The $51.9 billion roofing industry is the sixteenth largest construction sector in the USA and one of the fastest-growing ones too. This serves to highlight how lucrative roofing is in modern times as well as the diversity of this vast industry.
Replacing a roof is an expensive undertaking and a long-term commitment, so make sure you consider all your options before you commit.
These are the top choices when it comes to modern-day roofing materials.
Residential Roofing Options
The type of roof you have determines the best roofing choices for you. If your home has a flat roof, you're better off choosing a commercial roofing option designed for low-slope roofs.
Find out which types of roof will suit your house from this Roof Top Services' blog.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most widespread and affordable type of residential roofing in the US. You can get asphalt roofs in a variety of colors to suit any home style, too.
The only area where asphalt shingles fall short is when it comes to insulation, but they'll serve you well for up to 25 years.
Concrete and Clay Tiles
These roofing materials add an aura of elegance and texture to your residential roof. They're heavier than asphalt shingles, but offer enhanced energy efficiency due to their insulating properties.
Both these roofing options are long-lasting and fire-resistant. Of the two, concrete's more affordable.
Slate Roofs
Slate is a top choice for homes with classic colonial styles. It's versatile and available in a range of black, gray, purple, green, and even red shades.
This kind of roof material can last for over 100 years when well maintained, they're recyclable, resistant to impact, and fire-proof.
You'll need a specialized installer to fit your slate roof and if often requires extra framing, which only adds to the cost of this expensive material.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofs suit both commercial and residential applications, although the cost of this material is off-putting for owners of large buildings.
This kind of roof offers supreme durability, fire resistance, and aesthetic appeal.
Steel roofs will eventually rust unless they're specially treated against corrosion. You can also choose from rust-resistant metals like aluminum, tin, and copper roof sheets.
Commercial Roofing Materials
Most commercial buildings have flat roofs, which are prone to water dams and leakages. That means they need specialized roofing to counteract this.
According to saltlakeroofing.com/commercial/, regular maintenance can help prevent leaks in any kind of flat roof. These are your options when it comes to commercial roofing:
Built-Up Roofing
BUR consists of layers of gravel and tar is the most affordable type of commercial roof. It's easy to repair, capable of withstanding foot traffic, and you can add a layer of coating to increase its UV resistance.
BUR doesn't last as long as the other types of commercial roofing.
Single-Ply Roofing Systems
These roofing solutions are supremely resistant to fire, chemicals, tears, and chimney fumes. There are three main types available:
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC is lightweight, highly reflective, and extremely durable. It's the top choice for restaurants and manufacturers that emit chemicals and oil via their chimneys.
It's the most expensive type of single-ply roofing due to higher installation costs.
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM)
EPDM roofing has been around for 60 years. It's a durable, flexible, and versatile type of roofing that suits irregularly shaped roofs.
These roofs are usually black, which suits cool climates, but you can add a roof coating to convert them to cool roofs. EPDM roofs don't come with insulation, so you'll pay extra for this aspect.
Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO)
TPO roofing shares many benefits with PVC roofing and is also 100% recyclable. Since TPO roofing's relatively new to the market, there's uncertainty about how long it lasts.
Don't let this put you off this type of durable, lightweight roofing.
Modified Bitumen Roofing Systems
Modified bitumen roofs contain a chemical polymer mixed with asphalt. They're flexible and extremely resistant to high temperatures, hail, fire, and wind.
Installers fit this roof in layers, using hot-mopped asphalt to join them together. Some types of modified bitumen roofs are self-adhesive.
Liquid Applied Roofing
Liquid applied roofing comprises a mix of polyester and resin. Installers pour the roof layer onsite, so the liquid can flow seamlessly into any flashing and out-of-the-way areas.
This type of application offers superior waterproofing, but it's time-consuming, which leads to higher installation costs. You must employ an experienced contractor to install this kind of roof.
Roof Coatings
These silicone or acrylic coatings offer fantastic resistance to leaks, and it's easy to repair them, too. They're usually used to convert an existing roof into a cool roof or to add extra water resistance.
When you opt for a roof coating to fill in existing cracks and tears in your roof, you could extend the life of your roof by several years.
Roof coatings are liquid applied, requiring specialized contractors and they do lose their reflectivity over time. Although they tear easily, they're also easy to repair.
Green Roofs
Green roofs are the most eco-friendly option when it comes to commercial roofing. This type of roof comprises a waterproof membrane with plants growing on top of it.
These roofs offer opportunities for adding an outdoor rest area for your employees or growing food in an urban environment. They're excellent for reducing your energy consumption and help clean the air.
Make Great Choices for Your Home and Business
Now that you're a little more familiar with the most common roofing materials, it's important to arrange a roof inspection before you take the plunge.
A local contractor can help you determine, if, when, and how to repair or replace your roof most cost-effectively.
Are you curious about other ways to improve your environment for the better? Browse our blog for more ways to keep your home and business in great shape.
