TYPES OF ROOFING SYSTEM (PROS & CONS)
Roofing systems vary depending on the type of roof, roof deck, and the customers choice:
Most Common Roof System:
1. SHINGLES : A commonly used roofing material consisting of a long lifespan, with an inexpensive cost.
Pros:
Inexpensive - Shingles are one of the most affordable choices, specially for homeowners on a budget.
Variety of style: Shingles come in a very flexible and number of different styles. Styles such as laminated, three-tab, and premium dimensional styles.
Easy to install and replace: Shingles are very easy to install and replace. Not much prep work or expensive tools are needed. We recommend a professional to do such installments and replacement.
Cons:
Vulnerable to wind and storm : The low price can become an expensive cost. Many cheap and low quality shingles are vulnerable to storms and wind damage. Which will cause roof damage and leaks, and fixing such damages may cost you hundreds of dollars.
Less Durable: Shingles if done correctly may last 15-20 years. However, shingles are prone to damage in harsh weather conditions. Leading to a shortening of their lifespan.
2. TILE : A popular roofing systems used for ages, all over the world. Their unique looks and designs are very aesthetic and can complement a variety of home styles.
Pros:
Tile is weather-resistant – Clay and concrete tiles are known for their durability and ability to withstand high winds, hail, and even fire. This makes tile roofing particularly effective during hurricane season.
Tile roofs are environmentally friendly – Tiles are typically made out of clay or concrete, which is made from earth minerals. They come from a sustainable resource and once they are removed, they can be crushed and recycled often making a base for roads.
Tile roofs come in many different options – Clay and concrete tiles are available in many different styles and colors, ensuring that you can choose something to complement the design of your home.
Cons:
Tile is a heavy material - Because of how heavy a tile roof can be, it’s important for your home to have the proper structural reinforcement to safely support it. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced roofer who can verify your home can hold the weight.
Tile roofing can be brittle – As durable and weather-resistant as tiles are, they can still crack or break as a result of impact damage.
Tile Gets Dirty - Due to the rough and humid environment. Overtime, tiles start to build algae and black dirt causing your home to not look so great. Periodical pressure cleaning and maintenance may add to the such cost.
3. METAL : A very unique roofing system, which is growing to become one of the most energy efficient and long lasting roofing systems in the industry.
Pros:
Longevity - Metal roofs can last 40-70 years, depending on the material. Traditional asphalt roofing materials have an estimated life expectancy of roughly 12-20 years.
Energy efficiency - Metal roofs reflect the suns UV and infrared light rays that contribute to roof surface radiant heat, which can result in a 10-25% reduction in cooling costs.
Durability - If installed correctly, some metal roofs can sustain wind gusts up to 140 miles per hour, will not corrode or crack and may be impact-resistant. In addition, metal roofs don't need the periodic costly maintenance that other roofing materials often require. However, they should be inspected periodically to make sure no repairs are required.
Cons:
Affordability - Metal roofs can be as much as two or three times more expensive than other roofing materials. While the life of a metal roof is much longer, investing in a metal roof only makes sense if you plan to stay in your home long enough to enjoy the cost benefits.
Noisiness - Metal roofs may be more noisy during a heavy rain or hailstorm than other products depending on the type of decking used during installation (spaced or solid). Adding more attic insulation can sometimes solve this problem, but that may increase costs.
Expansion, contraction and fasteners - Metal roofing material assemblies that are attached as large panels are designed to expand and contract as they warm and cool. However, both exposed and concealed fasteners have varying lifespans. Depending on the climate, neoprene washers and the screws used during installation may degrade and become dislodged over time.
FLAT ROOF SYSTEMS:
Built-up Roof (BUR):The traditional hot-tar-and-gravel roof is built from three or more plies of waterproof material alternated with hot tar. Used over the past century it is a very commonly used and durable system.
- Built-up roofs tend to provide excellent waterproofing and ultra-violet protection. Thanks to the aggregate top layer, they are also fire-resistant. Built-up roofing is generally low-maintenance and therefore costs little to maintain over its life.
Modified Bitumen Roofing: Being asphalt-based, is designed for low slope roofs. Successfully used in the United States for over 40 years. Its unique properties give it many of the benefits of old-fashioned built-up roofing and some of the convenience of today’s single-ply roofing systems. If you are re-roofing a flat roof, mod-bit should be on your list of options.
- Bitumen roofs are one of the longer lasting types of flat roofing materials, easily lasting 20 years or more.
Single-Ply Roofing: Single-Ply Membranes are sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be ballasted or chemically adhered to insulation to create a layer of protection for your flat roof. The most commonly used single-ply membranes are TPO and EPDM.
- Single-Ply Membranes don't experience fluttering because air cannot get under the membrane. Their higher wind uplift ratings make them a good choice for coastal locations and high wind areas. They are also impact resistant when you adhere your cover board and then adhere the membrane, eliminating exposed screws and plates. Also, consist of a smoother finished appearance versus mechanically attached. Overall, Longer warranties.