need to be reinforced.
Wood shakes are another option for homeowners looking for a natural-looking roof. They can be crafted from either cedar or redwood and provide a beautiful, rustic look. While this type of shingle is often seen on historic buildings, it can also be an attractive choice for modern homes as well.
The unique manufacturing process that gives wood shakes their thick textured appearance creates striking depth and dimension. The varying grain patterns, ridges and grooves that are created during the splitting process make each shake look slightly different from the others. The result is a natural, rugged design that complements most any architectural style.
There are a number of different styles of shakes available, including heavy split and resawn, medium split and resawn, and taper sawn. Heavy split and resawn shakes are cut so that one side has the natural grain of the wood, while the other is sawn. This produces a highly textured appearance and is the heaviest shake available. Medium split and resawn shakes are sawn on both sides for a more traditional look and are the second heaviest shake available. Taper sawn shakes are sawn on both sides and have a more tailored appearance, creating a sharper shadow-line than shingles.
As with other types of wood roofing, shakes need to be treated carefully. While they are a gorgeous choice for a rustic-style home, their organic material makes them more susceptible to pests and mold. In addition, they are not fireproof, so they may require more attention and could result in higher homeowner’s insurance premiums.
Fortunately, there are ways to minimize these disadvantages, such as regularly trimming any overhanging branches or other vegetation that can fall on the shakes. Keeping the area free of debris will help prevent mildew, moss and other problems. And, by resealing the shakes every five to 10 years, you can extend their lifespan significantly.
Thermoplastic polyolefin (TPO) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are the two most prevalent single-ply membrane roofing options. Both provide energy efficiency, low maintenance, and durability to the building. However, it is important to understand the differences between them in order to make the most informed decision for your specific roof.
TPO is a relatively newer roofing material and a popular choice for commercial buildings. This is due to its benefits such as being ENERGY STAR rated and reflective, thus helping to lower your energy costs during the summer. It also resists impact damage, mold and mildew build-up, and punctures. It is manufactured with long-lasting materials such as ethylene and propylene polymers, UV absorbers, color pigments, biocides, and styrene butadiene rubber.
Both TPO and PVC have seams that can be heat welded, creating a watertight surface. PVC is a more established product in the industry, having been around for decades. It has a good track record for longevity and can be installed over existing roofs, making it a great option for re-roofing or retrofitting. PVC has a stronger resistance to chemicals and is often used in restaurants, manufacturing plants, and airports for its ability to stand up to harsh environments.
TPO and PVC are both durable and affordable, but it’s important to consider the environment your building is located in before choosing the right roofing material. For example, a restaurant or food processing plant may be more prone to roof damage from greases and fatty oils. In these cases, a TPO membrane would be a more suitable roofing material, while PVC is better for an airport or manufacturing facility.
