| In the great search for the perfect home | | | | through the "torch down" method. A flame |
| there are many details to consider. A | | | | throwing torch melts the asphalt so that |
| huge part of the integrity of any | | | | the seams can be joined together. |
| building is, of course, the roof. There | | | | Membrane roofs are a great choice and |
| are various different types of roofs and | | | | often come with a long life warrantee- |
| roofing material, all with particular | | | | usually around 15-25 years, depending on |
| advantages and draw-backs. You'll want | | | | the thickness of materials used. |
| consider this information as you | | | | Metal |
| continue your hunt. A good roof is part | | | | The longest lasting and probably most |
| of a great investment. Likewise, if you | | | | expensive roof choice is a metal roof. |
| are buying into a home that needs a roof | | | | They will typically last 40-50 years. |
| replacement, it is not a bad idea to | | | | Metal roof are also favored for their |
| have a handle on the type of roofing | | | | speed, ease of installation and fire |
| materials on the market. | | | | resistant qualities. Metal roofs are |
| Asphalt | | | | surprisingly lightweight and reflect |
| Asphalt roofs are the most popular roof | | | | heat from the sun. Drawbacks, aside from |
| choice in North America. They are a | | | | the costs of premium materials, are |
| proven covering material available in | | | | noise and denting. If a golf ball hits |
| many styles, shapes and colors. Asphalt | | | | your metal roof, not only will you hear |
| shingles normally last about 20 years, | | | | it, you may also have a permanent dent |
| but when covered in copper sheeting | | | | in your roof!. And although the noise |
| their life can be extended up to 30 or | | | | can be controlled in various ways, if |
| 40 years. Asphalt shingles are suitable | | | | you you live in a rainy climate and want |
| for most residential applications and | | | | a metal roof, you had better like the |
| compared to other roofing products | | | | sound of rain pitter pattering, or |
| asphalt are a relatively inexpensive | | | | pelting above you. |
| choice. Asphalt shingles are also a user | | | | Wood |
| friendly choice. Experienced | | | | Wooden roofs are generally comprised of |
| do-it-yourselfers will have no problems | | | | either shingles or shakes. Usually made |
| applying asphalt shingles successfully. | | | | from western red cedar, a long-lasting, |
| Asphalt is a low maintenance product | | | | straight-grained wood, shingles have a |
| with easy repairs. You can go ahead with | | | | life expectancy similar to most other |
| asphalt knowing it has been around for | | | | roofs. Wood shakes are thicker and |
| over 100 years and has a proven track | | | | rougher and like shingles have an |
| record. | | | | average life expectancy of 25 years. One |
| Membrane | | | | draw back to wooden roofs is that the |
| Flat roofs usually require some type of | | | | are certainly not fire-resistant. Some |
| membrane roofing material. There are | | | | local codes require that the wood be |
| three main types. Thermoset Membranes | | | | pressure-treated. Therefore, wooden |
| chemically cross link. "What does this | | | | roofs may not be suitable for use in |
| mean?", you may ask. It basically | | | | fire-prone areas. Wood materials often |
| amounts to having one giant molecule of | | | | require more maintenance than other |
| roofing over your head- no seams | | | | roofing options, especially if you live |
| attached! These membranes are quite | | | | in a harsh climate. |
| thick and offer superior performance in | | | | Tile |
| a wide range of exposures. The | | | | Tile roofs initially cost a lot more to |
| Thermoplastic Membrane roofs are similar | | | | install than asphalt shingle or wood |
| to Thermosets, but do not chemically | | | | shake roofs, but they also last much |
| cross link. Instead, seams are welded | | | | longer. Their lifecycle can be from |
| together with heat or solvents. PVC | | | | 50-100 years, and sometimes even |
| plastic materials are used with both | | | | longer.Tile is often used in more |
| these types of roofing. There are many | | | | expensive, custom homes. Tile has the |
| different "code" acronyms that you might | | | | unique ability of being able to accent |
| hear a roofer talk about. Be sure to | | | | the exterior color or finish of any home |
| find out the exact material and material | | | | or building. With better insulating |
| details from your roofer. The third type | | | | properties, tile is also your most |
| of membrane is Modified Bitumen | | | | energy-efficient material choice. Tile |
| Membrane, which is an evolution of | | | | roofing systems allow air circulation |
| asphalt roofing. These membranes combine | | | | under the tile, reducing heat transfer |
| asphalt with modifiers and reinforcement | | | | to attics during fires. But take note, |
| materials. The preferred method of | | | | tile roofs are not meant to be walked |
| applying these particular membranes is | | | | on! |