Roofing Types

There are many different types of roofing products and systems available to residential and commercial customers in Texas. The most common types of roofing products and styles are listed below.

Asphalt

The most commonly used roofing type is the Asphalt shingle. Asphant shingles are reinforced with fiber glass or paper and have various durability ranges. Asphalt roofs usually last twenty to thirty years.

Dimensional

A shingle that is textured, overlayed, or laminated and designed to produce a three-dimensional effect. Dimensional shingles, also known as architectural or laminated shingles, are becoming increasingly popular. These shingles are similar to regular three tab asphalt (or composition) shingles, but have two layers of shingle material bonded together rather than a single layer. The exposure of the top layer of shingles has random notches taken out, and the bottom layer is adhered to the top layer. This gives architectural shingles a scattered, three dimensional look to the roof, with different high and low tabs. Due to the thicker layer of material, they offer more protection from wind and hail than asphalt shingles. These shingles are also very fire resistant. They have a longer lifespan, usually lasting for 40 years while manufacturer warranties can be seen anywhere from 20 to 50 years.

EPDM

EPDM rubber (ethylene propylene diene Monomer (M-class) rubber), and is used as a covering to waterproof roofs. EPDM offers a quick, clean, inexpensive solution able to be installed in a wide range of temperatures. EPDM roofing systems provide excellent UV and weather resistance as well. Systems can be installed fully adhered, mechanically fastened or ballasted. It has the benefit that it does not pollute the runoff rainwater.

Flat

A flat roof is a type of covering of a building. In contrast to the sloped form of a roof, a flat roof is horizontal or nearly horizontal. Materials that cover flat roofs typically allow the water to run off freely from a very slight inclination. Surfaces for flat roofing include EPDM, PVC, TPO, Asphalt, Modified Bitumen.

Metal

Metal roofs are great for any type of roof and are ideal in forested, moss prone, or heavy precipitation areas. Typically made up of steel, alumninum or copper, metal roofs offer some of the best protection for your home. They withstand high winds, shed snow and rain very effectively and are fire resistant. It has a long life and can even lower heating and cooling costs because it reflects heat from the sun. If properly installed a metal roof will usually last as long as the house with manufacturer warranties often lasting 50 years. It is non-combustible, corrosion resistant and metal roofing is completely recycleable. Metal roofing has superb durability and is excellent in extreme weather conditions.

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) membrane roofing is also known as vinyl roofing. PVC roofing is extremely strong, as its heat-welded seams form a permanent, watertight bond that is stronger than the membrane itself. Vinyl roofs are inherently fire resistant due to their chemical composition and have a broader range of fire ratings over common substrates. PVC has been sold for commercial roofing use for more than 40 years. Vinyl roofs provide an energy-efficient roofing option due to their inherently light coloring. A black roof can experience a temperature increase of as much as 90 degrees under the sun’s heat, while a white reflective roof typically increases only 10-25 degrees Fahrenheit. Vinyl membranes can also be used in waterproofing applications for roofing. This is a common technique used in association with green, or planted, roofs.

Slate

Slate shingles made of stone are very durable and can last 100 years, however, slate shingles are approximately 3 times heavier per square foot than an asphalt shingle. Slate is a more difficult to work with than other types of roofing because slate shingle can break easily. But slate roofs create very colorful, and hand-crafted look that adds beauty to the overall aesthetic of a home.

Stone Coated Steel

Panels made from zinc/aluminum-coated steel with acrylic gel coating. The stones are usually a natural product with a colored ceramic coating.The strength and durability of a stone coated steel roof is combined with the versatile good looks of a tile, shake or shingle exterior to give you the widest possible selection. Stone Coated Steel is energy efficient, and a tax credit are up to $500 for approved metal roof. Fire, freeze and thaw, wind resistant. 50 year warranties or longer.

Sustainable-Green

There are several sustainable green roofing options available. Metal or slate roofs can last 100 years and are energy efficient. Reflective roofs use 40% less energy for cooling and increases the resistance to UV damage. Class 4 shingles are rated to withstand hail, and will lower your insurance rates. Other factors to consider are metal roofs are recyclable, a roof with a longer warranty saves you money and the energy to make a roof that lasts 50 years is the same roof with a 15 year warranty.

Tile (Clay)

Clay tile is most often thought of in the traditional “S” or “Spanish” tile look but clay can now be made in several other patterns as well. Tile is a very resilient material and is able to withstand some of the harshest elements such as hail, wind, and fire. The one drawback to tiles is their weight; they are very heavy, and require certain structural standards for the frame and decking of the roof. They have a great life expectancy, with a minimum duration of 40 to 50 years. Clay Tile offer one of the longest warranties in the roofing industry. Most tile manufacturers will offer a minimum of a 50 year limited warranty on their products.

Tile (Concrete)

Concrete tiles are made up of sand, cement, and water. Concrete tiles are very fire resistant and usually come with a top class fire rating. Concrete tiles are very resistant to damage from hail, offer good protection against rain and can withstand wind speeds up to 125 miles per hour. They also allow snow to run off the roof more effectively than many other roofing materials. Concrete tiles can last the lifetime of the house, so manufacturer warranties are normally long and in some cases you may find limited lifetime warranties. Concrete tile has essentially all of the upsides of clay tile but with the added advantage of being available in an even greater number of styles including traditional clay, slate, and even wood shake! It is ideal for communities with appearance codes because it has such a wide range of appearance options.

TPO

TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) single-ply roofing. This roofing material can be fully adhered, mechanically fastened, or ballasted. This is a popular choice for “Green” building. It is available in white, grey, and black. Using white roof material helps reduce the “heat island effect” and solar heat gain in the building. TPO roofing systems are designed for durability and to withstand extreme environmental exposure.

Wood and Cedar Shakes

Wood shingles and shakes may cost more than asphalt shingles but they give a natural and traditional look. Cedar is the most commonly used wood roofing material. Cedar shakes combine a traditional look with reliable, modern performance. Cedar shakes are a great choice for historic homes or homes in new developments with high appearance standards. Also, cedar shakes are an environmentally friendly option for consumers. The life expectancy of cedar shakes is up to 30 years, if quality materials are used. If the contractor uses commodity materials (low quality) or if the workmanship is poor, the life expectancy can drop to only 10 to 15 years.

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