What Are 5 Common Roofing Systems?
Your roof keeps you and your family warm, dry, and safe. They are made of asphalt, tar, rubber, clay, composite material, wood, metal, cement, or stone. Thus, it is important to know about common roofing systems you can choose from.
Five common roofing systems
Among different roofing systems, the five most common include the following:
#1. Asphalt Roof Shingles
Asphalt shingles are rectangular in shape with three tabs. They are thin rubber sheets carved to look like clay or stone shingles. They are popular because they are cheap, easy to maintain, and come in various colors and patterns. In an asphalt roof system, shingles are put on closely spaced planks or sheets of plywood.
#2. Clay Tile Roofing System
Clay is a readily available material that is also simple to mold into forms with lips and channels to direct the flow of water. Clay tiles are slightly heavier than slate and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. It can also be used as a two-part roofing system with a rounded top tile and a flat pan tile. The installation of clay tiles varies based on the tile’s style and local code.
#3. Slate Roofing System
Slate roofing is heavy and needs properly engineered installation to support the extra weight, making it expensive. Though it does not have the same size and thickness, its color variation makes it an aesthetically pleasing option. The benefits of having a slate roofing system are natural appearance, fire-resistant, corrosion-resistant, easy to maintain, and life expectancy of 100 years.
#4. Metal Roofing System
Metal roofing is very common nowadays. It is available in a variety of colors, shapes, and styles. Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel are commonly used metals. They necessitate more roof insulation and layers. Standing seam metal roofing is highly durable and resistant to fire. It is available in prefabricated or custom-formed long strips.
#5. Composite and Rubber Roofing System
Composite and rubber roofing are among the most attractive and eco-friendly roofing systems. This type is usually made of discarded tires. However, it can be molded to look like slate or asphalt tiles. While the initial cost of composite roofing may appear costly, keep in mind that it has a lifespan of over 50 years.
How to decide which roofing system is right for you
Depending on your budget, different roofing systems may be more or less accessible. The level of exposure to heat, high winds, harsh snow, hail, and fire in your area will eventually determine your choice.