The Only Roofing Materials List You’ll Ever Need

The material you choose for your roof is the most important step in planning your project. There are many considerations to bear in mind. What is your climate like? Do you require a particular aesthetic? Is energy efficiency important to you? This roofing materials list will share the main options that you have available to you. Use it to gain an understanding of your choices, bear your project in mind, and you’ll be on your way to a stunning new roof.

Asphalt Shingles

The most popular roofing material. Asphalt shingles are low-cost, easy to install, and have low requirements when it comes to maintenance. They are tile-like in shape and are created using fiberglass, organic materials mixed with asphalt, or a combination of the two.

Gone are the days when you have to cope with dark black shingles. You can now get shingles in a vast range of colors. The lifespan of an asphalt shingle isn’t particularly impressive, but they are easily replaced. If longevity is important, you’re better off picking a different option.

Glass Roofing

Glass roofing has a touch of luxury. They bring the outdoors indoors through sweeping panes of glass and deliver plenty of light. Glass roofs are often used in commercial environments rather than domestic or industrial. They need to be installed with care, plus you need to pay attention to the thermal properties of the glass. Greenhouses, made of glass, are designed to trap heat, and that’s precisely what glass roofs do, too.

Green Roofs

The truly sustainable, environmental choice is a green roof. Green roofs are made of grass, vegetation, and other living materials. They make for a unique option with a beautiful green look that blends into the landscape. It’s not just looks that they offer. They’re great insulators that lead to reduced energy costs. There are some disadvantages to green roofs. They require substantial foreplanning, cost a lot to install, and require regular maintenance.

Membrane Roofing

Membrane roofing comes rolled and is often a single-ply material made from synthetic material and rubber. You can get various colors and strengths of membrane roofs. Your choice will depend on the climate and specific requirements. Membrane roofs are incredibly durable but can be made even more durable by adding layers of Bitumen or transforming into a BUR (built-up roof).

Metal Roofing

Metal roofing offers various approaches thanks to the diverse range of metals you can use to build a roof. Metal roofs provide incredible resilience and are a sustainable choice (most are recycled). You can tailor your finish by selecting different types of metal, including aluminum, copper, steel, and zinc. They are prevalent in hot climates thanks to their reflective quality. Budget is certainly a factor when considering this option. It’s worth understanding how much metal roofing costs.

Slate Roofing

A luxury choice. Slate roofing is harvested from naturally occurring stone and cut to the right size for your home. You can get larger pieces or smaller tiles, depending on the style you’d like to achieve. Its timeless aesthetic is matched by its longevity, with most slate roofs lasting for well over a century. This comes with a hefty price tag. Slate is among the most expensive choices of roofing material.

Solar Tiles

Renewable energy combined with traditional roofing has created the solar tile. These tiles look similar to traditional clay tiles or shingles but come with a small solar panel. When installed en masse on a roof, they form a much larger solar array. One that is capable of generating electricity for the property below it. They’re a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to larger solar panels but cost substantially more to install.

Thatch Roofing

Thatch is one of the most traditional methods of roofing. It is primarily used in historical housing only nowadays. That said, it has excellent insulation properties and is an incredibly sustainable material. The downsides are the high risk of fire and the incredible maintenance levels required. That’s both in aesthetics and ensuring it doesn’t become infested or rot.

Tile Roofing

The two main types of tile roofing are clay and concrete. Clay roof tiles have been used for centuries, especially in Europe, where many original clay tiles still remain in place. They’re renowned for their longevity and traditional look. Both clay and concrete tiles are incredibly durable, can withstand extreme weather, and have high levels of fire resistance. They do create an incredibly heavy roof, requiring a solid structure underneath.

Wood Shingles and Shakes

Rural and rustic is the name of the game when using wood shingles and shakes. The main difference between shingles and shakes is how they’re cut. Shingles are machine-cut and are uniform, whereas shakes are cut by hand and have a more varied look. Wood is an excellent insulator and, therefore, keeps buildings warm in winter and cool in summer. They are, however, a fire hazard and require regular maintenance to avoid dampness and rot.

Key Takeaways

That ends our roofing materials list. These are certainly the most popular options that you’ll have to consider when planning a new roof. Depending on where you live and the property you’re working on, there will be some clear frontrunners when you decide. The next step is understanding the art of installation.

• All roof materials come with their own merits.
• When selecting a new roof material, you need to consider your budget, your climate, and the project’s scope.
• If you’re not a keen DIYer, you might want to consider the level of maintenance that the material requires, too.

There certainly is a lot of choice, and that can often leave you feeling overwhelmed. If you’d like some impartial, professional advice, give Trenton Roofing a call today.