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Roofing Services: What You Need to Know – Part 2: Roofing Options: Types and Materials

When signing up for a roofing service, whether for inspection, repair or replacement, it is important to understand that the service you receive will largely depend on the type of roof you have or wish to have. For instance, the methods for inspecting low slope and steep slope roofs are different. Procedures followed in repairing membrane and asphalt roofs differ, too. In this post, we’ll discuss the most common roofing types and materials.

Roofing Options: Types and Materials

Low Slope Roofing
Low slope roofs are roofs that have slopes of 3:12 or 14 degrees and lower. These are typically composed of water- and weatherproof membrane roofing materials. Flat roofs aren’t really totally flat, they have a very low slope that allows for water runoff. Here are two of the most widely used low slope roofing materials:

  • Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) – To put it simply, this is synthetic rubber. But make no mistake -it is a high-performance option in terms of weather resistance and is very flexible and durable.
  • Thermoplastic Olefin (TPO) – Applied in layers or sheets, proper installation is critical for this type of membrane roofing. It is a single-ply reflective membrane that is either fully adhered or mechanically attached to the roof.

Steep Slope Roofing
Any roof with a slope greater than 3:12 or 14 degrees is considered a steep slope roof. This is the more commonly used type of roof for residential properties. They are great at shedding water and snow. Below are the most popular materials used for steep slope roofing.

  • Asphalt – This is the most popular roofing material installed on U.S. homes. Asphalt roofing comes in a wide variety of styles, colors and textures, and offers cost efficiency in many ways.
  • Tile – Also growing in popularity due to the variety of styles, sizes, colors and textures available, roof tiles are made of either clay or concrete. They offer considerable durability and reliability.
  • Slate – This type of material is sourced from quarried slate, making it a very durable option that can last for decades, if not centuries.
  • Cedar Shakes and Shingles – These are ideal for rustic, cottage-style homes. Although made out of wood, these can be treated for fire and decay resistance, ensuring that they last long.
  • Metal – Gone are the days when metal roofs were exclusively installed on barns and warehouses. Today, more and more U.S. homeowners appreciate the benefits of metal roofs, from durability to energy efficiency. And because of this, manufacturers have continuously make metal roofs available in different styles, colors and profiles.

If you want to ensure that your roofing job gets done right, you need to work with a reliable roofing contractor. Stay tuned for the next post to get tips on how to find the right roofer.