roofing material matters what you need to know

ROOFING MATERIAL MATTERS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW


PART 1Popular Roofing Materials

and Their Benefits

There are many types of roofing materials available for your home and each one carries a different set of benefits and characteristics. We will discuss each to help you find the best one for your home, taking into consideration

certain factors.


POPULAR ROOFING MATERIALS AND THEIR BENEFITS

ASPHALT COMPOSITION SHINGLESOne of the most widely used roofing materials for residential roofs in the United States, asphalt composition shingles offer great protection from the elements but at an affordable cost. You can choose between the more-economical three-tab shingle and the more-stylish architectural shingle, both of which are resistant to fire and quite easy to fix. Typically, an asphalt shingle roof lasts about 15 to 30 years.

FIBERGLASS SHINGLESThese do not differ much from asphalt shingles in terms of design and size options, but fiberglass is lighter and more durable. These improvements come at a price though so fiberglass shingles are more expensive than asphalt shingles.

WOOD SHAKES OR SHINGLESIdeal for homes with more traditional designs, wood shakes and shingles are unbeatable when it comes to natural elegance. They will require upkeep, however, but with proper care can last for 30 years or more. Wood is naturally weak against fire though but the roofing material may be treated to improve resistance to heat and fire.



METAL Metal roofing is growing in popularity because it is highly durable, offers versatile designs, and can last 50 years or more. They will benefit from receiving routine care but maintenance tasks are simple and easy to carry out. Metal roofing can also be installed over existing roofs, doing away with tear-offs to simplify the installation process and offer savings. Want a unique feature for your home? Copper roofs develop a patina through natural weathering.

TILETile particularly suited for Spanish-inspired homes as well as houses with stucco walls. You can experiment with a variety of colors and styles with tile, although its weight can complicate installation a bit so it is important to ensure that necessary structural support is in place. Once installed though, concrete tiles can be expected to last around 50 years while clay tiles can even outlast homes with a 75-year lifespan.



SLATESlate is natural rock so it looks good no matter what option you choose. But as it is natural rock, it is also heavy, which means it’s going to need structural support to ensure your roof stays up. This heft does make it durable though, weathering through whatever the elements may bring. In fact, it’s not unusual for a slate roof to last 150 years.

NOW THAT YOU HAVE AN IDEA OF THE ROOFING MATERIALS AVAILABLE TO YOU, IT IS NOW TIME

TO MATCH OPTIONS WITH ARCHITECTURAL STYLES. TO LEARN MORE, READ ON!


PART 2Matching Roofing Materials to

Architectural StylesChoosing roofing material is tricky business because you have to take into consideration numerous factors. Different people have different needs so there’s no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to roofs. And given the kind of responsibility roofs have in protecting your home,

it is crucial that you pick out the right one.


MATCHING ROOFING MATERIALS TO ARCHITECTURAL STYLES

Out of the numerous factors you have to consider, architectural style is a great place to start because it has to do with what your roof will look like, which is a big consideration for a lot of people since roofs make up so much of a home’s

exterior. So what goes with what?

ASPHALT AND FIBERGLASS SHINGLESThese shingles in general work well with a range of architectural styles so, if you were eyeing getting asphalt or fiberglass shingles, you’re in luck as you don’t have to worry too much about matching them to your home’s design. Because of this, many builders default to shingles, most especially in Northern states as the roofing material can also withstand extreme temperatures.



WOOD SHAKES AND SHINGLESBecause of wood’s classical, traditional appeal, shakes and shingles are best for ranch- and cottage-styled homes. They can still be used on contemporary home styles but only with the right layout and design allowing old-world charm and modern aesthetic to co-exist.

METALSimple and straightforward, metal roofs are nice complements to bungalows, cottages, and ranch-style homes. However, the roofing material can also feature different textures so it can also lend character to a home.

TILETile roofs are great for European-inspired homes, specifically Mission, Spanish, and Mediterranean architectural styles. Got adobe or stucco walls? They’ll also work well with tile roofs. A favorite in the Southwest, the roofing material is also one of the oldest around so it can be a great match if you’re restoring a historic home.



SLATETruth be told, slate will look good on any home because natural rock is simply naturally appealing. However, given the luxuriousness of the material, it will look best on Colonial, French, and Chateau-style homes.

IN THE NEXT PART, WE’LL BE EXPLORING INNOVATIONS IN ROOFING MATERIALS TO SEE HOW FAR ROOFING TECHNOLOGY HAS COME.

HEAD ON OVER TO PART 3 OF THIS E_BOOK TO LEARN MORE!


PART 3A Closer Look at Roofing

Material Innovations

Thanks to modern technology, different roofing materials are now capable of offering more than they used to. They’ve come a long way but roofing materials are still continuously being improved to offer

better form and function.


A CLOSER LOOK AT ROOFING MATERIAL INNOVATIONS

Some of the more notable innovations around include:

Improved Durability. Roofs are expected to last through anything so manufacturers are working hard to make their products more durable than their last. With improved durability, a roof is not only able to resist various threats better but it also enjoys a longer lifespan with simpler maintenance requirements.

Reflective Membranes. Roofs are exposed to the sun so it is only natural that they absorb heat. Unfortunately, absorbing excessive heat affects indoor temperature, straining HVAC systems to stabilize conditions inside the home and maintain comfort. Reflective membranes address this problem by reflecting a significant portion of heat back, lessening what a roof does absorb. Flat roofs mostly take advantage of this innovation but shingles can also be treated with reflective coatings.

Photovoltaic Roof Systems. Also known as solar roofs, photovoltaic roof systems allow you to generate electric power by harnessing solar energy, lessening your dependence on the grid to help you save on electricity costs. As demand for this roofing system grows, it is also becoming more affordable, making it more accessible to more homeowners.


A CLOSER LOOK AT ROOFING MATERIAL INNOVATIONS

Green Roofs. What a lot of people think when they hear green roofs is that these are roofs with plants on top. That is correct, but green roofs can also be any kind of roofing material that offer environment-friendly features like high recyclability, which lessens trash in landfills.

Environmental Product Declaration. Made and published by the roof manufacturers, these reports show and explain the impact of their roofing materials to the environment, which ensures that they are following environmental regulations (such as LEED) in creating roofing products. This gives consumers the opportunity to access data about the roofing materials they intend to buy, most especially if doing their bit for the environment is important to them.


CMS ROOFING530 Vision Court Irmo, South Carolina 29063

877-425-4121www.CMSofSC.com

http://www.CMSofSC.com

roofing material matters what you need to know

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