Roofing Materials Options for Your Roof Replacement
All Weather Roofing
Maria wanted a new roof. She didn’t like the look of her current roof so started thinking about her roofing options.
Maria was hoping that she could increase the curb appeal of her property by making changes to the roof. She felt that if she made smart choices on roofing materials she could increase her property value.
If you are planning to get a new roof for your residential or commercial property you may be thinking about your options. You wonder if you should replace your roof with the same type of roof covering you have or get something different.
Are roof covering options different for residential and commercial building roof replacements?
Most roofing materials can be installed on either residential or commercial buildings. The interior use of a property isn’t the key.
Your building’s roof slope is the primary key to determining your options for the roof covering materials.
Roof slope or pitch is the incline of a roof. The terms most commonly used to describe roofs are flat (low slope) and pitched (steep slope).
The slope is important because it allows rainwater and snow runoff to flow to the drainage system, protecting your building from water damage or collapse. Even flat roofs are required to have a slight slope to allow for proper drainage.
How a local roofing contractor can help.
A local roofing contractor can guide you as you explore your roofing materials options. You will want to find a roofing company with many years of experience in your area. The roofing contractor or his salesperson should be well-versed in the roofing materials options for your building type and location.
The roofing contractor will determine your roof slope and explain your options for roofing materials, colors, and styles that fit your budget. He will know the California building codes for your location so can advise you on roof system requirements for risks like fire, wind, and earthquake.
Roof Covering Materials Quick Reference Guide
Asphalt or composition shingles: Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material used. Asphalt shingles are available in different grades (thickness and components). Many colors and patterns are available. Installing asphalt shingles can be one of the least expensive ways of updating the look of your property.
Wood shingles and shakes: Wood shingles and shakes have been popular in California because of their beauty. Due to the high fire risk in the state, California now requires fire-retardant-treated wood shakes and shingles to be used.
Clay tile: Clay tile is strong, durable, and attractive. It is also one of the most expensive roofing materials available. Clay tile is considered to be environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Concrete tile: Concrete tile is manufactured by pouring concrete into molds that are then heated. When the concrete dries it hardens and gets stronger. Concrete tile comes in a variety of colors, sizes, and shapes. It is weather-proof in any climate but has a shorter lifespan than clay tile.
Slate tile: Slate tile is manufactured from natural stone. Slate is elegant and durable but is one of the most expensive roofing options.
Metal roofing: Metal roofing panels are made from metals like galvanized steel, stainless steel, copper, and zinc. There are many designs and options available. It can be challenging to properly cut and install metal roofs, sometimes making them a more expensive option. If you choose a metal roof, it’s best to hire a roofing contractor who specializes in metal roof planning and installation.
PVC membrane roofing: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing is a single-ply membrane used on flat or low-slope roofs, both commercial and residential. PVC membrane roofing can be very durable and fire-resistant.
BUR (Built-up roofing or hot mop): BUR is membrane roofing that is used on flat or low-slope roofs. It is used most often on commercial buildings but can be used for residential. It typically has alternating layers of felt or fiberglass and asphalt or pitch bitumen. It often has a top coat of tar, asphalt, or bitumen to give it a finished look.
Regardless of the roofing material you choose, be sure that you hire a roofing contractor who has extensive experience with installing that type of roofing material. Don’t be shy about asking the roofing company for examples of installations they’ve done, and for customer references.
Thoughts on roofing materials and fire safety in California.
Fire safety in California is a growing concern. If you live in a fire-risk area, be sure to choose a roofing material and roof system package (underlayment, insulation layers, and non-combustible roof deck) that give you the best protection possible.
You can check with your property insurance agent for information on roofing materials that will give you the lowest insurance rates. Your insurance company will likely want you to have a Class A roofing system.
California Title 24 “Cool Roof” code requirements.
California has established residential and non-residential building standards for energy efficiency, often referred to as Title 24 “Cool Roof” code requirements. These building code requirements apply both to new construction and to roof replacements (reroofs).
Title 24 requirements can typically be met by choosing roofing materials that have been tested and certified as compliant cool roof products. Since requirements vary by California climate zone, you will want to work with your contractor to choose roofing materials that are rated for your climate zone.
Have you picked a favorite roofing material yet?
You now know more than most property owners about roofing materials. You’re ready for the next step of working with a local roofing contractor who will take the time to explain the roofing materials, style, and color options for your building and your location.
Remember Maria, the property owner at the beginning of the article? She knew that getting a new roof was a big investment. She was happy because she found an experienced roofing contractor who installed the quality new roof she wanted—a roof that gave her property an updated, more modern look.
She was especially happy when she sold her property the following year and got top dollar. Maria’s roofing investment really paid off.
All Weather Roofing.