ROOF SYSTEM COMPONENTS: COVERINGS

ROOF COVERINGS

Roof coverings are the shingles, tile, slate, or metal and underlayment that protect the sheathing from the weather. How do you choose your next cover?

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingles are the most common roof covering in the steep-slope roofing market. They can be reinforced with natural or fiberglass materials, and there are a variety of styles. When installing them, we recommend using asphalt shingles that meet American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. If a shingle product meets these standards, it will say so in the information about the manufacturer and on the package.

WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES

Wood shingles or shakes are made from cedar, redwood, southern pine, and other woods. Their natural look is popular in California, the Northwest, and parts of the Midwest. Wood shingles are machine-made, while shakes are handmade and rough-looking. Some local building codes limit the use of wood shingles and shakes due to concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no ratings at all. But some wood shingles that have been treated at the factory to make them fire-resistant can get a Class A fire rating.

TILE, CLAY OR CONCRETE 

A tile, clay, or concrete roof covering is a durable roofing material. Southwestern states and Florida use Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles. Flat styles are also available to create French and English styles. Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes but is very heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof system with tile, you will need to make sure that the structure can support the load.

SLATE

Vermont, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia have slates. It is available in different colors and grades, depending on its origin. While virtually indestructible, it is more expensive than other roofing materials, and its installation requires special skills and experience. Many old homes, especially in the Northeast, have this long-lasting roofing material.

METAL

Metal roofs, usually a low-slope roofing material, can be a suitable choice for homes with steep-slope roofs. There are two types of metal roofing products: panels and shingles. Numerous metal panel shapes and configurations exist. Metal shingles typically look like traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles, or tile. Metal shingles are long-lasting, relatively lightweight, have a greater resistance to bad weather, and can look great. Some have Class A fire ratings.

SYNTHETIC ROOFING

Synthetic products look like various traditional roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and shakes. However, they do not necessarily have the same properties.

FIND OUT THE BEST ROOF FOR YOUR HOME

To learn more about the right roof covering for your home call Highland Residential & Commercial Roofing at 1 (888) 55-ROOFER. We serve all of North Carolina.