A roof is usually the largest covering of a structure. All structures and materials needed to support it upon the structure’s exterior walls or on upstanding uprights, giving protection to the elements’ structure. A roof is often a part of the main building envelope. It covers the entire roof structure from the ground up (i.e., leaves, slab, shingles, etc.) and is typically supported by a series of supports (nails, staples, screws, rafters, etc. timbers, etc.). The roofing structure is usually made of metal, ceramic tile, slate, wood, or any other material typically used for roofing, whether simple or complex.
Today’s roofing industry has produced roofing products in a multitude of styles and materials. The basic roofing materials have been largely retained from days gone by, such as tile, slate, wood shakes, clay tiles, etc. However, modern materials such as slate, rubber, cedar shakes, tile & stone shingles, and many others have been developed and are now available because of advances in manufacturing technology.
There are many different types of roofing systems, each offering various benefits depending on the application. Traditional roofs typically cost less per square foot because they don’t require as many materials, saving money on roofing installation and removal. Newer types of roofing systems such as metal roofs, solar roofing panels, and multi-ply roofs can offer better performance per square foot and increase the total cost of installation.
Asphalt shingles are generally the most affordable type of roofing material. They are made out of compressed ground slag that is usually coated with asphalt. Asphalt roofing materials are stronger than clay tiles or slate roofs but tend to lose more heat than other roofing material types over time. Expensive asphalt roofing material can increase the cost per square foot installed. If the roof gets damaged or becomes stained, it’s not too difficult to replace asphalt roofing material. However, if the roof gets damaged due to ice & snow accumulation, water seepage, high winds, a faulty installation, or any number of reasons, it’s very difficult or expensive to repair a damaged asphalt roof.
If you live in a hot area, you may want to think about using a type of roofing material cooler to the touch. Although they cost more, concrete tiles, slate, and clay tiles are generally the cooler roofing materials. Concrete tiles can retain the heat during the day, but the clay tiles and slates do not. For areas where temperatures are high all year long, concrete tiles provide a great alternative because they are durable and don’t require many repairs. For areas with cold winters, slate and clay tiling offer the best advantages because they can be used year-round in most regions.
There are a couple of things you need to consider before replacing your roof in terms of cost. Although some roofing companies will offer guarantees on their work, these are based on your own estimates and are not guaranteed. If the estimates are significantly different than your existing roof, it’s a good idea to take a few minutes to call the roofing company and have them come to your home to estimate the cost of your new roof. New roofing materials are costly. Although you might have to pay slightly more than the original price, the difference in savings over the roofing project’s life makes it well worth the investment.
You should also pay close attention to the kind of roof you have. If you have flat roofs or high-pitched roofs, you will probably want to avoid asphalt or concrete tiles, at least for your initial roofing project. Asphalt and concrete tiles will crack under pressure and can even cause the roof to collapse. There are several different kinds of roofing material available to homeowners, but you should consider all of your options before making your final decision and contacting roofing contractors.
Roofing shingles are another option that homeowners have available to them when installing a new roof. Shingles are made from a composite of plastic and metal, shaped and glued onto the asphalt. Unlike asphalt, shingles are more durable and water-resistant. Shingles are an excellent choice if you have hail or snow exposure because they are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions. There are many different kinds of shingles to choose from, including single shingles, ribbed shingles, ceramic tile, and Spanish tile.