Choosing a roof for your house may not be as simple as you think. Today there are more types and styles of roofing to choose from than ever before! While each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, they all add a unique design element to your home. So how do you decide which one is right for you?
There are many factors to consider when selecting a roof such as:
•How long will it last?
•How it hold up if a natural disaster occurs?
•Is it too heavy for the roof framing?
•Will the roof have enough slope?
•Will the look complement the style of the house?
•Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
•How much does it cost?
Below you will find a description on the different types of roofing available:
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing for homes. In fact over 80% of homes have this type of shingle.
Material: Asphalt shingles are made of either organic paper fiber mat (best for cold weather and wind) or fiberglass (best for fire and moisture resistance) and combined with asphalt and coated with mineral granules.
Style: They are available in traditional 3-tab shingles or thicker laminated shingles.
Eco-Friendly: Asphalt shingles are a petroleum based product that is not eco-friendly, however they can be recycled and often taken to landfills.
Durability: These shingles are not very durable, but in humid climates algae resistant shingles are available to prevent staining.
Weight: Moderate in weight.
Slope: These shingles can be used on both fairly low and steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good fire resistance, fair wind resistance.
Cost: Inexpensive to moderate.
Metal
While this type of roof is more expensive than asphalt metal roofing does last longer and is more wind resistant.
Material: Metal roofing can be composed of steel, aluminum, copper, or alloy. Steel roofs can come with either a zinc coating or painted finish. Copper roofs are installed unfinished and will acquire a protective green patina with age.
Style: This roofing is available in both sheets and shingles that resemble other materials. It can also be installed with the fasteners hidden or exposed.
Eco-Friendly: Metal roofing can be made from recycled materials and can also be recycled when replaced. It also absorbs a 1/3 the heat than asphalt.
Durability: Metal can be fairly durable depending on the material.
Weight: Lightweight.
Slope: Metal can be used on both fairly low and steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good resistance to both fire and wind.
Cost: Moderate (steel) to expensive (copper).
Plastic Polymer
Plastic polymer is durable synthetic roofing shingles that resemble either wood shakes or slate.
Material: Plastic polymer is made from a high-tech plastic polymer material.
Style: It is made to resemble slate or wood shakes.
Durability: Plastic Polymer is claimed to be long lasting and low maintenance.
Eco-Friendly: Some types are made from recycled materials and they can also be recycled when replaced.
Weight: Light to moderate weight.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good fire and wind resistance.
Cost: Moderate.
Clay Tile
While clay tiles are brittle and heavy, they can last a long time and are very fire resistant.
Material: Made from natural clay which is fired in a kiln.
Style: Clay tiles have a traditional Italian or Spanish look and can also be made to resemble wood shakes or slate.
Eco-Friendly: These tiles are made from natural materials but does require significant energy to manufacture.
Durability: Clay tiles are long lasting and low maintenance but they are brittle and can break.
Weight: Very Heavy and requires reinforced roof framing to support.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Excellent fire resistance and fair to low wind resistance.
Cost: Expensive.
Concrete Tile
Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay tiles and are also heavy, but can last a long time and are very fire resistant.
Material: Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of Portland cement and sand.
Style: These tiles be made to resemble traditional clay tiles, wood shakes, or slate. The color can be throughout the tile or only applied on the surface.
Eco-Friendly: Concrete tiles are made from natural materials but does require significant energy to manufacture.
Durability: They are long lasting and low maintenance but can break.
Weight: Very heavy and requires reinforced roof framing to support.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Excellent fire resistance and fair to low wind resistance.
Cost: Moderate.
Slate
Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials around. Although it is brittle and expensive, it is also very durable and resists both wind and fire.
Material: Slate is made from natural slate rock.
Style: This material is usually dark gray with irregular appearance.
Eco-Friendly: Slate is made from natural materials.
Durability: It is long lasting and generally durable. (The durability depends on where the slate was quarried).
Weight: Very heavy and requires reinforced roofing structure to support.
Slope: Steep sloped roofs only.
Fire & Wind: Good fire and wind resistance.
Cost: Very expensive and requires specially trained people to install.
Wood Shingles and Shakes
Wood shingles and shakes that are made from rot resistant wood have very low fire resistance unless they are treated.
Material: Wood shingles and shakes are commonly made of cedar, but they can also be made of other rot resistant wood such as redwood.
Style: This material gives a natural look and weathers to a silvery gray. It is available in shingles or thicker split shakes.
Eco-Friendly: Wood shingles and shakes are made from natural materials.
Durability: They have a short lifespan and will require periodic maintenance.
Weight: Moderate in weight.
Slope: Can be used on both moderate to steep sloped roofs.
Fire & Wind: Good wind resistance, but poor fire resistance although it can be treated with a fire retardant.
Cost: Moderate.
C&H Construction is a licensed general contractor and Custom Home builder located in Blairsville, Union County Georgia serving Towns County Georgia, Fannin County Georgia, Gilmer County Georgia and the North Georgia Mountains.