Metal Roofing, Roofing Materials
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Roofing Materials
Roofing Materials
Although shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States, it doesn't mean they are all the same. Today's manufacturers have developed a wide palette of shingles to meet all construction and color requirements.
Prior to investing in shingles as your roofing material, it's important to gather key information such as:
Building codes. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association, be sure to check with them on approved roofing materials. In addition, some communities restrict the number of shingle layers they allow on a home before requiring a complete tear-off for a new roof.
Roof slope. Have a roofing professional evaluate the pitch of your roof to get a sense for which roofing materials would work best. A steep pitch will reduce your choices of roofing materials.
Climate. If you live in a damp, humid region, algae can accumulate on the surface of your roof. Look for shingles treated with copper or zinc particles to increase algae resistance.
Following are the main choices of shingles and other roofing materials, from the least expensive to the most expensive:
Asphalt shingles. Conventional, three-tab asphalt shingles offer a relatively low cost roofing material. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide assortment of colors. When selecting asphalt shingles, be sure to check the warranty length (which may vary from 20 to 40 years), as well as for fire resistance ratings (A-rated offers the best protection).
Architectural shingles. Architectural shingles use the same material as standard asphalt shingles but they offer a thicker, more substantial look more closely resembling slate or wood shakes. Although they are more expensive than standard shingles, they tend to be easier to install. Premium laminate shingles are a new innovation offering more color and texture choices. Architectural shingles are often backed by warranties up to 50 years.
Wood shingles. Wood shingles are smooth and uniform, unalike wood shakes which have a rough and varied appearance. Wood shingles are generally cut from cedar or pressure-treated southern yellow pine. Due to the higher material and installation costs, they are a more expensive choice, but they should last 30 to 50 years.
Although shingles are the most popular roofing material in the United States, it doesn't mean they are all the same. Today's manufacturers have developed a wide palette of shingles to meet all construction and color requirements.
Prior to investing in shingles as your roofing material, it's important to gather key information such as:
Building codes. If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner's association, be sure to check with them on approved roofing materials. In addition, some communities restrict the number of shingle layers they allow on a home before requiring a complete tear-off for a new roof.
Roof slope. Have a roofing professional evaluate the pitch of your roof to get a sense for which roofing materials would work best. A steep pitch will reduce your choices of roofing materials.
Climate. If you live in a damp, humid region, algae can accumulate on the surface of your roof. Look for shingles treated with copper or zinc particles to increase algae resistance.
Following are the main choices of shingles and other roofing materials, from the least expensive to the most expensive:
Asphalt shingles. Conventional, three-tab asphalt shingles offer a relatively low cost roofing material. Asphalt shingles are available in a wide assortment of colors. When selecting asphalt shingles, be sure to check the warranty length (which may vary from 20 to 40 years), as well as for fire resistance ratings (A-rated offers the best protection).
Architectural shingles. Architectural shingles use the same material as standard asphalt shingles but they offer a thicker, more substantial look more closely resembling slate or wood shakes. Although they are more expensive than standard shingles, they tend to be easier to install. Premium laminate shingles are a new innovation offering more color and texture choices. Architectural shingles are often backed by warranties up to 50 years.
Wood shingles. Wood shingles are smooth and uniform, unalike wood shakes which have a rough and varied appearance. Wood shingles are generally cut from cedar or pressure-treated southern yellow pine. Due to the higher material and installation costs, they are a more expensive choice, but they should last 30 to 50 years.
Lightweight Roofing
Lightweight Roofing
With the average roof needing to be replaced every 10 years it is no wonder that homeowners are trying to find roofing material that lasts longer. Steel roofing is quickly becoming a favorite choice for homes and businesses because you can buy a metal roof that will last 30-50 years. In fact, many of the steel roofing materials available from Absolute Steel have a warranty on the paint fading, chalking or peeling for up to 40 years. Now if we can warranty the paint for that long how long do you think a metal roof from Absolute Steel will last?
A darn long time is what that answer is!
A metal roof offers many advantages over shake and shingle roofs. For starters they are much more durable and require very little maintenance.
Steel roofing is very easy to install and usually requires no expert help to get them installed. As long as you follow the instructions provided there is no way to go wrong. The panels are precut except for the angles which need to cut in the field and then put together with fasteners that attach onto your roof deck. When putting metal roofing over existing roofs, be sure to order longer fasteners so they reach down into the roof decking.
A house with a steel roof can shed water more easily than other materials, meaning that new homes with steel roofs require less steep of a pitch to the roof. Metal roofing is lightweight, making it easy to install. In most cases a steel roof can be installed right over the existing roof, saving you the time and expense of removing the old roofing material. Getting your steel roofing panels up on the top of your home is a breeze since they weigh much less than shingles.
The new metal roofs come in all types of colors and patterns. You can choose from virtually any color of the rainbow and your steel roof can be made to mimic tile or slate. If you really want your home to stand out you can go with a red or blue roof. There are even styles made to look like Spanish tile if that is what you are looking for. The possibilities are endless.
Anyone who lives in an area that experiences significant extreme weather should seriously think about replacing their current roof with steel. Not only does steel withstand heavy winds, it also is fire resistant which is why it is preferred in areas that are often hit by forest fires. The strength of steel means that it provides structural support to the home, a great benefit if you live in an earthquake-prone area.
With all the advantages of metal roofing it is not surprising that it is becoming the top choice for builders and homeowners everywhere. Lightweight, adaptable and durable a metal roof saves you time and money. Once your steel roof is installed you can sit back and enjoy its beauty, and never have to worry about leaks, cracks or warping. Year after year your steel roof with remain looking great while protecting your home from extreme heat, cold, high winds and fire.
With the average roof needing to be replaced every 10 years it is no wonder that homeowners are trying to find roofing material that lasts longer. Steel roofing is quickly becoming a favorite choice for homes and businesses because you can buy a metal roof that will last 30-50 years. In fact, many of the steel roofing materials available from Absolute Steel have a warranty on the paint fading, chalking or peeling for up to 40 years. Now if we can warranty the paint for that long how long do you think a metal roof from Absolute Steel will last?
A darn long time is what that answer is!
A metal roof offers many advantages over shake and shingle roofs. For starters they are much more durable and require very little maintenance.
Steel roofing is very easy to install and usually requires no expert help to get them installed. As long as you follow the instructions provided there is no way to go wrong. The panels are precut except for the angles which need to cut in the field and then put together with fasteners that attach onto your roof deck. When putting metal roofing over existing roofs, be sure to order longer fasteners so they reach down into the roof decking.
A house with a steel roof can shed water more easily than other materials, meaning that new homes with steel roofs require less steep of a pitch to the roof. Metal roofing is lightweight, making it easy to install. In most cases a steel roof can be installed right over the existing roof, saving you the time and expense of removing the old roofing material. Getting your steel roofing panels up on the top of your home is a breeze since they weigh much less than shingles.
The new metal roofs come in all types of colors and patterns. You can choose from virtually any color of the rainbow and your steel roof can be made to mimic tile or slate. If you really want your home to stand out you can go with a red or blue roof. There are even styles made to look like Spanish tile if that is what you are looking for. The possibilities are endless.
Anyone who lives in an area that experiences significant extreme weather should seriously think about replacing their current roof with steel. Not only does steel withstand heavy winds, it also is fire resistant which is why it is preferred in areas that are often hit by forest fires. The strength of steel means that it provides structural support to the home, a great benefit if you live in an earthquake-prone area.
With all the advantages of metal roofing it is not surprising that it is becoming the top choice for builders and homeowners everywhere. Lightweight, adaptable and durable a metal roof saves you time and money. Once your steel roof is installed you can sit back and enjoy its beauty, and never have to worry about leaks, cracks or warping. Year after year your steel roof with remain looking great while protecting your home from extreme heat, cold, high winds and fire.
Lightweight Roof Tiles
Lightweight Roof Tiles
Roofing is are made from materials that vary in cost, weight, durability, color, and architectural style. The market for materials is dominated by asphalt shingles, tiles, metal products, and wood shingles or shakes. Here are some of the most common types used today.
Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt roof shingles are the most common covering used on residential properties in North America and account for half of the residential roofing market in the western states, according to industry sources. These shingles will normally only last about 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. In the absense of harsh weather conditions, asphalt shingles will continue looking good with little maintenance. These roofs are normally installed during warm months. Asphalt shingles can be installed during winter, but there could be a problem with how they bond to each other. The primary advantage of asphalt shingle roofing is lower cost than most other types. Another advantage is that they come in a variety of colors.
Wood
Wood shingles come in several different sizes, with varying exposures, and are generally either shingles or shakes. Wood shingles and shakes usually are made of western red cedar, a long-lasting, straight-grained wood. Wood shakes are thicker and rougher, being split rather than sawn from the logs. Wooden roofs have a typical life expectancy of 25 years, which is similar to many other roofs. Wood materials are not fire-resistant and some local codes may even require that the wood be pressure-treated. Wooden roofs may not be suitable for use in fire-prone areas. Wood materials often require more maintenance than other roofing options, especially if you live in a harsh climate. Wood shingles are not permitted on slopes less than 3:12 and shakes are not permitted below 4:12. Wooden roof roofing was commonly used on old houses, but they have gained recent popularity on new homes built in traditional styles.
Tile
Tile roofs initially cost a lot more to install than asphalt shingle or wood shake roofs, but they also last much longer. Tile has the unique ability of being able to accent, or complement, the exterior color or finish of any home or building. Tile is also your most energy-efficient material choice, with better insulating properties than most other roofing materials. Tile roofing systems allow air circulation under the tile, reducing heat transfer to attics during fires. These roofs are charming to look at, are quite waterproof and weatherproof and add value to a home or business, but they are not meant to be walked on! Tile is typically used in the more expensive custom homes.
Aluminum
Aluminum is increasingly valued as a roofing material for many reasons. These roofs are attractive, durable, energy-efficient, and increasingly affordable. Aluminum roof mayterials are non-combustible, so they can never be ignited by fire or sparks from your chimney. Aluminum roofing does not warp, crack, or burn and, unlike steel, it is extremely corrosion-resistant and does not rust, which is a significant advantage in coastal areas and places with a lot of precipitation or problems with acid rain. It is a preferred roofing material in hail-prone areas. Aluminum is also extremely lightweight.
Flat
The flat roof is used in both business and residential structures. They are not as glamorous or popular as their newer counterparts like slate, tile, or copper roofs. They also generally have a small degree of pitch to them so that water will run off to a drain system and not pond. Flat roofs can be made from a variety of different materials and substances. They are most commonly built up with layers of molten asphalt and felts, or covered with a membrane of modified bitumin or asphalt base, or plastics or rubber.
Roofing is are made from materials that vary in cost, weight, durability, color, and architectural style. The market for materials is dominated by asphalt shingles, tiles, metal products, and wood shingles or shakes. Here are some of the most common types used today.
Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt roof shingles are the most common covering used on residential properties in North America and account for half of the residential roofing market in the western states, according to industry sources. These shingles will normally only last about 20 years, but covered in copper sheeting the life of the asphalt shingles can easily be extended to between 30 and 40 years. In the absense of harsh weather conditions, asphalt shingles will continue looking good with little maintenance. These roofs are normally installed during warm months. Asphalt shingles can be installed during winter, but there could be a problem with how they bond to each other. The primary advantage of asphalt shingle roofing is lower cost than most other types. Another advantage is that they come in a variety of colors.
Wood
Wood shingles come in several different sizes, with varying exposures, and are generally either shingles or shakes. Wood shingles and shakes usually are made of western red cedar, a long-lasting, straight-grained wood. Wood shakes are thicker and rougher, being split rather than sawn from the logs. Wooden roofs have a typical life expectancy of 25 years, which is similar to many other roofs. Wood materials are not fire-resistant and some local codes may even require that the wood be pressure-treated. Wooden roofs may not be suitable for use in fire-prone areas. Wood materials often require more maintenance than other roofing options, especially if you live in a harsh climate. Wood shingles are not permitted on slopes less than 3:12 and shakes are not permitted below 4:12. Wooden roof roofing was commonly used on old houses, but they have gained recent popularity on new homes built in traditional styles.
Tile
Tile roofs initially cost a lot more to install than asphalt shingle or wood shake roofs, but they also last much longer. Tile has the unique ability of being able to accent, or complement, the exterior color or finish of any home or building. Tile is also your most energy-efficient material choice, with better insulating properties than most other roofing materials. Tile roofing systems allow air circulation under the tile, reducing heat transfer to attics during fires. These roofs are charming to look at, are quite waterproof and weatherproof and add value to a home or business, but they are not meant to be walked on! Tile is typically used in the more expensive custom homes.
Aluminum
Aluminum is increasingly valued as a roofing material for many reasons. These roofs are attractive, durable, energy-efficient, and increasingly affordable. Aluminum roof mayterials are non-combustible, so they can never be ignited by fire or sparks from your chimney. Aluminum roofing does not warp, crack, or burn and, unlike steel, it is extremely corrosion-resistant and does not rust, which is a significant advantage in coastal areas and places with a lot of precipitation or problems with acid rain. It is a preferred roofing material in hail-prone areas. Aluminum is also extremely lightweight.
Flat
The flat roof is used in both business and residential structures. They are not as glamorous or popular as their newer counterparts like slate, tile, or copper roofs. They also generally have a small degree of pitch to them so that water will run off to a drain system and not pond. Flat roofs can be made from a variety of different materials and substances. They are most commonly built up with layers of molten asphalt and felts, or covered with a membrane of modified bitumin or asphalt base, or plastics or rubber.
Metal Roof Tiles
Metal Roof Tiles
If you have a tile roof on your home and it is leaking, you shouldn't jump to conclusions and assume that it is due to faulty tiles. This is because the leak may be originating from a poorly installed roof jack around a pipe or from around an air conditioning unit.
The first thing that you will want to do is to climb up in your attic and try to see where the leak is coming from and bear in mind that water can travel over the felt paper for several feet before it comes into the attic.
If you can see the broken tile however; this does make your job a lot easier and the thing that you will want to do is replace the broken tile without breaking more while you are climbing on the roof. When you walk on a flat tile roof step on the bottom portion of the tiles and if you weigh over 200 pounds you may want to enlist the help of a lighter friend.
Another trick is to shove a couple of long 2X8s on the roof that you have covered on the bottom with carpet padding and use them to walk on to disperse your weight. One trick is to slide pieces of flat sheet metal under the damaged tile and use roofing plastic to glue everything back in place, which most of the time will do the trick.
If you are determined to completely replace the tile though, then use a flat bar to slip under the broken tile, cut or pull any nails and remove it. After you have done that then slide a new tile in place and use roofing plastic to glue it down. Don't start banging new nails into a preexisting tile roof or you will be right back where you started at in short order with more broken tiles.
An old fashioned material for roofs that has been around for a long time is gaining in modern popularity. Many people are realizing the benefits and advantages of metal roofs. Harsh weather in certain areas, and the new variety in types of metal roofs have led to this new popularity.
Metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt shingles and other types of roofing materials. They hold up better against heavy rain and snow, hail, heat and even hurricane force winds. Another benefit is its fire resistant quality. A home is much better protected from both natural and man made disasters when it has a metal roof.
Environmental factors are also leading to new found popularity of metal roofs. Metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun better than traditional materials, keeping your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Energy costs can be as much as 20% lower with metal roofs because of this thermal reflectivity.
Most metal roofs have a system that interlocks the sheets on all four sides, instead of just overlaying like shingles or tiles. This makes metal roofs much stronger and more durable.
The paint and other coatings used on modern metal roofs is also a different kind. The coatings are metallic and polymer, making the roofs corrosion resistant. The polymer coatings will look faded due to exposure, but a good rinse with water will restore their looks. Because of these new materials, modern metal roofs require little to no maintenance.
In addition to weather and fire resistance, energy efficiency and durability are compelling reasons for choosing a metal roof. The energy saving qualities of metal roofs have made them very much in demand and have therefore increased the resale value of the homes that have them. With energy costs soaring, people recognize this as a very valuable quality. IN addition, metal roofs last 40 to 50 years, unlike shingles or tiles, which traditionally last about 25 years.
The modern versions of the metal roof have a much larger variety of styles and colors than other roofing materials. Since they are painted, the choice of colors is almost limitless, limited only by your imagination. The polymer paints used allow an infinite variety of color to make your home unique.
In addition to these advantages, metal roofs are easier to install than shingles or tiles. It can be placed directly over the old roof, keeping costs down by avoiding the demolition and cart away costs of tearing off of the old roof.
If you have a tile roof on your home and it is leaking, you shouldn't jump to conclusions and assume that it is due to faulty tiles. This is because the leak may be originating from a poorly installed roof jack around a pipe or from around an air conditioning unit.
The first thing that you will want to do is to climb up in your attic and try to see where the leak is coming from and bear in mind that water can travel over the felt paper for several feet before it comes into the attic.
If you can see the broken tile however; this does make your job a lot easier and the thing that you will want to do is replace the broken tile without breaking more while you are climbing on the roof. When you walk on a flat tile roof step on the bottom portion of the tiles and if you weigh over 200 pounds you may want to enlist the help of a lighter friend.
Another trick is to shove a couple of long 2X8s on the roof that you have covered on the bottom with carpet padding and use them to walk on to disperse your weight. One trick is to slide pieces of flat sheet metal under the damaged tile and use roofing plastic to glue everything back in place, which most of the time will do the trick.
If you are determined to completely replace the tile though, then use a flat bar to slip under the broken tile, cut or pull any nails and remove it. After you have done that then slide a new tile in place and use roofing plastic to glue it down. Don't start banging new nails into a preexisting tile roof or you will be right back where you started at in short order with more broken tiles.
An old fashioned material for roofs that has been around for a long time is gaining in modern popularity. Many people are realizing the benefits and advantages of metal roofs. Harsh weather in certain areas, and the new variety in types of metal roofs have led to this new popularity.
Metal roofs are much more durable than asphalt shingles and other types of roofing materials. They hold up better against heavy rain and snow, hail, heat and even hurricane force winds. Another benefit is its fire resistant quality. A home is much better protected from both natural and man made disasters when it has a metal roof.
Environmental factors are also leading to new found popularity of metal roofs. Metal roofs reflect the heat of the sun better than traditional materials, keeping your house cooler in summer and warmer in winter. Energy costs can be as much as 20% lower with metal roofs because of this thermal reflectivity.
Most metal roofs have a system that interlocks the sheets on all four sides, instead of just overlaying like shingles or tiles. This makes metal roofs much stronger and more durable.
The paint and other coatings used on modern metal roofs is also a different kind. The coatings are metallic and polymer, making the roofs corrosion resistant. The polymer coatings will look faded due to exposure, but a good rinse with water will restore their looks. Because of these new materials, modern metal roofs require little to no maintenance.
In addition to weather and fire resistance, energy efficiency and durability are compelling reasons for choosing a metal roof. The energy saving qualities of metal roofs have made them very much in demand and have therefore increased the resale value of the homes that have them. With energy costs soaring, people recognize this as a very valuable quality. IN addition, metal roofs last 40 to 50 years, unlike shingles or tiles, which traditionally last about 25 years.
The modern versions of the metal roof have a much larger variety of styles and colors than other roofing materials. Since they are painted, the choice of colors is almost limitless, limited only by your imagination. The polymer paints used allow an infinite variety of color to make your home unique.
In addition to these advantages, metal roofs are easier to install than shingles or tiles. It can be placed directly over the old roof, keeping costs down by avoiding the demolition and cart away costs of tearing off of the old roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal Roofing
If someone where to say to say the words "metal roofing" I bet most people would be thinking of the old and ugly, and often rusting, corrugated metal roof. But metal roofing materials have come a long way and have become much more popular in recent years. They are attractive, light weight, durable and fire resistant. There are many types of options for metal roofing but the main two are aluminum and steel. Each has their own benefits depending on its application.
Aluminum is strong, durable and light weight. These are the same properties that makes aluminum a popular choice in the aerospace industry. And if its good enough for NASA then its excellent as a roofing material. Due to its being very light weight roofing with aluminum does not require the structure's roof to be reinforced which can be a problem when using other heavier materials such as tile or slate. Another major benefit to using aluminum is its resistance to rust and corrosion. This can be a very important advantage for those building is coastal areas that will be subjected to salt spray. And lastly because aluminum is more malleable than steel it can more easily be formed into various designs and shapes.
Steel is another option for a metal roof. But steel itself is not known for its corrosion resistance and will start to rust quite quickly. Therefore the steel that is used as a roofing material is galvanized. This means that the steel is given a protective coated of either zinc or zinc/aluminum to give it the rust and corrosion protection needed for use in roofing. For use in areas of high winds steel can be a better option than other metal roofing materials because of its higher resistance to wind uplift. Galvanized steel roofing is also available in a variety of finishings. It can be painted, aggregate-coated, or with a mill or bare finish. It will also never crack or peel when exposed to sun and weather making a long lasting material.
For home owners looking to save on cooling costs in the summer metal roofs can do just that. With a tradition asphalt shingle heat from the sun can be absorbed into the home heating it up throughout the day. A metal roof will tend to reflect the radiant heat away that would normally collect in the home's attic. Depending on where you live you could save about 40% on your cooling costs.
The biggest stumbling block most home owners have with metal roofing is the cost as it is more expensive than other available roofing options and yes, if you plan on moving in a few years than a metal roof may not be cost effective. But if you are planning on living in your home for a long period of time a metal roof can actually be cheaper. That's because a metal roof can last as long as fifty years or more and requires very little maintenance. In the same time period an asphalt roof may need replacement 2-4 times.
A properly and professionally installed metal roofing, whichever type you choose, will give you decades of protection and beauty to your home. Add to it the energy cost savings and you have a winning combination.
If someone where to say to say the words "metal roofing" I bet most people would be thinking of the old and ugly, and often rusting, corrugated metal roof. But metal roofing materials have come a long way and have become much more popular in recent years. They are attractive, light weight, durable and fire resistant. There are many types of options for metal roofing but the main two are aluminum and steel. Each has their own benefits depending on its application.
Aluminum is strong, durable and light weight. These are the same properties that makes aluminum a popular choice in the aerospace industry. And if its good enough for NASA then its excellent as a roofing material. Due to its being very light weight roofing with aluminum does not require the structure's roof to be reinforced which can be a problem when using other heavier materials such as tile or slate. Another major benefit to using aluminum is its resistance to rust and corrosion. This can be a very important advantage for those building is coastal areas that will be subjected to salt spray. And lastly because aluminum is more malleable than steel it can more easily be formed into various designs and shapes.
Steel is another option for a metal roof. But steel itself is not known for its corrosion resistance and will start to rust quite quickly. Therefore the steel that is used as a roofing material is galvanized. This means that the steel is given a protective coated of either zinc or zinc/aluminum to give it the rust and corrosion protection needed for use in roofing. For use in areas of high winds steel can be a better option than other metal roofing materials because of its higher resistance to wind uplift. Galvanized steel roofing is also available in a variety of finishings. It can be painted, aggregate-coated, or with a mill or bare finish. It will also never crack or peel when exposed to sun and weather making a long lasting material.
For home owners looking to save on cooling costs in the summer metal roofs can do just that. With a tradition asphalt shingle heat from the sun can be absorbed into the home heating it up throughout the day. A metal roof will tend to reflect the radiant heat away that would normally collect in the home's attic. Depending on where you live you could save about 40% on your cooling costs.
The biggest stumbling block most home owners have with metal roofing is the cost as it is more expensive than other available roofing options and yes, if you plan on moving in a few years than a metal roof may not be cost effective. But if you are planning on living in your home for a long period of time a metal roof can actually be cheaper. That's because a metal roof can last as long as fifty years or more and requires very little maintenance. In the same time period an asphalt roof may need replacement 2-4 times.
A properly and professionally installed metal roofing, whichever type you choose, will give you decades of protection and beauty to your home. Add to it the energy cost savings and you have a winning combination.
