Roofing materials protect your home from rain, snow, direct sunlight, and extreme temperatures. They come in many different styles and colors to match the design of your house.
While authentic materials like slate have a natural appeal, they also come with hefty price tags and the extra cost of transporting and installing them. Synthetic and lightweight roofing options offer a wide range of benefits at a more reasonable cost.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) And Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
A popular choice among commercial roofers is the Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO). This is an extremely durable membrane, resistant to punctures, tears, and impacts. Its energy efficiency also makes it a favorite among building owners, as it can help to lower a building’s cooling bills. TPO’s popularity has led it to become a “standard” roofing material in many places.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin is a type of plastic that has been blended with rubber to make a more durable material. It has gained in popularity over the past decade, as it can offer the durability of PVC with the added benefit of being less expensive. In addition, TPO doesn’t require any plasticizers for flexibility, making it more environmentally friendly.
Unlike other single-ply membranes, TPO offers a wide variety of colors and textures that can complement any building’s architecture. It also resists mold growth, and algae and requires very little maintenance. However, it is important to find a quality contractor when installing this roof, as some TPO manufacturers use inferior materials that don’t hold up well over time.
As TPO is a relatively new roofing material, it is still going through some changes in formulation. This can lead to differences in physical property testing such as thickness above scrim and weld strength, but it is more noticeable in accelerated aging tests such as heat aging and weathering.
While the physical properties of TPO are very similar across different manufacturers, it’s still a newer technology. This means that there is a risk of finding a TPO manufacturer that uses subpar ingredients to save money, or because they simply don’t understand how to manufacture a quality product.
Another thing to keep in mind when considering TPO is that it can be sensitive to certain chemicals. It is highly recommended to avoid using chemical cleaners or any other types of harsh cleaners on a TPO roof, as they can damage the material. The best option is to contact your roofing contractor before choosing a specific TPO brand, as they will be able to recommend the best cleaning products for your roof.
Asphalt
Asphalt roofing is one of the most popular covers for homes across North America. It’s available in a wide range of colors and styles, is relatively affordable, and can last for decades with minimal upkeep. While asphalt shingles have several advantages, they also come with a few drawbacks that homeowners should consider before making their purchase.
A key component of all asphalt shingles is a fiberglass mat, which provides the foundation for the other materials to be applied. The fibers are bonded together with stable resins and then coated with an asphalt binder to create a water-shedding layer that’s reinforced with mineral granules for durability.
The granules add color, and texture and help protect the roof from sunlight and wind that can cause erosion. They’re also the source of your shingle’s thermal resistance, which helps to keep your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
While asphalt shingles are available in a variety of styles, three-tab, and architectural shingles are the most common types for homes. Three-tab shingles are standard strip shingles with cut-outs that give them a dimensional appearance, while architectural shingles are multi-layer, laminated shingles designed to provide more variation and contour to the shingle’s surface.
In addition to their aesthetic, architectural shingles offer several other benefits such as a stronger warranty and the ability to withstand more intense weather conditions like hail and high winds. To provide a more durable shingle that can resist severe weather, manufacturers also produce impact-rated shingles which are designed to withstand higher levels of force.
For an added level of protection, many roofing contractors will apply a waterproof underlayment over the roof deck before installing the shingles. The underlayment provides a barrier against moisture, helps prevent mold and mildew growth, and acts as a secondary weatherproofing system if the shingles are damaged during installation. There are a variety of underlayment options for homeowners to choose from, including traditional black asphalt-saturated felt and synthetic underlayments such as RoofGard-Cool Grey.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are aesthetically pleasing and durable roofing materials that can add to your home’s curb appeal and resale value. They typically carry a class A fire rating and have a long lifespan. They also provide great energy efficiency and are environmentally friendly, requiring no chemicals in their manufacture.
Although widely associated with Mediterranean and Spanish architecture, they are available in a wide range of colors and styles, allowing homeowners to match their roofs with their preferred aesthetic. The most common style of clay tile is barrel-shaped, which leads to the name mission tiles, but they are available in many other shapes as well, including flat pan and interlocking shingle styles.
Compared to asphalt shingles, clay tiles are more labor-intensive to install, but they are also longer-lasting. They require minimal maintenance and can last up to 100 years without needing repairs or replacements. They are very durable and resistant to high winds, hail, and even snowfall. Because they have a natural material composition, clay tiles do not produce harmful gases during production or release them afterward.
Clay tile roofs are a good option for older homes, as they can complement their classic and traditional design while still offering modern benefits. They can withstand heavy rainfall and are designed to shed water quickly to avoid damaging the roof structure. They are a heavier roofing option, however, so they may require structural upgrades to support the weight of the tiles.
In addition to the traditional terra-cotta shade, clay tiles are available in a wide range of colors that allow homeowners to create an attractive and unique look for their homes. From fresh whites to natural browns and summery oranges, these tiles offer complete flexibility for any homeowner’s aesthetic and vision.
The color of clay tiles is infused into the tile during the manufacturing process. This prevents the color from wearing off or fading, which is one of the main advantages of this roofing option. Additionally, the natural clay material can withstand a lot of moisture without losing its shape or integrity. This can be especially beneficial in areas that experience a lot of rain and snowfall.
Metal
Metal roofing materials offer a range of advantages for home and business owners looking for durability, eco-friendliness, and beauty. They are often crafted from a combination of metals, including stainless steel, galvanized and galvalume steel, copper, and zinc. Each offers its unique mix of pros and cons.
For example, a copper roof has the potential to last hundreds of years, but it’s also the most expensive option. Similarly, a tin roof can be very long-lasting, but it’s no longer a manufactured material and is difficult to find. Zinc, on the other hand, is a popular choice for homeowners and commercial buildings that are seeking to achieve a striking aesthetic with their metal roofs.
Steel is one of the most common materials used in roofing construction. Its strength and affordability make it a popular choice, but it can rust over time unless protected by a coating. Galvanized steel incorporates a layer of zinc to prevent this corrosion and extend the life of a steel roof. Galvalume steel is a variation of galvanized steel that includes aluminum for added protection against the elements.
Aside from protecting the metal panels, these coatings can help to reflect light and reduce energy costs, as well as provide a waterproof seal. While there are many different coating options available, it’s important to consult with your metal roofer to determine which is best for your project.
It’s also worth noting that all metal roofing requires underlayment. The most popular underlayment is felt paper, which is inexpensive and easy to use, but it doesn’t stand up well to high temperatures or moisture environments. It’s also not ideal for use with steep-sloped metal roofs, as it can cause early degradation of the roofing system. For the best results, a roofer should use an underlayment that is specifically designed for metal roofing systems.