Roofing Materials - Seattle, Washington

Roofing materials are determined, based on their ability to withstand various climates, weather conditions, display a long lifespan expectancy, aesthetic designs, environmentally friendly and local code requirements. The varied materials used in roofing can keep building's cool during warm seasons, warm during cool seasons and the materials are available in different colors and styles. Advanced engineering roofing technology has introduced many new roofing innovations, as well as having vastly improved older generations of roofing material like metal, shingles, and tile. There are many different roofing materials options, which can include the following:

•   Aluminum Roofing Aluminum was introduced in the 19th century and was called the “metal of the future.” Aluminum by its own nature is greatly resistant to rust and corrosion, lasts a very long time in many changing climate regions, as well as being popular in coastal environments. It is very strong, yet light in weight around 50 to 70 lbs. per square. Aluminum can withstand tough cold temperatures, while also reflecting sun rays, which helps to keep homes and offices cooler in hot weather. Aluminum roofing is available in a variety of colors. It can be shaped to fit any roof design and detail.

•   Asphalt Roofing Asphalt roofing is installed on around 80% of the buildings in America. It is very economical, starting around $0.80 per square foot, and can be installed in a wide range of sizes and colors. Asphalt roof shingles are provided in fiberglass and organic. Fiberglass roofing shingles contain a fiberglass reinforcing mat covered with adhesive asphalt and ceramic granules. It is rated as one of the best roofing materials that has a high fire-rating. Organic asphalt roof shingles contain 40% more asphalt than fiberglass asphalt roof shingles, which makes it more durable and resistant to powerful winds. Organic asphalt shingles are made of a paper based material which is saturated with ceramic granules and coated with asphalt. These ingredients protect buildings from harmful UV rays and is quite water resistant. Asphalt shingle roofing material lasts a long time, as much as 20 to 45 years.

Comparison of popular roofing materials

•   Flat Roofing if installed properly, flat roofing materials can last up to 25 years. They are available in Built-Up Roof (“BUR”) which is waterproof. Once made of tar paper, BUR roofs contain more innovative materials, like fiberglass. A Modified Bitumen flat roofing material is a single-ply rolled roof with a mineral-based wear surface, making it water resistant and wind proof. Rubber Membrane EPDM (“ethylene propylene diene monomer”) is another flat roofing true rubber material. This durable material is rubberized strong and can resist harsh sunlight.

•   Metal Roofing Metal roofs help to seal out water, they remain in place during strong winds, easy to resist heavy snow falls, fire resistant, and resistant to mold, mildew and rot. As tough as metal roofing material is, it is very light to install without a lot of structural support. Metal roofing materials come in sheets or sections which gives roofing installers a quick and simple installation process. Metal roofing is energy efficient, helps in sound proofing homes and offices and both reflects solar energy, but re-emits absorbed radiation such that it will also cool home. It has been calculated that the installation of a reflective metal roof can save around 40% of cooling costs through hot summers, and that an emissive metal roof can reduce the air temperature inside each home by about 12° Fahrenheit.

•   PVC (“Polyvinyl chloride”)The PVC material was developed in Europe in the 1960's and began being used in the 1970's. PVC roofing materials became very popular and is used in 10% of American roofs. It is a great roofing material that provides great insulation, weather protection, sound reduction and it can be placed over existing flat or shingled roof materials. PVC roofing material is very pliable, therefore it can be used on any roof shaped surfaces. This roof material is durable, fire and flame resistant. PVC is nearly maintenance free and can consist of fiberglass and polyester, which makes it waterproof and dirt resistant. PVC is available in a variety of colors which makes it aesthetically appealing for older homes and new constructions.

•   Shakes – Cedar and Shingle Roofing is one of the more popular forms of roofing anywhere. Roof shingles are individually overlapped in rectangular shapes, laid in rows to create a waterproofing effect. They are available in a wide variety of materials, such as wood, asphalt, ceramic, slate, copper, tin, cement, plastic, Asbestos, fiberglass, with metal being the most favored. They are very affordable, around $2 to $6 per square foot. Cedar shakes and singles have been used in the U.S. for over 100 years. Cedar shakes roofing are shown in natural colors, from brown, red, orange, and yellow coloring. Untreated shakes are called “raw” and it too can be tinted or stained. Cedar shakes and shingle roofing materials are environmentally friendly, pest resistant and they serve as a natural fungicide to keep lichens and moss from growing, weakening the wood models.

•   TPO Thermoplastic polyolefin (“TPO”) is a single-ply roofing material and is highly used as a commercial roofing product. TPO is in great demand because it is known best as an increased heat-reflective, environmentally friendly and energy efficient roofing system. TPO roofing materials are designed in several thicknesses and has been designed for easy installations. TPO roofing materials can be installed fully adhered or mechanically fastened. TPO is very pliable, flexible, and can be welded easily for quick installation. It is a very innovative roofing material that can resist harsh weather conditions and high surface temperatures, as well as being able to reduce energy costs.

•   Tile for roof tops has been used for centuries and it still is a popular American choice today. Roof tile materials contain an outer layer of sheathing, and water drains exceptionally well due to its unique structures. There are many roof tile shapes available and they all provide overlapping and/or interlocking, and are hung in parallel rows from the framework of a roof. The advantages of a tile roof includes its fire safety, non-combustibility, and durability system. Roof tile materials are generally made from slate or clay, but they can also be made in concrete, plastic, and other innovative roofing materials. These combinations are very aesthetic, easy to install, easy to repair, affordable, and easy to maintain.