Types of Roofing Material:

Asphalt shingles are by far the most popular product in the U.S. residential roofing market.  Asphalt shingles can be reinforced with either organic or fiber glass materials. Although shingles reinforced with organic felts have been around much longer, fiber glass-reinforced products have come to dominate the market.  The fire resistance of asphalt shingles, like most other roofing materials, is categorized by UL Class A, B, or C. Class A is the most fire resistant, while Classes B and C have less fire resistance. Generally, most fiberglass shingles have a Class A fire rating, while most organic shingles have a Class C rating.

A shingle's reinforcement will have little effect on its appearance. Both organic and fiberglass products are available in laminated (architectural) grades that offer a textured appearance. Zinc granules also can be applied to shingles to protect against algae (fungus) attack, a common problem in this area. Both types of shingles are also available in a variety of colors.

Organic shingles consist of a wood-fiber base that is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules. To fight fungus growth in warm, wet climates, they are available with special algaecide granules.

Fiberglass shingles consist of a fiberglass mat and top-and-bottom layers of asphalt and mineral granules. Typically, fiberglass offers greater durability, but their manufacture is important.

Wood Shingles / Wood Shakes: Wood roofing products are predominately made from cedar, but can also be made from redwood and southern pine. The primary difference between the two is that shingles are machine-sawn; shakes are hand split for rougher appearance.  Both shingles and shakes come in different thicknesses.  In this area, we would not recommend them on slopes under 5" in 12" because leaves and pine needles can build up on them and cause problems.

Tile: Clay and concrete tile are the two most widely available forms of this roof material. It is a durable but fairly expensive roofing material. "Mission-style" and "Spanish" round-topped tiles are the most popular, but flat styles also are available to create French and English looks. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes.  If you do not have a slate or tile roof now or if you are building a home, a structural analysis is required by our firm because tile is heavy.  Putting tile on an insufficiently framed roof can cause a myriad of problems.

Metal: There are several types of metal roofs from flat locked copper to standing steam.  Metal roofs have a wide range of prices as well as aesthetic choices. Metal in general breaks down in two groups: Structural and Architectural.   Structural panels are installed directly over purlins and in effect become both the deck and the roof.  Architectural panels are installed over a wood or metal deck.     Metal roofs offer good durability, but care must be taken at penetrations. 

Metal is a fast growing segment in the roofing industry.  As a result several new types of seaming methods and faux looks have been developed which are not for every application.  The wrong method of seaming in certain areas can seriously compromise the quality of the total system, so it is important to be aware of what you are getting.    In general terms the lighter the gauge, the wider the panel, and the shorter the seam; result in a less expensive the roof.

Flat locked copper is a metal roof for low sloped areas.  It provides a "permanent" solution for those hard to get to flat areas or blind valleys.   We highly recommend it in conjunction with slate and tile.  By making a more permanent roof it avoids damage that can be caused by uninstructed individuals.