Choosing Roofing Materials for Your Home

A building’s roof is its main barrier to the elements. Even if the structure is well-maintained, a new roof may be required when existing roofing becomes damaged.

Clay or concrete tile is a durable roofing material. From mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles to flat styles that create French and English looks, a type of tile will work with every architectural style. Contact Missoula Roofing now!

The construction of a house requires the use of various building materials. Roofing plywood is a popular choice among builders because of its durability and affordability. It is also moisture-resistant, making it a good option for any roof construction. Choosing the right plywood for your roof construction is vital in order to ensure that it can withstand all weather elements and last a long time. Choosing the right plywood for your home will save you money in the long run, as it will protect against damages and reduce the need for repairs.

Choosing the right plywood for your home can be difficult as there are many different options on the market. Choosing the best one for your needs will depend on factors like the size of your roof, local weather conditions, and your budget. You should also consider whether your project requires fire retardant treatment (FRT) or not.

Plywood is a manmade type of wood that consists of thin layers of veneers, known as plies, which are glued together. Each layer has a cross-grain orientation, which makes it much stronger and more stable than regular wood. This is what gives it its superior strength and resistance to bending and sagging under heavy loads. Unlike other types of wood, plywood is less susceptible to water damage and can withstand high temperatures.

Besides plywood, there are other types of engineered wood products that can be used in roofing construction. These include OSB and LVL. OSB is similar to plywood but it has more density. It is made by interleaving wood strands with glue and resin to form thick panels. This makes it strong and stable, as well as easy to work with.

Roll Roofing

Roll roofing is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly solution for their home or small commercial structure. It is also a good choice for roofs with low slopes, such as those found on sheds and busy workshops. This type of roofing is applied in large sheets and typically requires less labor to install than shingle roofing. It is commonly made of fiberglass mats coated with asphalt and is highly durable and water resistant.

The installation process for rolled roofing is fairly easy and can be completed as a DIY project by homeowners who follow proper roof safety guidelines. It can also be applied by professional roofers. The ease of application and quick installation process can significantly cut labor costs compared to other roofing materials.

Before installing rolled roofing, the roof deck should be in good condition and free of any structural damage or other issues that may impact its integrity. It should also be cleaned and completely dry. Using a paint roller, apply the manufacturer-recommended amount of roof adhesive or a roof primer to the entire surface of the roof.

After applying the adhesive, begin to lay the rolled roofing, overlapping the previous strip by at least 3 inches. Once the first sheet is in place, hammer nails at 10-inch intervals around the perimeter of the roof. Apply the second layer of roofing in a similar fashion and overlap the ends and sides. Use a broom to smooth the roof once the roofing is applied.

Roll roofing can be damaged by prolonged exposure to UV rays, which can cause it to oxidize and crack over time. Regular inspections are recommended to identify potential problems and to promptly repair them before they worsen.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are among the most popular roofing materials used on homes today. They come in a wide range of colors and styles, making them easy to coordinate with the aesthetic of your home. These shingles are also durable and affordable, protecting your home for years to come.

The base of an asphalt shingle is made of either organic material (cellulose fibers) or inorganic material (glass fibers). This base is then saturated with asphalt and surfaced with ceramic-coated opaque mineral granules. The granules help to protect the shingle from sun damage.

There are two basic types of asphalt shingles: three-tab and architectural. Three-tab shingles are simple and inexpensive, but they don’t provide as much protection against wind uplift or blow-off as architectural shingles do. Three-tab shingles are often installed in rental properties or homes with lower property values. Architectural shingles, on the other hand, are designed to improve your home’s appearance and offer longer manufacturer warranties than 3-tab shingles do.

Many asphalt shingle manufacturers offer different treatment methods to prevent the growth of algae and the discoloration it causes on roofs. Some shingles are treated with copper, while others are coated in special algae-resistant granules to keep your roof looking great.

Many asphalt shingle styles are designed to increase energy efficiency, as well. Light-colored shingles reflect more of the sun’s heat, which means your heating and cooling systems won’t have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home. Also, asphalt shingles can reduce noise transfer from outside, which is especially helpful in areas with busy roads or neighborhoods.

Metal

Metal roofs have long been popular on agricultural and industrial structures, but modern roofing materials have given them a more residential appeal. Today’s metal roofs come in a wide variety of styles, from traditional shingles to modern standing seams, and they are often customized for each structure. These roofs are typically constructed from galvanized, aluminum, or copper panels, and are designed to last for decades with little maintenance. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering metal as your home’s roofing material.

The first consideration is the climate and weather conditions of your area. Steel performs well in most climates, but it is prone to corrosion in areas with high moisture and salt content. Galvanized steel is an excellent choice for these conditions, while galvalume (which combines zinc with aluminum) is also a good option.

Aluminum is an attractive option, especially in coastal areas, as it is more resistant to corrosion than steel and can be painted to match the color of your house. However, it’s softer than steel and is more susceptible to denting. It also expands and contracts twice as much as steel, so installers need to allow more room for it.

Copper is a beautiful choice for homes with a historical or architectural style, and it’s long-lasting, too. But it can be expensive and may develop a green patina over time, which some homeowners might not like. Also, if your home is near water, copper can cause run-off to stain siding and brick. Finally, you should expect to see dents and scratches in a metal roof, and they’ll likely need to be repaired from time to time.

Clay Tiles

Clay roof tiles are an attractive roofing option for homeowners that want to evoke the classic beauty of Mediterranean and Southwest architecture. Although a bit more expensive than asphalt shingles, clay tile roofs have a long lifespan and offer natural insulating properties that can help lower energy bills.

A clay tile roof can add elegance and sophistication to any home. However, it’s important to consult with a structural engineer or a roofing professional before installing this type of roof. In addition to making sure the structure can support the weight of clay tile, a roof should also be designed for the climate. If a home is in a region with heavy rainfall, the roof will need to be designed to handle water accumulation.

When choosing clay tiles for a roof, be sure to purchase only those that are made in the United States. While tiles from other countries can be excellent quality, they will not closely match the size and appearance of American clay tile. Also, it is recommended that a layer of underlayment be installed over the entire roof. This will provide extra protection from rain, ice and snow.

Unlike other roofing materials, clay tiles don’t wear or tear quickly. They are extremely durable and will last for over 100 years. The clay tiles are also easy to maintain. They can be cleaned with a mild detergent and a stiff nylon brush. In addition to regular cleaning, the tiles should be inspected annually by a professional.

Clay tiles are most commonly hung in an overlapping manner on the roof. In the 13th century, clay tiles were simple designs flat rectangles with holes in the head of the tile where pegs were inserted to hold them in place. Today, clay tiles are hung in the same way, though other methods may be used on areas with special weather concerns.