Roofing 101: Types of Roofs

Roofing materials can add character to a home, give a home a completely new look, and most importantly, protect a home against natural elements. When it comes to roofing materials, a homeowner has a list of choices. Choosing the right type of roof has many factors to consider. Let’s take a look at a few types:

Asphalt Shingles

Likely the most common type of roof, especially around Northwest Arkansas. Asphalt roofs are easily maintained, cost effective with a considerable lifespan, and durable. There are two types of Asphalt Shingles: 3-tab and Architectural. Architectural asphalt shingles have increasingly become a more popular choice over 3-tab, with typical guarantees up to 30 years. Architectural shingles are thicker than 3-tab, and while more costly than 3-tab - add more value to homes with proper installation and maintenance. Architectural shingles give the roof line dimension with the same design layout of wood shake shingles. Asphalt Shingles come in a variety of colors allowing homeowners further choices to customize their homes.

Metal

Metal roofs have made a popular come back with the modern farm-styled houses, or highlighting covered porches to add character to homes. Various types of metals are used and in the form of panels or shingles, although with the recent increase in price of steel - metal roofs have become a more expensive option. Metal roofs have a long life span, upwards of 40 years with proper maintenance. There are a couple of methods for installing metal roofs: simply screwing down the sheets of metal and “Standing Seam.” The primary difference between the two methods is exposed versus concealed fasteners. While standing seam installation may be more costly, the method of having screws exposed will require frequent maintenance to ensure panels do not become loose.

Wood Shake

When thinking of Wood Shake, pictures of Northeastern beach houses come to mind - though those houses often use Wood Shake as siding too. Wood shake can add significant character and dimension to a home, but at a hefty cost. In humid climates, the wood shingles can age prematurely and be susceptible to algae and moss. Insurance premiums could also be higher since wood shingles are not fire retardant. This type of roof would benefit from yearly inspections to check for insect infestation (think spiders!), algae and moss growth, or wood rot. There are roofing and siding alternatives to Wood Shake - Hardie Board manufacturers have products that have the look and design layout of Wood Shake.

Clay Tiles

Clay Tiles are often found in desert climates or warm coastal areas. Outside of those types of areas, clay tiles are most likely a style choice over function. Clay tiles can last up to 100 years, which is astounding compared to other roof types - but as with all other types of roofs - they require regular maintenance. However, clay tiles are sturdy against high winds and are indestructible in fire. Also, the method in which clay tiles are installed add the benefit of insulating the home from heat and cold. Even with these benefits, clay tiled roofs are expensive compared to other roofing types, requiring additional roof truss support.

Flat Roof

Flat roofs are mostly used in commercial buildings, but some modern styled homes are experimenting with this type of roof. A flat roof is exactly what is sounds like. You can see in this picture the progress of one of our projects, and it does not have any roof pitches. In fact, the walls rise a few feet higher than the roof. They can give a home or commercial building an elevated outdoor space. Some homeowners have experimented with green spaces on flat roofs. These types of roofs have a slight slant built into them to allow for proper drainage. A coating or liner, called a membrane is required for waterproofing, with additional decking layers to properly prevent leaks.

Certainly, this is not a comprehensive list of materials and facts, but I hope this information will help to make a decision that fits with your budget and your style if you’re building a home or renovate the exterior of your existing home.