Selecting the right roofing material is a key decision for any property owner. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the characteristics and benefits of different materials – from asphalt shingles to metal roofing.
Whether we are discussing your home or commercial/industrial building, the purpose of the roof remains the same; to protect the occupants and contents. The primary differences in residential and commercial roofing are size, shape, and scope.
There are 2 basic types of roof shapes – sloped and “flat” or low-slope. Residential and commercial properties can have either style. However, most residential properties tend to be sloped, while flat roofs are found more frequently on commercial or industrial properties.
The roof shape plays a key factor in determining what roofing materials will work.
Sloped Roof Materials
A “sloped” roof is one that has a rise greater than 3:12. To be less technical, for every foot of horizontal roof, there is a vertical change of 3” or more. This slope allows for water, snow, and other items to roll off the roof easier.
The most common types of roofing materials, also known as roofing systems, for sloped roofs are shingles, tile, and metal.
Shingles
The most common form of roofing system in America is the asphalt shingle. Over 80% of homes boast this system. Whether the traditional version, the 3-tab or the more upscale architectural shingle, asphalt shingles are popular for a multitude of good reasons.
Durability. Asphalt shingles have an average lifespan of around 25-30 years, depending on manufacturer and maintenance.
Cost. One of the least expensive roofing systems available.
Minimal maintenance. If the shingles are replaced as worn or damaged, shingle systems stand up well to many forms of weather.
Environmentally friendly. Asphalt shingles are recyclable in those areas that have appropriate facilities.
Tile
Common in areas that prefer a Mediterranean or Southwestern feeling, clay tiles are a popular residential roofing option. Other tiles include metal, slate, and wood to name a few. As clay tiles are the most common, that will be our focus.
Durability. Clay tiles are surprisingly long-lasting and durable. A lifespan of 50+ years is not unusual, depending on manufacturer and appropriate maintenance.
Insulation. The design of a clay tile roof allows for air to circulate under the tiles, creating an insulating pocket that keeps building temperatures more stable than other options.
Minimal maintenance. Keeping the tiles clean and replacing any cracked/broken tiles as needed is virtually all the maintenance necessary.
Weather Resistant. The common unglazed, red terra cotta reflects about 33% of all solar heat away from the building. Additionally, clay stands up well to rain, snow, and UV radiation.
Metal
Sloped metal roofing comes most frequently in panels and can be made from steel, tin, or copper, just to name a few options. Metal is a wonderful roofing material, though the initial outlay is higher than most other roofing systems.
Durability. Metal roofs have a lifespan of 50+ years, with over 100 years not unusual, if properly maintained.
Strength. No roofing system beats a metal roof for sheer strength. Impervious to UV radiation, metal stands up well to wind, rain, sleet, snow, and hail.
Resilient. Metal is fire resistant. It also stands up to pest infestation, mold and fungal growth and other forms of environmental damage.
Environmentally friendly. Metal roofs are 100% recyclable. Depending on the manufacturer, your new roofing material may be composed of recycled materials, as well.
Flat Roof Materials
Flat roofs have a whole different set of roofing system options. Metal is the single system that works well on both sloped and low-slope roof shapes.
Due to the lack of significant slope, water buildup, known as “ponding” is an issue with flat roof designs.
Asphalt/Tar. The asphalt or tar roofing system has many variations including BUR, bitumen, mod-bit, and others. An asphalt/tar roofing system provides excellent waterproofing to the building. However, it does take significant maintenance to keep in prime shape.
Single-ply Membrane. A single-ply membrane consists of sheets of rubberized materials that are rolled across the roofing substrate. They are adhered to the roof with either industrial adhesives or mechanical connectors, then the seals are glued or heat-welded together. Single-ply membranes are generally reflective, reducing thermal heat to the building and improving energy efficiency.
There are 3 primary types of single-ply membranes.
- TPO – Composed of thermoplastic polyolefin, TPO is known for being cost-effective, easy to install, and energy efficient.
- PVC – Composed of polyvinyl chloride, PVC is known for resistance to grease, oil, and environmental contaminants, making it a good choice for certain business applications.
- EPDM – Also known as “rubber” roofing, EPDM is extremely tough and durable. Previously available only in black, white is now available for improved energy efficiency.
Spray Foam. Spray polyurethane foam, also known as SPF, begins as 2 liquids. When mixed during the spraying application, a foam develops, seeping into imperfections. As it dries, a hard, seamless coating is left behind, providing waterproofing protection. SPF is best known for its high R-value, which makes it one of the best insulating systems available, reducing both heat and cold fluctuations.
Coatings. With many different compositions available, roof coatings may be the most diverse form of roofing system. As a rule, a coating is either sprayed or rolled onto the existing substrate. Like spray foam, the liquid fills in any cracks or imperfections. As it dries, the coating forms a solid seamless layer of protection across the entire roofing structure. Highly reflective, some coatings have been shown to reflect up to 85% of solar heat away from the building.
For more information on the various roofing materials available, or to schedule a consultation with one of our roofing professionals, please call Golden Eagle Roofing at 608-633-6719.