Knowing What Your Roof is Made Of
The first step to knowing how to take care of your roof is to first know what it is made out of. There are several different materials that are used for roofing throughout the world and they each have their own set of care instructions. It is our job to make sure that we not only maintain, build, and restore your roof over the years, but to also let you know what it’s made of so you know how to preserve the most important part of your home.
The following 7 categories are the most common types of roofs that you will find on homes in your general area.
- Shingles
Shingles are by far the most popular choice for residential properties since they are cost efficient and durable. The majority of shingles are made out of wood fiber, cellulose, and a foundation of paper. They are then covered in asphalt to help make the materials waterproof and they are finished with an adhesive coating that includes ceramic granules to help provide an aesthetic appeal.
- Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPO)
These roofing materials are a blend of polypropylene plastic and ethylene propylene rubber. They are available in several different types of thicknesses and they are generally the roofing material of choice for commercial properties. They may also be seen on residential roofs that do not have slopes. They are incredibly durable and resilient against weathering.
- Metal
Metal roofs are one of the most resilient materials that you can install on both commercial and residential properties. In most cases they will be made out of steel or aluminum and are seen as a specialty material for luxury homes or architecturally pleasing houses. It is more expensive than other types of roofing but it is considered as the most durable material available.
- PVC
PVC is an inexpensive roofing membrane that you will see on commercial buildings as it is flexible and UV-resistant. In most cases it will contain several materials including pigments, resins, and fiberglass.
- Composite
Composite materials are used to mimic the appearance of real tile roofs but they are more environmentally friendly and sturdy than the real thing. You generally won’t be able to tell the different between composite materials and real wood or slate.
- Modified Bitumen
As another type of material commonly used on flat surfaces, modified bitumen is applied by using a torch, asphalts, or adhesives. It will be applied to a roofing system by rolling it out and overlapping the edges with another roll.
- Slate
Slate has a natural and beautiful appearance making it a great addition to modern homes. Since it naturally occurs in the earth, it is long lasting though it may be incredibly expensive to maintain over time.
