Roofing companies offer a variety of roofing materials to suit aesthetic preferences and withstand damage. Different kinds of roofing materials perform better in certain types of weather and climates. You can choose from more common roof material options like shingles, tiles, and sheeting or lesser-known options like thermoplastics. Here is more information on your material options:
Wood Shingles
Some homeowners prefer wood shingles because of their unique and rustic aesthetic. Wood shingles can be made of cedar, redwood, spruce, and many other types of wood. The choice depends on personal preference and local climate conditions. Because wood is susceptible to water damage, wood shingles may work better in hot, non-rainy climates. If treated, they may become more fire-retardant and water-resistant. Some species of wood are also naturally more rot-resistant than other types. Talk to roofing companies about what wood species work best for your local weather conditions.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are made of bitumen and aggregate or granules fixed onto organic or fiberglass mats. They are a common type of residential roofing material because they are resistant to harsh weather conditions like rain, wind, and hail. White-colored asphalt shingles are more solar-reflectant than black shingles, so you might want white-colored shingles if you live in a sunny area. Asphalt shingles are also easy to install and allow for quick reroofing.
Tile Roofing
Clay, cement, and slate tile roofing systems are beneficial for their durability and color customizability. While these materials are heavier than other types, they are also more fire-resistant, making them preferable in fire-prone areas. They also allow better air circulation above and below the tiles, are highly reflective, and have high emissivity values. These properties make tile roofing ideal for sunny areas.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing comes in galvanized aluminum or galvanized steel and is available in sheeting or tiles. The sheets and tiles can have a zinc coating to protect against corrosion and colored paint to make them aesthetically pleasing. Two common types of metal roofing are corrugated and standing seam.
Corrugated metal roofs are sheets or tiles screwed together to form round ridges that look like “S” shapes. They are lightweight and durable against harsh weather conditions. Standing seam roofing conceals the fasteners used to attach the metal sheets together. This type of roofing is customizable, with various options for profile design, striation patterns, and color.
Single-ply Roofing
Single-ply roofing is a method of installation where the material is installed in one layer as sheets. Single-ply roofing materials offer differing amounts of flexibility and various kinds of resistance. Options include:
- Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM): This is a type of rubber material. It is resistant to UV rays, abrasions, and weathering.
- Thermoplastic roof membrane (TPO): This is a combination of polypropylene and ethylene-propylene rubber. It is durable against punctures, tears, and aging, resistant to rot, and reflective against solar rays.
- Polyvinyl chloride (PVC): This is a blend of chemical resin and plasticizer. It has high fire resistance and high solar reflectance.
- Chlorosulfonated polyethylene (CSPE): This is a thermoplastic material with weather-resistant and fire-resistant properties. It is also durable and quick to install.
Contact Roofing Companies To Discuss Options
When choosing a roofing material for your home or business, take into account weather and climate conditions, aesthetics, and ease of installation. Different kinds of roofing materials will work better in some situations than others. Asphalt roofing is lightweight and versatile, tile roofing is durable but heavy, metal roofing is lightweight and customizable, and single-ply roofing is highly resistant to damage. If you are unsure of what kind of roofing material is right for you, talk to roofing companies. They understand the area conditions and what material will work best for your preferences.
