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Roofing Materials-But Which one Do You Choose?

02.11.2009 · Posted in Home and Garden Articles

A house can be topped with a variety of roofing materials, each with distinct advantages and disadvantages. Location is a important concern when selecting materials, for example in coastal areas where hurricanes are common a sturdier material is used. In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but in the world of homes it’s “owner know thy roof.”nnA base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated granules are fiberglass asphalt shingles. This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories. Seems like a winner!nnArchitectural shingle is an inorganic, three dimensional shingle. Because it is multi layered it has depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than other shingles.nnA cheaper alternative to shingles is roll roofing. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or on steeper roofs as a compliment to shingles. This is used most often on industrial buildings. It comprises of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. Easy to install, this type of material will last between 10 and 20 years.nnSteel panels used in place of shingles, metal roofing, are also popular. Zinc is used in the best steel panels. Like roll roofing this is most common on industrial buildings. It is durable, withstands fire, and lasts a long time.nnThe earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. They are made with a assortment of woods, but cedar is most common. Wood shingles are amongst the most difficult to install. Wood burns. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but cannot eliminate it.nnIn the interest of being complete, a discussion of other elements of the roof is necessary. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of roofing material or sheet metal strips used to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. A special type of flashing is a “boot,” made to fit around a vent pipe. Boots containing lead generally last longer than the roof. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Building paper helps keep water away from the wood frame under the shingles.nnThe Internet is full of info on these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. Ignore this selective information and you could be all wet.

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