What Are the Different Kinds of Roofing Materials?

In addition to asphalt shingles, slate, clay or concrete tiles, here’s a look at other kinds of roofing that you should consider for your following re-roofing project:

metal roof

Solar tile roofing

Advanced solar collectors seamlessly integrate into current shingles, and generate up to one kilowatt of energy per 100 sq. ft. They are especially great for sunny roofing in homeowners’ associations which ban typical solar panels. While solar tiles might assist in offsetting utility costs with solar power, they additionally cost more than regular solar options.

Metal roofing

This option is available in vertical panels or shingles that resemble shake, tile, and slate – and lasts around sixty years. Metal roofing will excel at sloughing off heavy rain and snow, will not burn and is resistant to strong winds. It’s lightweight and may be installed over an existing roof. Median costs go between $5 to $12 per sq. ft., depending upon style and type of metal – which is more than asphalt yet less than concrete tiles. In addition, corrosion will vary by material.

Stone-coated steel

Interlocking panels will mimic shingles, clay or slate and resist damage that is caused by heavy rain pours (up to 8.8” an hour), winds of 120 MPH, hail, uplifting, and freeze-thaw cycles. As a consequence, they are an effective, economical option for windy, wet areas or regions susceptible to wildfires. A few stone-coated steel roofs are even warranted for a home’s lifetime.

Green roofing

Green roofing is covered with plants and may improve air quality, decrease water runoff, as well as insulate properties to decrease urban heat islands. But, they require additional structural support, thermal insulation, a vapor barrier, drainage, waterproofing, soil, water filtration, plants and compost. Their lifespan is estimated to be at forty years.

Built-up roofing

This heavy option is made up of layers of tar, asphalt, or adhesive that is topped with an aggregate and is just for flat roofing. Also for flat roofs, tar and gravel roofs are better for roof-top decks that have heavy foot traffic. Such roofing might become sticky in the summertime, and it’s more difficult to shovel snow off these roofs, compared with smooth surfaces. Built-up roofing will last 20 – 25 years.

When it comes to choosing a new roofing system, trust the Chattanooga’s roofing specialist. Call (423) 637-4265.