Types of Roofing Materials

Roofing materials vary from locale to locale. In temperate climates, like southern California, you usually see clay tile roofs. In other, more intemperate climates, you see roofs of metal or slate. This article will hones in on the different kinds of roofing materials. We will look at what is best in different locales, and give you an estimated cost for roofing. A little information first - a square in roofing terminology is a 10 foot by 10 foot section of roof. Roofers determine this by calculation, and always add a certain percentage for cutting and replacement. Depending on where you live should dictate the type of roof you would have. A clay roof works as well in New England as it does in Southern California, but in New England, the trend is towards metal roofs due to the intemperate weather.

Asphalt Shingles
If you can't afford the high cost of clay tile or slate roofs, the more popular and least expensive is the asphalt roofing shingle. These are the more popular roofing material. They come in two types - organic, and non-organic, which is fiberglass. They follow strict guidelines for manufacture. They come in so many different colors and durability. They are seen on homes in every part of the nation. The largest downfall of this shingle is its vulnerability to wind and ice damage. Always make sure to have a certified roofer install them to guarantee that warranties are in effect. Plan on paying on average of $55 per square for installation.

Clay Tile
Clay is a good roofing material iregardles of where it is found, and is resistant to insects, mold and decay, won't burn, and will usually outlast the decking it is built upon. You will see this roof on homes with a southwestern, Italian, or Spanish Mission design. This style is more prevalent in California. Keep in mind that a clay roof is very heavy, and expensive to install. It should never be walked on. Plan on paying $150 to $400 a square to have a clay roof installed.


Slate
Slate is another roofing material that is long lasting and close to indestructible. Seeing a roof that is slate and 100 years old is not unusual. This kind of roof is usually seen in New England. It is as resistant to outside influences as clay tile, and is also quite heavy. It is very expensive to install, because skilled stonemasons generally install it. Prepare to pay $1,000 a square to have it installed. The good thing about this high cost is that you have a roof that will never need to be replaced in your lifetime.

Wooden Shingles
Wooden shingles are a good roofing material generally made from Western Red Cedar. Cedar is resistant to rot and decay. It comes in two types depending on manufacturer. There is a hand sawn and tapered shingle, called a shake, and a shingle that is sawn. They come in three categories - one, two and three. A number one is the best for roofing. They often come in different sizes. Plan on paying $70 to $100 a square to have installed.

Metal
In the late 1700s, zinc, copper, and lead were the more popular materials used for roofing. They lasted for decades, but are quite expensive to build. Today, we see Galvanized or Galvalume Steel roofs. Galvanized is the more popular, and Galvalume is used in the South where hurricanes are usual. The typical metal roof costs anywhere from $1.80 to $6.00 per square foot to install. It installs very rapidly and easily. It is resistant to fire, insects, mildew and rot. These roofs are usually seen in climates that get a great deal of snow.

Whatever your wish for roofing materials are, make sure to know the cost of installation and durability issues. A good roof will last for many years - a poorly installed roof will be nothing but trouble. Use these guidelines in your next roofing project.