Tag: roofing materials

Your roof is one of the most crucial factors in controlling the temperature in your home. This is of particular importance in hot climates where sun exposure is frequent and inside temperature is naturally high. You should choose materials with respect to the support and frame strength of your home but there are plenty of options to stay cool during the warm seasons for all homes. With cool roofing materials, you can successfully repel hot temperatures, and keep your house cool all summer long.

Here’s what you should know about choosing cool roofing materials.

Heavier Roofing Materials

If your home is built with a reinforced roofing structure, or you are willing to invest in such enhancements, there are considerably more cool roofing options available to keep your home colder. Concrete tiles are a perfect example. While one of the heavier materials available, concrete is slow to heat. It is also available in lighter colors which provide additional reflecting of solar rays.

For a more rustic look, clay and terra cotta tiling provides many of the same attributes as their concrete counterparts. “S” tiles interlock to create arch-shaped gaps which allow not only for moisture runoff, but also increased air circulation. When combined with light coloration for added sunlight deflection, this type of cool roofing material can provide outstanding cooling properties.

A final choice for heavy tile roof construction is slate roofing, a very popular choice for classic European-style homes. Like clay and concrete, slate tiles do a good job of shrugging off the beating sun. This keeps your house feeling cooler, reducing energy consumption.

Lightweight Options

When time and budgetary concerns exist, you will most likely want to choose from lighter-weight cool roofing materials. For flat roofs that are not visible from the ground level, membrane roofing can deliver outstanding hot-weather performance at a value.

For a more traditional look with the benefit of ample heat protection, metal roofing is one of the top choices available. As with tile configurations, light-colored metal panels are ideal for maximum solar deflection. In any case, metal is very low in weight, affordable, and great for keeping the heat outside.

Whether you are building a new home or upgrading your existing one, there are number of cool roofing options to keep cool when the heat is on. Consult a professional roofer to determine the load-bearing capacity for your home if you are unsure about employing heavier materials and you will be sure to proceed with the greatest confidence.

The old adage, “Not all things are created equal,” certainly applies to roofs as well. Indeed, with the varied and vast architectural styles in both urban and suburban areas in the United States and around the world. The types of roofs on the market today run the gamut from modern to old school to cutting edge. Regardless, they all serve a common important function: that is, to provide fundamental protection for your home.

The Top Five Types of Roofs

Despite the diversity of roofs out there, there are some types of roofs that are more common than others. The most popular roofs on the market today include the following:

• Asphalt or shingle roofs
• Metal roofs
• Wood roofs
• Tile and cement roofs
• Slate roofs

Installation of any one of these types of roofs depends on a number of factors, including climate, economics and aesthetics. For example, tile and cement roofs are often used in areas that are prone to extreme heat because of their inherent ability to deflect and absorb UV rays efficiently, thereby keeping houses cooler. Asphalt or shingle roofs are easy to install. They are often more affordable than other types of roofing materials, which makes them a popular choice among homeowners. Finally, metal roofs, which are also effective in deflecting UV-light, are durable and have long lives, making them an increasingly popular option.

Roofs of the Future

In addition to the aforementioned options, roofs that are increasingly being utilized today, particularly in urban areas, are eco friendly “green” roofs. These roofs work by providing a partial or complete coverage of vegetation on the roofing agent of a building (often metal), which acts as an insulating agent for the building. These types of roofs also absorb rainwater more efficiently and are aesthetically pleasing to neighbors and homeowners.

From green roofs to asphalt or shingle roofs to metal roofs, there are myriad options when it comes to roofing. In selecting which type is best for your situation, the key is to determine your needs. Do your research before committing to a product.

Deciding on a roof can be difficult, as your roof adds the finishing touch of beauty to your home. In addition, the choice of roof you choose can affect your energy costs and comfort level, as well. Last but not least, a well-chosen roof can add to the value of your home.

Roofing Considerations

Before deciding on a roof type, there are several factors that you should consider, since certain materials work better in certain situations than in others. A few important factors are:

• Location
• Pitch of the roof
• Structure at the house

The location of your home will determine the best type of roofing materials. For instance, in a hot desert setting, you might choose a Mission style tile roof, or one made of metal. Both of these examples provide a cooling effect and are fire resistant.

The pitch of your roof, in simple terms the degree of slant, also affects the type of building material that can be used. A metal roof, for instance, does not work well on a flat surface.

The structure of the house is important inasmuch as some roofing materials are very heavy, such as slate. It is important to know that the foundation of your home will be able to withstand the weight of the roofing material you choose.

Budget Considerations

Roofing materials can vary widely in cost, with asphalt shingles on the lowest end and slate at the highest end of the range. When deciding on a roof type, it’s important to keep this in mind. In addition to budget considerations, you will also want to match the roof to the style of your home.

Mission style housing looks great with Spanish tile roofs. These homes are usually found on the West Coast and in the Midwest and reflect Spanish influences. The tile roofs are specifically engineered for the area where they are located and include an inherent design for cooling. They are, however, heavy and expensive.

Metal roofs can be designed to suit almost any architecture, and have very clean lines. They offer benefits such as lasting for 35 years without needing to be painted. However, they are more costly to have installed initially, and require a specific pitch to work well. All of these are considerations to think of before deciding on a roof.

Rely on the Expertise of Your Roofing Contractor

The roofing contractors in your local area are in the best position to advise you on the type of roofing materials that are best suited for your local area. If you have your heart set on a particular type of roofing material, you should located contractor who specializes roofs of that type. Ask if you can see a portfolio of his work or perhaps visit some of the houses where he has installed the type of roof you desire. Do your research and you can likely look forward to many years of enjoyment with your new roof.

If you are in the market for a new roof, there are a seemingly endless number of residential roofs available. This can make it difficult to decide which type of roof is right for you and your budget. If you want to ensure that you get a quality roof at a great price, stick with the three essential types of residential roofs. These three essential roofs are: metal, shingles, and rubber.

Standing Seam Metal Roofs

Standing seam metal roofing has gained popularity in recent years because of their ability to help homeowners cut their energy bills. Some metal roofs are even Energy-Star rated. They are 15 to 20 percent cooler than other available roofing options. The metal roofing today is typically pre-painted. Therefore, you do not have to worry about needing to paint your roof after installation. The sharp colors and smooth lines of standing seam metal roofs add a sleek, crisp touch to any house.

Shingle and Slate Roofs

If you need new residential roofs and are unable to have a metal one installed, a shingle or slate roof is the next best option. If you do not want to bother with the hassle that sometimes attends owning a shingle roof, ask for a composite slate roof. This type of roof often closely resembles an actual shingle roof.

Rubber Roofs

If you have a flat roof that you need to resurface, your best choice for residential roofs are rubber roofing. It is extremely low maintenance, and it is easy to repair; however, rubber roofing is generally hardy enough that repairs are few and far between. The most important feature of rubber roofing, especially when it comes to flat roofs, is its water-tightness. Water pools quite easily on flat roofs. You want to be sure that your roofing material will be able to handle standing water for an extended period of time.

Choose With Care

Selecting the material for your roof is a delicate choice that will affect you for years to come. If you want to be sure that your roof will stand the test of time, opt for one of the three essential types of residential roofs.

As a homeowner, one of the most important things to consider is the type of roof you are going to have. You have several different kinds to choose from, such as roofs made out of metal to ones constructed out of rubber. These cost effective roofs come with several advantages.

Types of Cost Effective Roofs

Below are some of the most cost effective roofs. Roofs can be cost effective for a variety of reasons, such as durability, longevity, and total cost.

Metal Roofs

One of the most durable types of roofs is one made out of metal. These roofs don’t have any shingles on them, so you never have to worry about replacing them over the years. Metal roofs can also improve the energy efficiency of your home, since they are so durable and well built. These cost effective roofs are completely safe for the environment, as they don’t contain any toxic chemicals in the metal. Even more, they are fire-resistant. So if a fire starts in your home, the roof is not going to get damaged easily.

Asphalt Shingles

A more common type of roof is one made of asphalt shingles. These are the most affordable, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when customizing your home’s roof. Some asphalt shingles are extremely thick, allowing them to last for a long time. They also come in many different colors, which let you enhance the curb appeal of your home. Also, if one of the asphalt shingles gets damaged over the years, replacing it isn’t going to be difficult or cost you a lot of money.

Wood Shingles

If you are looking for a more stylish type of roof, getting one with wood shingles is a good idea. These cost effective roofs are more elegant than asphalt shingles, and they come with many advantages. They help insulate the attic, as well as let your home breathe better. This makes the inside of your home cooler during the summer months.

The roof of your home is important to consider both in terms of structure and aesthetic value. By considering the cost effective roofs listed above, you can make an informed decision. That way, you are happy with your home’s roof for years and years.