Roofing Material
From natural to synthetic materials, there are many roofing options available to homeowners. However, not all of these materials can be used on any roof. A flat roof, for instance, needs a different surface than a pitched roof. Additionally, some homes are old and have weaker structures that are unable to support the load of heavy materials. Prior to hiring Middlesex County roofers, it’s important that homeowners weigh all of their options.
Asphalt shingles are used on 80 percent of residential buildings. They are made of either fiberglass or organic paper fiber mats that are soaked in asphalt and coated with mineral granules. Three-tab asphalt shingles generally weigh less and are slightly cheaper per 100 square feet than laminated shingles. They can be installed on fairly low-pitch to steep-pitch roofs, are resistant to fire and wind, and last 15 to 30 years depending on the type. Although the manufacturing process is not eco-friendly, the shingles can be recycled.
Wood shakes and shingles are commonly made from cedar but can be manufactured from other wood that is rot resistant. They require treatment to be fire resistant, but they offer good wind resistance. Wood shakes and shingles are eco-friendly because they are made from natural materials, but they require regular maintenance. With a moderate weight, they can be installed on moderate-pitch to steep-pitch roofs and generally last 15 to 25 years.
More expensive than asphalt but cheaper than wood, metal roofing can be made from aluminum, zinc alloy, copper or steel, the latter of which is cheapest.
Some metal roofs have a painted finish or zinc coating. Metal roofing is available in shingles or sheets and may be installed with the fasteners hidden or exposed. When it’s made with recycled materials, it’s eco-friendly and can be recycled after use. The type of metal used affects its durability, but all types are lightweight and can be installed on low-pitch to steep-pitch roofs. Metal has decent wind and fire resistance and typically lasts 30 to 50 years.
Tiles are another option that come in two varieties: clay and cement. While cement is moderate in cost, clay is almost the most expensive roofing material available. Both are very fire resistant, have fair wind resistance, are rather heavy and can be installed on moderate-pitch to steep-pitch roofs. Although they can be made from natural materials, they take a lot of energy to manufacture. Cement and clay tiles last 50 years or more.
One of the oldest materials used for roofs, slate is a natural material that is very durable and resistant to fire and wind. It’s the most expensive and heaviest roofing material, requiring the roof to be reinforced. Slate can only be installed on steep-pitch roofs and lasts 75 years or more. The roofers at Fortified Roofing in Middlesex County NJ can answer your questions regarding roof repairs or new roofs.
Term explained by the roofers at Fortified Roofing in Middlesex County NJ:
Mineral granules
Mineral granules are the remnants of crushed stone used in the manufacturing process of asphalt shingles. They are applied to the shingles with a ceramic coating. Granules provide durability and longevity that wouldn’t be possible for shingles without them.
The roofers in Middlesex County NJ from Fortified Roofing answer a common question:
Are other types of roofing material available?
Plastic polymer shingles are synthetic roofing materials designed to look like slate or wood shakes. Some manufacturers use recycled materials to make them, and they can be recycled after use. They have a light to moderate weight and can be installed on moderate-pitch to steep-pitch roofs. With good wind and fire resistance, plastic polymer shingles last 50 years or more.
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