Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material in North America, and you likely have at least one on your house. That’s because they’re economical to install, with an average life span of about 20 years. Plus, there’s little fuss when installing them—they simply get nailed down, then shingles below the course being installed get covered by overlapping shingles from above.

But all that familiar simplicity comes with some compromises.

The main downside to asphalt shingles is that their life span can be limited by how well they’re maintained. Sunlight deteriorates asphalt over time, so you can expect a longer life for your roof if it’s regularly cleaned and treated with a UV-resistant sealant.

Architectural shingles

Also known as laminate or dimensional shingles, architectural shingles are made with multiple layers of fiberglass matting and asphalt. This structure is designed to give a more textured look than standard shingles. The result is a 3-dimensional appearance that mimics the natural appeal of cedar shake, slate or tile roofing, but at a fraction of the cost.

Excellent durability, high visual appeal and low cost makes architectural grade shingles an extremely attractive option for homeowners looking to add value to their home while also enhancing its curb appeal.

Metal roofing

Metal roofing is another popular and durable option. Some people may imagine this as the tin roof of grandma’s farmhouse, and while grandma most certainly had a metal roof (which might still be in great shape today), today’s metal roofs are a bit different.

Modern metal roofing can come in many different styles to look like almost any other type of roof material you could want. However, it requires a structural frame to support the weight, so it tends to cost more for installation than some other materials. Metal roofs also need to be installed by an experienced professional because it can be difficult for a DIYer without experience working with sheet metal.

A major benefit of metal roofs is that they can last 50 or 60 years with minimal maintenance when compared to asphalt shingles which typically have a lifespan of 15-30 years depending on the quality and climate where they’re used.

This material isn’t suitable for all climates—for example, if you live in an area with lots of trees that shed leaves, pine needles, etc., then you’ll need to clean out your gutters frequently because debris will tend to stick on metal surfaces more than it would on other materials.

Stone-Coated Steel Shingles and Tiles

Stone coated steel roofing systems are a good choice for coastal areas, and in regions that experience high winds, hail or snow. They are extremely durable and generally last longer than most traditional shingle types.

Pros:

• They aren’t as expensive as paying someone to put on a tile roof, but they’re still more costly than standard asphalt shingles.
• Stone coated steel is extremely durable and can withstand winds of up to 120 mph.
• Because of their durability, stone coated steel shingles have the potential to last up to 60 years with the proper maintenance.
• They’re suitable for areas prone to hail storms because they have been rated by UL 2218 Class 4 – which means it was subjected to large hailstones moving at high speeds. Hailstones don’t have any noticeable impact on a roof made from stone coated steel shingles or tiles, whereas asphalt shingles may be damaged by hail stones that are about 1 inch in diameter and larger (depending on your climate).

Cons:

• Since stone coated steel weighs around 150 lbs per square (10′ x 10′) it’s not recommended for roofs that cannot support the weight of this material. You should check with an engineer before installing stone coated steel roofing system on an existing building if the structure has not been designed for this type of load – especially if you live in a snowy climate where heavy snow accumulation may occur during winter months. Areas where roof deck collapse related injuries are common are places like New York City, Oklahoma City (the first two days after Christmas 2010) and other cities that experience heavy snowfall during winter months (see video below).

Concrete tiles

Concrete tiles are made with a mixture of sand, cement and water. The resulting tiles are a lot like clay tiles, but weigh less. While not as fire-resistant as clay tiles (which have a fire rating up to Class A), concrete tiles can be manufactured to meet the same rating. However, concrete tiles are more durable than clay and therefore better for climates that experience severe weather conditions such as high winds or hail. They’re also less expensive than clay tile.

Clay tiles

Now it’s time to learn about shingles. Shingles are the material that covers a roof and protects your home from weather. There are different types of shingles, and clay tiles are one of them.

Clay tiles are made from baked clay and usually cost more than other types of shingles, but they can last a long time. Clay tiles can be glazed or unglazed, can have flat features or interlocking features, and they’re common in Mediterranean climates like Italy and Greece…and also in the southwestern United States.

If you live in a warmer climate (like Arizona), you might want to consider buying clay tile shingles—they’re very durable and can last for centuries!

Wood shakes and shingles

It might seem like a small distinction, but you’ll need to understand the difference between shakes and shingles—especially if your roof is historical.

Shingles are typically 3/8” thick, which is the same as plywood. (Carpenters tend to measure by inches, not millimeters.) Shingles are sawn from rectangular blocks of wood and have a uniform look.

Wood shakes are thicker than shingles, often up to 1/2”. They’re split from logs to give them a rougher texture and more organic appearance. This also makes them more water-resistant and durable in high wind areas. They’re also more expensive because they require specialized tools, making them difficult for do-it-yourselfers to install.

Roofs are complex, with many different parts.

You might not be familiar with all the parts that make up your roof, and that’s okay. Your first step is to differentiate between shingles and underlayment:

The shingle itself is a visible part of the roof that comes in many different materials, shapes and sizes. The underlayment rests underneath the shingles to protect your home from water damage. Roofs are complex, with many different parts that work together to keep your home safe from the elements. That’s good news for you because it means there are many options out there when choosing a new roof for your home. But this also means it can be confusing to figure out what you need for your home, especially as not all roofing products are created equal.

So how do you choose? Shingles and underlayment are two critical aspects of your roof, but they’re also just two pieces of a much bigger puzzle. There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to replacing or repairing your roof, but here are some things you should consider when making these decisions:

Material — What sort of material will best suit your needs? Are you looking for something more environmentally friendly? Are there specific benefits (such as fire resistance) you’re hoping to gain from using a particular material?

Cost — For most people, cost is always going to be a determining factor in any kind of major purchase or installation such as this one, so it’s important to make sure whatever option you choose is within budget without sacrificing quality or lasting power.

Lifespan — How long do you want this new roof (or these new shingles or underlayment) to last? Do certain factors such as weather patterns make some materials more viable than others?If you’re reading this, we’ll assume you’re a homeowner and that your roof is in need of replacement. You’ve probably been looking at different types of materials to use for shingling your roof, and we’re sure you’ve heard quite a few terms thrown around: asphalt, metal, slate, tile, etc., but what do they all mean?

In this post, we’ll be talking about the different materials that serve as roofing products and their properties. Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of shingle for residential homes in the United States. They are made from fiberglass and an asphalt material which helps them to resist water damage. Metal is also a popular option among homeowners because it can be installed over existing shingles without having to remove them first (this saves money on labor costs).

Slate tiles are another option that can be installed over existing shingles without removing them first (this saves money on labor costs). The last type of material we’ll discuss in this article is tile; it’s typically used for commercial buildings or older homes where there isn’t enough space between each row of shingles to use asphalt or metal roofing.

It’s a roof—one of the toughest parts of your home. It protects you from rain, snow, and hail, and it keeps the sun off your head. But what is it made of? How does it protect you? And how can you protect it in return?

A roof has a lot of working parts. When you’re looking for a new one or maintaining an old one, knowing about the different materials that are used for roofing will help you pick the perfect product for your needs.

This guide will explain the various materials that serve as roofing products and their properties, so you can make an informed decision when choosing a new one.

Welcome to the second installment of our What The Heck Is That Thing? series, where we break down the details on things you may see around your home that you don’t understand. Today we are covering shingles.

What is a shingle? A shingle is a piece of material that is used to cover the roof of a home. It is often made out of wood, slate, or asphalt.

What does it do? A shingle serves as protection for what’s inside your home by preventing water from getting in and also insulating it.

What are different types of shingles? There are three main types: wood, slate, and asphalt. Wood shingles are made out of red cedar and they last longer than other materials but can be more expensive; slate is made out of stone which makes them durable but also heavy; asphalt shingles are made out of fiberglass which makes them lightweight and easy to install but not as durable as other materials.

How do I know if I need new ones? If you notice any leaks in your attic or ceiling then it could mean that there’s something wrong with your roofing system. You may also want to check for missing or cracked tiles on top

It’s a pretty well-known fact that the roof over your head is one of the most important parts of your home. In fact, it’s probably the most important part of your home!

But what if you don’t know anything about roofs? What if you’ve been living under one for years and have no idea how it works or how to maintain it?

Well, that’s where we come in! We’re going to break down everything you need to know about shingling a roof.

So you’re ready to take on the world of roofing, huh? Well, you came to the right place.

Let’s start with the basics: shingles. A shingle is typically a small piece of material that forms part of the roof covering. Shingles come in several types:

-Wood: Wood is extremely flammable and so it must be treated. Wood shingles are usually made of cedar, redwood, or southern pine.

-Asphalt: Asphalt shingles are the most common type of shingle used in North America because they can be very affordable. They are also easy to install and have a lifespan of about 20 years.

-Tile: Tile roofs have been around for centuries and will last up to 50 years, but they can be heavy, expensive, and difficult to install.

-Synthetic Slate: This type of roofing is made from recycled materials and looks just like slate but is much cheaper, lighter weight, and easier to install than natural slate.

-Metal: Metal roofing can come in different materials such as tin or aluminum but there are also options for steel and copper which are more durable and expensive respectively. The most common type of metal

Have you ever had a weird moment where you’re just sitting there, minding your own business, and then you notice that the roof of your house is looking a little… crusty? This has definitely happened to me. I mean, have you seen my roof? It looks like it could be on its last legs at any moment.

And so, as I was sitting there staring at it, I thought: “Wait a minute. What is this thing on my roof made out of?”

So I set out to answer that question. And now I want to share the answer with you!

Asphalt shingle roofing: This type of roofing can be identified by its appearance—it has fiberglass mats and ceramic granules that protect the asphalt from UV rays. These shingles are popular for their affordability and their durability, but not for their longevity; they only last about 25 years, whereas other materials may last 50 or more years. You’ll find these in a variety of colors, so they’re attractive as well.

Metal roofing: This type of roof is extremely durable and low-maintenance compared to other types of roofs. It’s also fire-resistant and energy-efficient due to its reflective properties (it reflects sunlight away

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t think about your roof much. Why would you? It’s just there, doing its thing, keeping the elements out and the HVAC in.

Unless a storm is raging and your roof starts to leak, most people don’t think about the material that their roof is made of. Most people also don’t think about roofing materials as a product category.

But we’re here to change that—today, we’re going to teach you ALL about roofing materials: what they are, how they work, and what’s different about them.

The first thing to know is that roofs are made of shingles. Shingles? Really?? Yes! Contrary to popular belief, there isn’t just one kind of shingle. There are many kinds of shingles made from many different materials: wood shingles, asphalt shingles, slate shingles… the list goes on! Each type of shingle has its own properties and uses (and some can be combined).

Wood Shingles

Wood shingles are just that: rectangular pieces of wood that cover a roof. They are easy to install and relatively cheap; they also have an attractive look that can boost the