Different types of roofing materials
Today, advanced roofing materials provide an unprecedented
range of alternatives, as well as new looks for existing materials.
1. Solar tiles
Advanced solar
collectors integrate seamlessly into existing shingles, generating up to 1 kilowatt of energy per 100 square feet.
They’re particularly good for sunny roofs in homeowners’ associations that
forbid typical solar panels.
2. Asphalt shingles
Asphalt shingles are
the most common roofing materials in America because they’re effective in all
environmental conditions. Quality varies widely, so ask whether they pass the
ASTM D3161, Class F (110 mph) or ASTM D7158, Class H (150 mph) wind tests and
the AC438 durability test.
3. Metal roofing
Metal roofing comes in vertical panels or
shingles resembling slate, tile and shake – and lasts about 60 years. Metal excels at sloughing off heavy snow and rain, won’t burn and resists
high winds.
4. Stone-coated steel
Interlocking panels
mimic slate, clay or shingles and resist damage caused by heavy rains (up to
8.8 inches per hour), winds of 120 miles per hour, uplifting, hail and
freeze-thaw cycles.
5. Slate
Slate roofing lasts
more than 100 years. It won’t burn, is waterproof and resists mold and fungus.
Slate is effective in wet climates but is expensive, heavy and may be easily
broken when stepped on. Keep this in mind if you live in an area that
experiences hail.
6. Rubber slate
Rubber slate looks
natural and can be cut with a knife to fit intricate roofs like those found on
Victorian homes. Rubber slate roofs can last 100 years but can be damaged by
satellite dishes and walking – so may also be susceptible to damage by hail, similar
to slate.
7. Clay and concrete tiles
Clay and concrete roof
tiles can withstand damage from tornadoes, hurricanes or winds up to 125 miles
per hour and even earthquakes, according to "A Summary of Experimental
Studies on Seismic Performance of Concrete and Clay Roofing Tiles" by the University of Southern California for the
Tile Roofing Institute.
8. Green roofs
Green roofs are
covered with plants and can improve air quality, reduce water runoff and
insulate homes to reduce urban heat islands.
9. Built-up roofing
This heavy roofing consists of layers of asphalt, tar or adhesive topped with an
aggregate and is only for flat roofs. Tar and gravel roofs, also for flat
roofs, are best for roof-top decks with heavy foot traffic.
Comments
Post a Comment