In this article, you will learn about all the different types of material used in modern homes. Each of these types of roof building materials is designed for different purposes. However, you should keep in mind that not all of them are suitable for all applications.
In most cases, metal roofing is the best choice. Clay tile and metal roofing are more suitable for buildings with steep slopes like stylish newer homes. However, if you are planning to build a home that requires a metal roof, you should use the latter and read further.
Metal
One of the great things about metal roofing is that it can be recycled, making it a popular choice for “green” enthusiasts. According to Florida Department of Environmental Protection research, up to 40 percent of the metal content can be recycled. What’s more, it’s 100 percent recyclable, so it’s rare that it ends up in landfills.
This is good news for our environment and our wallets. Read on to learn more about this environmentally-friendly material. Depending on the quality of metal used, metal can be expensive. Typically, the initial cost of installation is covered by energy savings. Metal may require specialized labor, but if done correctly, it can dramatically increase the resale value of a home.
Some areas even report that it can increase a home’s resale value by as much as six percent. But before you decide to use a metal roof for your home, make sure you have all the necessary information and are willing to hire a pro. The primary benefit of metal roofing is its sustainability.
The environmental benefits of metal roofing include its resistance to fire and storms. Furthermore, it can last for several decades. The component parts of metal roofing are metal sheets, coils, and panels. The latter are roll-formed pieces of metal coil. The panels are then formed into desired shapes. Metal roofs are more durable than asphalt options, and have a higher lifespan.
The home improvement industry is increasingly looking for eco-friendly alternatives, and metal is one of the many solutions. Aside from their high resilience, metal roofs also save energy. Metal roofs reflect heat and save energy. Once properly installed, they require almost no maintenance.
Shingles
Despite the fact that shingles are the most common type of roof covering, there are several other types of roof building materials, such as metal, tile, and architectural asphalt. While they all provide good protection and coverage for a home, each has distinct benefits and disadvantages. For example, a different type of shingle may have better UV protection or a longer lifespan. Also, the type of shingle you choose can affect your insurance premium.
The word “shingle” is a corruption of the German term schindel, meaning “split”. Before, shingles were called tiles or wood shingles. While they are used mostly in Asia, ceramic roof tiles are still the most common type of residential roofing in Europe and the US. Shingles are laid in courses, including a starter course and a ridge course. The ridge course is usually covered with a ridge cap or board.
Sometimes a ridge vent material is used as well. There are two main types of shingles: three-tab. Three-tab shingles are the most common and are available in many colors. However, these materials are more expensive than three-tab counterparts.
Architectural shingles can increase the value of your home, and many insurance companies recognize their worth. While both types of shingles are popular, you should consider the price when deciding on which roofing material to use for your home. Despite their name, these shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles.
A three-tab asphalt shingle roof will cost you anywhere from $6,800 to $20,000. But if you want a more natural look to your roof, you can go with wood shingles. Wood shingles are an excellent option, especially if you have a Craftsman-style home. They are also inexpensive and easy to maintain, and the average lifespan of a wood roof is around 50 years.
Clay Tile
There are many advantages to using clay tile roofing for your home. Not only does it maintain its appearance, it also is efficient and good for the environment, gaining the EPA’s coveted Energy Star rating (www.energystar.gov). Its attractive appearance is inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean styles and compliments many different types of siding. It can also enhance the look of stone and brick siding. If you are considering installing a clay tile roof on your home, make sure that it’s installed properly.
Roofing made from clay tile needs very little maintenance, especially when installed and fastened correctly. It will outlast the building structure and may need replacement at some point. If cleaning is necessary, you can remove the tiles and replace them with new ones. In addition, you can reinstall old clay tiles by using a pressure washer with 1 percent household bleach.
Make sure the nozzle is held one foot away from the tiles. Clay tile roofing should be cleaned at least every two years to prevent damages. While the aesthetic appeal of clay tiles is attractive, they can be extremely heavy. Each square foot weighs about 788 to 1780 pounds. Therefore, the weight of a 20-square-foot clay tile roof can be more than 36,000 pounds.
You’ll need to consider your roof’s structural stability when deciding on clay tiles. If you’re unsure of the structural condition of your home, it is best to consult with a structural engineer. If you don’t know the exact condition of your home’s roof, you could end up spending thousands of dollars.
Depending on your climate, clay tile roofing installation may differ from normal guidelines. You may need larger battens and additional clipping and tying. If the clay tiles are too large or too heavy, you may need to install extra supports in order to prevent the tiles from falling off. It’s also best to replace the original roof members with pressure-treated wood. During severe weather conditions, clay tile roofing can last as long as 60 years.
