Roof Types & Roofing Materials: The Definitive (Awesome) Guide
When it comes to protecting your home and its occupants, having a secure roof is essential. At Rooftops Energy Solutions, we know that Idaho homeowners have unique needs when it comes to their roofs.
From the hottest summers to blizzards in the winter, Idaho weather can be harsh on all the roof types and roofing materials. That’s why we’ve put together this extensive list of roof types and materials. You’re sure to find something perfect for the climate found in Idaho and everywhere else.
Steep Slope Roofing Materials
These types of roofs are designed to stand up against the heavy rain and snow that often plague Idaho. The structures designed with a steep slope, such as a dutch gable roof, will allow water to run off quickly. Common materials used for steep slope roof types are asphalt shingles, metal and cedar shake roofs. Each of these materials has its own pros and cons, so make sure you research before making a decision.
Shingle Roofing
Shingle roofing is a popular choice in many areas of the world and can be used on both residential and commercial buildings. It’s pretty affordable compared to other materials. It’s easy to install and comes in a wide range of colors and styles that can match any décor.
Shingles are also known for their strength and durability. This makes them a great choice for those looking for a roofing material that will last.
Despite its strong points, shingle roofing does require more upkeep than some other materials. This includes regular cleaning and inspections to ensure the roof remains in good condition. Next, if one of the shingles is damaged or needs repairs, they can be tricky and time-consuming to replace.
In order to get the most out of your shingle roof, regular maintenance and repairs are key. Here are the materials shingle roofs may consist of:
Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are popular roofing materials that are used in many parts of the United States and Canada. They offer a nice look thanks to their range of colors and styles, which allow them to easily match any home or business. Wood shingles are also known for their durability, which can last up to thirty years if properly maintained.
When considering wood shingles for roofing, it is important to consider the amount of maintenance that they require. They must be inspected regularly for signs of wear and tear. Individual shingles may need to be replaced if they become damaged or worn down.
Despite this, wood shingles are somewhat inexpensive and easy to install. This makes them a great option for those looking for an attractive and durable roofing solution.
Wood shingles are most commonly used on residential buildings, such as homes and cabins. They can also be used on structures such as sheds, or the gambrel roofs on barns. They can be customized with different stains, paint, and trim to match any décor. This allows them to provide both a functional and visually pleasing choice for any roofing project.
(Cedar) Shake Shingles
Cedar shakes are an attractive and durable roofing solution that has been used mainly in coastal regions of the United States. Unlike wood shingles, they have a more rustic, rugged look that is perfect for areas near the water. Cedar shakes can last up to thirty years with proper maintenance. This makes them an excellent solution for protecting against the elements like wind and rain.
Installing them is relatively easy, and cedar shakes can be customized with other colors and styles to match any home or business. Despite its strengths, cedar shakes do require more maintenance than other materials, including regular cleaning and inspections for damage. Also, single shakes may need to be replaced if they become worn or damaged over time.
Cedar shakes are often used on beach houses, cabins, and siding. They are also used on mansard roofs every once in a while. Although, they can be used for other types of structures as well. With their attractive look and durable protection against the elements, cedar shakes are an excellent roofing solution for any project.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing materials that are used on many residential homes and commercial buildings in suburban areas. They are made of bitumen embedded in an organic or fiberglass mat and covered with colored, man-made ceramic grit. They are a low cost solution compared to slate or tiles.
Installation is easy and pretty swift. Capable crews may be able to remove old shingles and apply new ones on a house in a day or two. Asphalt shingles provide strong durability and come in a large range of colors and styles to match any décor. This makes them ideal for homeowners and businesses alike.
However, they require regular cleaning and inspections, as well as the occasional replacement of individual shingles. Those jobs can be time consuming and difficult. Despite this, asphalt shingles remain one of the most popular roof types for many homes in suburban areas.
Rubber Shingles
Rubber shingles are a somewhat new roofing technology that has emerged as an alternative to traditional asphalt and wood shingles. They are made mostly of recycled rubber from tires, and also contain other things such as binders, ultraviolet (UV) inhibitors, and color pigments. In most cases, rubber shingles come with a warranty of up to 50 years. This makes them a great choice for long-term roofing.
Installing rubber shingles is quite straightforward and cost-efficient. They require less maintenance than other roofing materials such as asphalt shingles or shakes. Next, they are lightweight, waterproof and fire resistant which makes them perfect for areas that experience extreme weather conditions.
Rubber shingles can be used a lot of roof types for both residential and commercial buildings. However, the initial cost of buying and installing them can be expensive. Despite this, rubber shingles remain an attractive roofing solution due to their longevity and durability.
Asbestos Shingles
Asbestos shingles were popular roofing materials for many years due to their long-lasting lifespan and fireproof properties. They offered an attractive alternative to other materials in terms of cost and durability. They can be seen on both residential and commercial buildings.
However, asbestos shingles have since become a much less common choice due to health concerns relating to asbestos fibers. Inhaling these fibers can cause serious illness, and so their use has been phased out in favor of more modern solutions. As such, they are no longer a viable roofing option and have been replaced by safer options.
Stone Slab
Stone slabs are a roofing material that has been used in some regions for centuries. Now it’s mostly only used in building restoration projects. As its name implies, it involves the use of heavy stone slabs. These slabs measure 1-2 inches thick and weigh significantly more than other roofing materials such as slate or asphalt shingles.
Stone slabs offer superior durability and stormproofing, making them an attractive option in areas with extreme weather conditions. However, the weight of stone slabs means they are unsuitable for many roof types and structures, as well as being expensive to install and maintain. As such, this means that stone slabs are now primarily used only in building restoration projects, or on historical buildings and monuments.
Solar Shingles
Solar shingles are a modern roofing solution that can be used to generate electricity from the sun. They are mostly found on modern homes. Unlike traditional solar panels, they are designed to look like conventional roofing materials such as asphalt shingle or slate tiles. This type of solar energy system is also known as building integrated photovoltaics (BIPV) and is often used in commercial and large-scale projects.
Solar shingles offer several benefits, including reduced energy costs and the potential to increase home value. Furthermore, they require minimal maintenance and can provide greater aesthetic appeal than traditional solar panels. However, they do come with a high installation cost that may be higher than other roofing materials. They are also not as efficient in generating electricity as traditional solar panels.
Solar shingles can be a great choice for homeowners looking to save money on their energy bills, as well as those wanting to have an aesthetically pleasing roof. They are also commonly used in commercial buildings and other large-scale roof types. Despite the higher initial cost, solar shingles can be a great way to generate electricity from the sun and add value to any property.
Metal Shakes or Shingles
Metal shakes or shingles are highly durable roofing materials that have been used in the US for many years. They offer a long lifespan and are particularly suitable for roofs with a pitch of 3:12 or higher. Unlike other roofing materials, metal shakes are flexible and can be manufactured to lock together. This makes installation significantly faster and more secure.
Metal shakes have several strengths, such as being fire resistant and lightweight. They are commonly used in both commercial buildings and residential homes. However, they can be a relatively expensive roofing option and may also be noisier in rain or hail than other materials. Therefore, it is important to consider all factors before deciding if metal shakes or shingles are the right option for your roof.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing is another popular option for homeowners wanting a long-lasting and low maintenance solution. Due to its durability, metal roofs can last up to 50 years. This makes them an appealing choice for those looking for a reliable form of protection against the elements.
Metal also has excellent fire resistance qualities – meaning it won’t ignite easily in the event of a fire. It is also relatively lightweight, making it easier to install than heavier roofing materials like slate or ceramic tile.
Metal roof types come in a variety of colors and styles. This gives homeowners plenty of freedom when it comes to designing the look and feel of their home. Also, metal roofing can be surprisingly affordable; making it an attractive option for those on a budget.
On the downside, metal roofing materials can be noisy during heavy rain or hailstorms. It is also not as energy efficient as other materials.
Metal roofs are also vulnerable to rust and corrosion if exposed to saltwater. Likewise, homeowners in coastal areas may want to consider other roof types for their roofing needs. Here are the different materials metal roofs may consist of:
Corrugated Galvanized Iron Roofing
Corrugated Galvanized Iron is a type of metal roofing material that is manufactured with wavy corrugations and fitted with exposed fasteners to resist lateral flexing. It was the most popular type of roof in Australia during the 20th century. It has since been replaced in popularity by steel with longer-lasting, colored alloy coatings.
Corrugated Galvanized Iron is a lightweight, high strength and durable material that is often used for low cost roofing solutions. However, it does have some drawbacks such as its low insulation value and lack of aesthetic appeal. Despite this, it is still commonly used for sheds, outbuildings, garages and domestic roofing. In terms of cost, it is one of the more affordable roofing materials on the market.
Overall, Corrugated Galvanized Iron is a reliable and inexpensive choice for those looking for a durable roof. It may not be the most visually appealing option, but for those on a budget it is certainly worth considering.
Copper Roofs
Copper roofs have been popular in the Americas and Europe for centuries, due to their impressive durability and longevity. Copper roofs can last for hundreds of years, with some European copper roofs dating back to the 18th century still standing today. Copper roofing offers a variety of benefits that make it an attractive choice for both residential and commercial use.
One of copper’s main strengths is its low weight compared to other roofing materials. This makes it much easier to install than heavier materials like slate or ceramic tile. It also allows for more flexibility when it comes to designing the look of the home.
Copper also has excellent fire resistance qualities. This means it won’t ignite easily in case of a fire, making it an ideal choice for safety-conscious homeowners.
Copper roofs typically require minimal maintenance over their lifetime. They are also 100% recyclable once removed from the building. This helps reduce its environmental impact significantly.
Alongside these practical benefits, copper roofing also offers a unique aesthetic appeal that other roof types cannot match. This allows homeowners to create beautiful designs with curved lines that serve as conversation pieces. Unfortunately, while they may offer superior quality compared to other roofing materials – they come at a higher initial cost than many other options. Despite this, those looking for a durable roof that provides thermal protection may find copper to be well worth their investment.
Standing-Seam Metal With Concealed Fasteners
Standing-Seam Metal With Concealed Fasteners is an increasingly popular choice for residential and commercial roofs due to its strength, longevity, and convenience. This type of roofing involves metal sheets that are joined together with a raised seam. This creates a waterproof barrier when the panels are properly fastened. The installation process typically includes hidden or concealed fasteners, making the roof look seamless and uniform.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, Standing-Seam Metal With Concealed Fasteners is also renowned for its durability. It’s able to withstand winds of up to 155 mph and has minimal maintenance requirements over the lifespan of the roof. Furthermore, repairs or adjustments to this type of roofing can be done quickly and easily as well.
While this material offers many benefits compared to other types of roofing, the cost of installation can be more due to its complexity. Standing-Seam roofs can also become slippery when wet and may require specialized safety equipment to traverse.
Mechanically Seamed Metal Roofs
Mechanically Seamed Metal Roofs are becoming an increasingly popular choice for both residential and commercial roofing due to their strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. This type of roofing involves metal sheets that have raised seams. The seams are sealed with a special sealant in order to create a waterproof barrier when properly affixed.
Mechanically seamed metal roofs are particularly suitable for low-pitched butterfly roofs such as those with a pitch of 0.5/12 to 3/12. This makes them an ideal choice for many commercial and residential buildings including hotels, schools, retail stores, churches, and more.
Alongside their attractive appearance; mechanically seamed metal roofs also offer excellent waterproofing capabilities. They require minimal maintenance and are incredibly durable in high-wind conditions.
However, installation of this type of roofing tends to be more expensive than other alternatives due to its complexity. They may also become slippery when wet so specialized safety equipment or slip-resistant footwear is recommended. Nonetheless, for those looking for an attractive and long-lasting roof, mechanically seamed metal roofs may be worth the initial investment.
Flat-Seam Metal Roofing
Flat-Seam Metal is another choice for residential and commercial roofing, as well as garages, warehouses and other low-slope applications. It can be used with or without soldered seams and offers many strengths over other roofing materials such as its durability and weight.
However, installation of this type of roofing tends to be more expensive and complex than other alternatives. This is due to its intricate soldering process. They may become slippery when wet so specialized safety equipment or slip-resistant footwear is recommended.
Despite the associated costs, many people find flat-seam metal roofing materials to be well worth their investment in the long run. With proper maintenance and installation, flat-seam metal roofing can provide an attractive, long-lasting and waterproof solution that is sure to please.
Steel Roofing (Coated With Colored Zinc or Aluminum)
Steel Roofing coated with colored zinc or aluminum is gaining popularity for both residential and commercial roofing projects. This is due to its durability and diverse range of appealing colors. This type of metal roofing requires minimal maintenance. This makes it a great choice for those who want a long-lasting roof without the hassle.
While installation of steel-clad roof types can be expensive due to complexity, the beauty and performance that it offers makes it worth the investment.
Steel Roofing is suitable for both low-slope and steeper pitched roofs alike. It can be used for a wide range of projects such as residential homes, commercial buildings, warehouses, retail stores, churches and more.
This type of metal roofing is renowned for its exceptional weather resistance in all climates. It also provides extra protection from ultraviolet radiation. This helps to keep the interior of your home cooler while also reducing energy costs.
Furthermore, steel-clad roofs are popular because they require very little maintenance over their lifetime. They only need the occasional cleaning to remove dirt or debris. The variety of colors available also makes them attractive for aesthetic reasons. No matter what your style preference is, you can find an option with steel roofing that will suit your needs.
When properly installed by an experienced professional, steel roofing can provide decades of reliable service in even the harshest conditions. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking for a strong and long-lasting roof. Its lightweight design also helps reduce installation time compared to heavier alternatives. This means you can enjoy your new steel-clad roof sooner rather than later!
Ultimately, steel roofing provides excellent protection from rain, wind, fire and other elements while adding beautiful aesthetic value to any property. This makes it a great choice for any home or business owner looking for a reliable solution that will last many years.
Slate Roofs
Slate roof types have long been used in Australia and Spain due to their ability to offer lasting protection from the elements. Their extremely durable nature, combined with good fire resistance, high energy efficiency and a life-span of up to 400 years, make them an attractive roofing material for homeowners who want a roof that will last for decades.
The main downside to slate roof types is that they are significantly more expensive than other types of roofing. Not only do the tiles need to be sourced from quarries, but the installation process is also more labor intensive than with other roofing materials. Furthermore, slate tiles can be much heavier than other materials. As such, it’s important to ensure that your roof has adequate structural support before installing a slate roof.
Despite the higher cost and heavier weight, slate roofing materials offer a number of benefits to homeowners who invest in them. As well as being durable and long-lasting, they are also relatively low maintenance. Although, periodic cleaning and occasional repairs may be required over time.
In addition, they are highly energy efficient; helping to keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter. What’s more, slate tiles come in a variety of sizes and shapes. This gives homeowners flexibility when it comes to designing the look and feel of their home.
Overall, slate roofs can be an excellent choice for those looking for a long-lasting solution for keeping their home safe from the elements. Despite the initial expense involved in sourcing and installing the material, it could pay off with better energy bills and home value. This makes it an attractive option for many homeowners.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tile is a popular choice for a number of roof types due to its durability and long lifespan. With proper maintenance, ceramic roofing tiles can last up to 50 years, providing reliable protection against the elements. Ceramic tile is also fire resistant, meaning it won’t ignite easily in the event of a fire.
It’s also low maintenance; requiring little more than periodic cleaning to stay in good condition. Furthermore, ceramic tiles are excellent insulators; helping keep homes cool in summer and warm in winter.
Since they come in a wide range of colors and styles, ceramic tiles provide homeowners with plenty of options in designing their home. However, ceramic tiles are also heavier than other roofing materials.
Therefore, it is important to ensure that your roof has enough structural support before installing. Next, ceramic tile roofs are one of the more expensive roofing materials on the market. This makes them difficult for some homeowners to afford.
Due to its weight and expense, ceramic tile is most often found on Mediterranean style homes or modern architecture. Its insulation properties make it well suited for warmer climates. However, it can be prone to damage if exposed to extreme cold temperatures.
Despite their drawbacks, these ceramic tile roof types offer many benefits that can outweigh their cost, including better energy efficiency and home values. Ceramic tile may be a good option for those needing a long-lasting, aesthetic solution that offers protection from the elements.
Thatch Roofing
Thatch roof types are comprised of interlocking layers of stalks from various plants. While it is common in many parts of the world, it is not as widely used in Idaho due to its relatively short lifespan. It also requires frequent maintenance and replacement over time. Here are the materials thatch roofing usually consists of:
Wheat Straw
Wheat straw is a popular material used for thatch roofing and is typically found in parts of Europe such as England and France. It has a light color, with its strength determined by its length, thickness, and density.
This makes wheat straw relatively easy to install as it is lightweight and not too expensive. However, due to its low durability, it is vulnerable to moisture damage and thus needs frequent maintenance and replacement over time. Wheat straw is mainly used for small outbuildings and beach huts.
Seagrass
Seagrass is an incredibly strong and durable material, making it a great choice for roofing in areas with damp climates. It has the strength of wood and is less prone to rotting or moisture damage. This means that it can remain reliable for many years, even in humid conditions.
Seagrass is relatively easy to install compared to other roofing materials, but it can be difficult to find in some regions due to its limited availability. As such, it may come with a higher price tag if you want the best quality seagrass.
When choosing this roofing material, one should consider the climate they live in since seagrass works best in coastal regions with humid air. This makes it ideal for beach homes and buildings located in moist climates.
This is because they will reap the benefits of seagrass’ durability and resistance to moisture damage over time. Last, this material comes with a beautiful aesthetic. Its natural colors bring life and vibrancy to any place where it’s installed.
Rye Straw
Rye straw is a type of material commonly used for thatch roofing, and its strength is determined by its thickness, length, and density. These roofing materials typically have a pale-yellow hue and can be found in parts of Europe such as Germany, France, Austria, and Scandinavia. Compared to seagrass, rye straw is much simpler to install due to its light weight and significantly lower price tag.
Despite this advantage, it still doesn’t have the same level of durability as seagrass or other materials. That means that frequent maintenance and replacements are needed over time in order to keep the roof secure. It’s also flammable which can put your structure at risk if fire safety measures aren’t followed closely.
Overall, rye straw is a somewhat cheap option for thatch roof types. However, homeowners should take into consideration its limited durability when factoring this into their decisions. Its lightweight quality makes it easier to install than some other materials.
However, more precautions need to be taken in order to prevent damage caused by moisture or fire hazards. With proper installation and regular inspection, rye straw can be a great option for small outbuildings looking to stay within a certain budget.
Raffia Palm Leaves
Raffia palm leaves are well-known roofing materials used for roofing in certain areas of Nigeria. The material is not extremely strong but it is lightweight and durable. This makes it ideal for structures such as beach huts, shed roofs or barns. As it has a unique aesthetic quality, its green roof brings vibrancy and life to any structure it is used in.
Installation of raffia palm leaves is fairly straightforward as they are light and easy to work with. To ensure their longevity, regular maintenance and repairs are necessary to keep the roof secure. Despite this, the material can last for many years if installed correctly and taken care of properly. Overall, raffia palm leaves are a colorful, practical and strong material ideal for smaller structures in regions of Nigeria.
Rice Straw
Rice straw is a popular material for roofing that can be found mainly in regions of China and Eastern Asia. It is known for its durability with water and fire resistance. This makes it a suitable choice for many small structures like beach huts, sheds or barns. Rice straw is inexpensive and can bring a unique aesthetic element to any place where it is installed.
Despite its strengths, rice straw can be difficult to source and requires regular maintenance and repairs in order to keep it secure. With proper installation, though, it can last for many years and be a great choice for anyone looking for low cost roofing materials.
Water Reed
Water Reed is a natural material found in marshlands, which has been used for roofing in Ireland for centuries. It’s known for its impressive durability and resistance to moisture and rot. It also features a beautiful, natural aesthetic that can bring life to any structure it covers. Its low cost and easy installation make Water Reed an ideal choice for those roofing on a budget.
Despite the many good things of this material, it does require more frequent maintenance to remain secure over time. Proper cleaning and repairs are key to ensuring that Water Reed remains intact for years to come. This could include inspecting the roofing materials regularly for signs of damage and removing any debris or moss that may have built up.
Low Slope Roof Types
These roofing materials are recommended for low slope roofing applications like flat roofs that don’t have an attic space and garages that are not subject to extreme weather. Roof types such as rubber, EPDM and TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) offer superior waterproof protection in wet climates.
They are also lightweight and easy to install so you can save on labor costs. Further, these materials have outstanding resistance to UV rays. This helps keep the interior of your home or building cooler while reducing energy costs.
Membrane Roofing
Membrane roofing is a type of low-slope roofing material that is composed of a single layer of waterproof material. It is typically made from rubber, EPDM or TPO and provides superior protection against moisture and other elements.
Membrane roof types are also lightweight and durable. They require minimal maintenance once installed so you can enjoy your new roof for years. Here are the materials a membrane roof may consist of:
Cured Thermoset Membrane Roofing
Cured Thermoset Membrane Roofing is a global roofing system composed of synthetic rubbers which have been subjected to vulcanization, or curing. This type of roofing is often used in commercial and industrial properties, as well as residential homes.
It’s constructed with a single layer of waterproof material. This is usually chosen from rubber, EPDM or TPO, that offers superior protection from moisture and other elements. Cured Elastomer Membranes are lightweight and durable, requiring minimal maintenance once installed.
The seams of materials in this type of roofing system are bonded by adhesives or chemicals that can weaken over time without upkeep. Despite the low cost and easy installation of Cured Thermoset Membrane Roofing, it is susceptible to UV damage. This means periodic repairs or maintenance may be necessary.
Ultimately, this system provides excellent protection from rain, wind and fire while being aesthetically pleasing. This makes it a great choice for any home or business owner looking for an efficient and long-lasting roofing solution.
Uncured Thermoset Membrane Roofing
Uncured thermoset membrane roofing is a popular choice when it comes to roofing materials. This is due to its superior protection from UV damage and its resistance to tears and punctures.
Uncured elastomers are installed in a manner similar to thermoplastics. They can be heat or solvent welded. Then, they cure over time when they’re exposed to the elements and exhibit the same qualities as vulcanized elastomers.
Uncured thermoset membrane roofing is used in a variety of climates and requires very little maintenance. This makes it a great choice for residential and commercial buildings, industrial roof types, and agricultural use. It also offers superior protection from rain, wind and fire.
Despite its many benefits, it is more expensive than vulcanized materials. It can also be prone to shrinking and granule loss over time if it’s not properly maintained.
Thermoplastic Roofing
Thermoplastic Roofing is a popular choice among residential and commercial structures, industrial applications, and agricultural roof types. This is due to its superior protection from UV damage and its resistance to tears and punctures. It is an economical roofing solution that consists of plastic sheets welded together with hot air, creating one continuous sheet membrane.
This membrane is lightweight and flexible, making it easy to install. It can be attached to ridged insulation using a bonding adhesive. Alternately, it can be fastened through ridged insulation into structural deck and overlapped with the proceeding roll that gets heat-welded with hot air.
Thermoplastic Roofing provides an array of benefits. These include superior protection from water, wind, and fire as well as low cost of ownership. It is also energy efficient and flame retardant, offering excellent watertightness performance. This roofing material may not be for ideal for areas with foot traffic due to its tear strength and higher cost of installation.
Liquid Roofing
Liquid roofing is a type of membrane roofing system that is applied as a liquid and cures over time to form an impermeable barrier. Commonly used in industrial settings, these roofing materials are highly resistant to chemicals and can withstand extreme temperatures. They also provide superior protection from water, wind and fire as well as excellent watertightness performance. Here are the materials liquid roofing may consist of:
Asphalt Roll Roofing
Asphalt Roll Roofing is an economical roofing solution that consists of asphalt sheets rolled onto a substrate. It is lightweight and durable, making it easy to install and requiring little maintenance or upkeep once installed. This type of membrane provides superior protection from rain and other weather elements as well as excellent watertightness performance. However, it may not be suitable for areas with high foot traffic or extreme temperatures as it is prone to shrinking and cracking.
Acrylic-Based Liquid Roofing
Acrylic based liquid roofing is a more durable option than asphalt roll roofing. It consists of an acrylic polymer blend that cures over time to form a watertight barrier. This type of membrane has excellent impact resistance and provides superior protection from UV radiation and extreme temperatures. This material may be used in areas with high foot traffic due to its superior strength and durability.
Silicone-Based Liquid Roofing
Silicone-based liquid roofing is the most expensive option, as it consists of a silicone polymer that cures over time to form an impermeable barrier. This type of membrane is highly resistant to chemicals, UV radiation and extreme temperatures, making it perfect for industrial settings.
Its superior watertightness performance makes it ideal for areas with high amounts of rain and snow. Liquid roofing is an excellent roofing solution that provides superior protection from the elements and is designed to withstand extreme temperatures. With proper installation and maintenance, this type of membrane can provide long-lasting protection.
Neoprene-Based Liquid Roofing
Neoprene-based liquid roofing is a less expensive option than silicone-based liquid roofing. It consists of neoprene rubber that cures over time to form an impermeable barrier. This type of membrane provides superior protection from UV radiation and extreme temperatures, making it suitable for industrial settings.
Next, its low maintenance requirements make it an inexpensive roofing solution. Neoprene-based liquid roofing materials are also highly resistant to chemicals and provide excellent watertightness performance.
Butyl/Rubber-Based Liquid Roofing
Butyl/rubber-based liquid roofing is a popular option for industrial applications. This is due to its excellent watertightness performance and protection from UV exposure, extreme temperatures and chemicals. This type of membrane consists of butyl rubber that cures over time to form an impermeable barrier. Last, it requires little maintenance or upkeep once installed.
Modified Bitumen Roofing
Modified Bitumen is a reliable, long-lasting asphalt solution that can be heat welded, self adhering or applied with adhesive. The total package consists of asphalt mixed with either APP or SBS polymers and then installed on top of fiberglass and/orpolyester matting. Seaming the material together is easily achieved by locally melting the bitumen using heat and hot mopping it down to ensure secure joining. Above all else, Modified Bitumen can an excellent choice for many roof types due to its range of uses.
Built-Up Roof Membrane (BUR)
Built-Up Roof Membranes (BUR) are made of several layers that are stuck together. They usually have three to five layers. The layers can be made of bitumen-coated organic felt, polyester felt, or coated fiberglass felts.
The roof membrane is stuck together with hot asphalt, coal tar pitch or a special glue. To protect it from things like the sun and hail, people usually cover it with gravel or a reflective coating. Polyester fabric and PTFE embedded in fiberglass can also be used to make Built-Up Roof Membranes.
Concrete or Cement Fiber Roofs
Concrete tile and cement fiber roof types are roofing materials that use concrete and fibers to create a strong and durable covering. The concrete is usually reinforced with different types of fibers to make it stronger. There are three main types of concrete roofing: precast/prestressed, cast-in-place, and shell.
Precast/prestressed can be used for short spans up to 60 feet, and hollow-core slabs can be used when there is need for a flush ceiling. Cement T-beams can span from 30 feet to 100 feet. Joists and planks use prestressed joists with planks for spans up to 36 feet or 60 feet, respectively.
To protect the roof membrane from UV rays, it is usually topped with a thick layer containing mineral granules or reflective coating material like chips of gravel.
Get a roof that lasts for decades
Overall, there are a lot of options when it comes to roofing materials for different roof types. Each option offers its own unique benefits and drawbacks depending on the needs of your project. It is important to research all available options carefully before making any decisions.
Before you decide on a type of roof, consult an experienced roofing contractor like us at Rooftops Energy Solutions. We can recommend the most suitable choice for your specific requirements. With our guidance and expertise, you can be sure that your new roof will provide lasting protection for years.
