What Types of Roofing Materials are Available?

There many different types of roofing materials available for consumers that may wish to roof their home. These materials can be categorized as metal, asphalt shingle, wood, and tile or slate. Each of these materials has advantages and disadvantages, and each actually offers various types of materials within each category. The most common roofing materials used are metal and asphalt.

Metal Roofing Materials

Although many types of metal roofs may resemble each other closely, there are actually five different materials that metal roofing may be made from. The most commonly used metal for metal roofing is steel. This is due to the fact that it is heavier and sturdier than other metals. Generally steel roofing will be coated with tin so that it avoids corrosion. There are also other coatings placed on to this type of metal roofing to keep it more durable and give it a nicer appearance.

Other types of metal roofing include stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys. Stainless steel is very rarely used as it is a very expensive way to roof a home. They can give a very striking appearance to your roof and won't rust or corrode, but it is one of the most expensive ways to roof a home.

Aluminum is a very commonly used metal roofing material for residential buildings. It does not rust, but it has to be painted so that it has a nice appearance. Aluminum roofs are also coated with most of the same materials used for steel roofs. Copper, while not very commonly used, is a good metal roofing material as it does not have to be refinished and so is not easily scratched. It is also very easy to use on a roof and it is aesthetically pleasing; the largest drawback to copper is its cost.

Another expensive type of metal material used for roofing is grouped into alloys. Alloys are combinations of different types of metals and materials that are combined to create great strength, appearance, and durability. While these may vary in cost, they are generally fairly expensive.

Asphalt Roofing Materials

Asphalt roofing materials can be created using either composition shingles or fiberglass shingles. Whichever materials used, it is then dipped into asphalt and the shingles are created from it. While this type of roofing material appears to be separate shingles, it is generally one large section of shingles that is designed to look like individual pieces. This type of roofing is found on most residential homes across the United States. This is because it has a nice appearance at a low cost.

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