Common Types of Home Roofs

The roof, as any roof contractor knows, is the most important part of a house and it’s important to keep it in good shape. A well maintained roof will not only keep the inhabitants safe and comfortable, but will add value to the house. Therefore any roof repair, if called for, should be done without delay.

Humans have used all sorts of materials to make roofs, from sod to tin to the now largely banned but wonderfully fireproof and insulating asbestos. Here are some common materials used for home roofs.

Asphalt

Asphalt is the most popular roofing material in the United States. The asphalt shingles are made of a matrix of wood and paper or fiberglass that’s been impregnated with asphalt. One side holds tiny granules of minerals or ceramics, which give the roof its color and protect it from sun damage. Fiberglass asphalt roofs are expensive but they last longer and are fire resistant. There are some houses that still have their asbestos roofs, which is fine as long as the asbestos is undisturbed. If the homeowner wants their asbestos roof replaced, they’ll need to hire a roofing contractor who’s qualified in handling the material.

Slate

Slate is a stone that comes in natural shades of dark blue. It splits easily and is easily trimmed to make roof tiles. A slate roof can last a very long time, and it’s not unheard of for a 200 year old home to still have its original slate roof. It’s waterproof and fireproof but is very heavy and the roofing frame must be very strong to support it. The nails in a slate roof might wear out before the slate does and it’s better to replace a slate than try to repair it if it’s damaged. Roof repair on slate roofs should be done by a professional, as slate roofs are hazardous to walk and work on.

Cedar Shingles and Shakes

Of all wood roofing material, Western red cedar is the most popular, followed by white cedar and spruce. These roofs, if they’re treated with a preservative every five years or so, can last many decades. The difference between shingles and shakes is that shingles have two smooth sides and are sawn. Shakes are split with an instrument called a froe and are rough on both sides. Even treated, these wooden materials can crack, splinter or curl because of the stresses of rain and dry periods. However, roof repair is simple.

Metal

Roofs can be made out of many kinds of metal, including copper and the familiar tin found on old country houses. Aluminum and galvanized steel have also become popular. Some roofs can be textured to resemble wooden shingles or even clay tiles. These roofs need professional installation but are very durable. Because they’re out in the weather they’re susceptible to corrosion, especially if different metals are in contact with each other. For this reason, metal roofs should always be fastened with nails or screws made out of the same type of metal.

Jason Knapfel is Content Manager for Webfor, a Portland, OR Internet marketing company. One of their clients is A&E Roofing. a Roofing Contractor Salem OR.

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