8 Different Types of Roofing Materials

When choosing a comercial roof, you may need to consider type of roofing materials that suit for your house's architectural style. Today, advanced roofing materials provide a new range of alternatives, as well as new looks for existing materials. 

Below are 8 different types of roofing to consider for your roofing:

1. Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most popular roofing materials in America because they work well in all environmental conditions. Quality varies widely, good quality shingles must pass the ASTM D3161, Class F (110 mph) or ASTM D7158, Class H (150 mph) wind tests and the AC438 durability test. In the beginning costs are low, you should expect to replace the shingles after about 20 years. If you live in a hail prone area, consider impact resistant shingles which have a UL 2218 Class 4 rating. Impact resistant shingles may qualify for a discount on your homeowner’s premium.

2. 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. It is lightweight and can be installed over existing roofs. However, metal can be noisy during rainstorms, and may dent from hail. Average costs range between $5 and $12 per square foot, depending on type and style of metal – which is more than asphalt but less than concrete tiles. Corrosion also varies by material.

3. Stone-coated steel

This kind of roofing is known to last a long time if installed properly. Their life span ranges from 40–70 years, compared to asphalt shingles that need to be replaced approximately every 20 years. Because steel can endure much more than most traditional roofing materials, it's a great investment in the long-term future of your home

4. Slate shingles

Homeowner can choose the slate shingles as the finest roofing material. There are slate roofs hundreds of years old that are still functioning. True slate roofing is just as it sounds: authentic, thin sheets of real stone. Because slate has a tendency to cleave off in thin sheets, it is easy to quarry, making it ideal for roofing. But installing slate is a very specialized skill, and qualified installers can be hard to find.

Slate roofs typically cost $30 to $75 per square foot, installed. But it is very likely the only roofing you will ever install—a slate tile roof often lasts 75 to 200 years.

5. 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. Roofing professionals that are trained to install rubber slate may be hard to find.

6. Clay roof tiles 

Clay can withstand damage from tornadoes, hurricanes or winds up to 125 miles per hour and even earthquakes. They are good in warm, dry climates. They may require extra support to bear their weight, and they are likely to break when walked on.

7. Concrete roof tiles

Concrete tile is an alternative to clay tile, with similar installation techniques and similar advantages. Concrete tiles are molded from standard sand-mix concrete colored to whatever hues are desired. A variety of profiles are available, some of which resemble rolled clay tiles, others that are low-profile resembling wood shakes. Concrete tile is sometimes finished with a decorative coating. It is a very heavy roofing material, making it a good choice in high-wind regions.

Costs are about one-third less than clay tile—typically about $9 to $12 per square foot. Life expectancy is 50 years or longer.

8. 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. These roofs may become sticky in summer, and it is harder to shovel snow off of these roofs when compared to smooth surfaces. They can last 20 to 25 years.

The best type of roof for you really depends on your climate, budget and house. To see what’s best in your area, talk with licensed roofing contractors and look at some of the newer developments nearby to get ideas on what type of roofing material to use.

From: DIY