| Types of Roofing | | | | Slate is quarried in the United States in Vermont, |
| Asphalt shingles account for about 80% of the | | | | New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia. It is available in |
| residential roof surfacing in the United States. Asphalt | | | | different colors and grades, depending on its origin. |
| shingles are measured against a variety of standards | | | | Considered virtually indestructible, it is, however, |
| that evaluate fire and wind resistance, tear strength, | | | | more expensive than other roofing materials. In |
| and other key performance indicators. Asphalt | | | | addition, its application requires special skill and |
| shingles come in "standard" (or 3-tab) and "designer" | | | | experience. Many old homes, especially in the |
| (architectural or multi-layered) varieties. Standard | | | | Northeast, still are protected by this long-lasting |
| shingles have a lightly-textured flat surface, while | | | | roofing material. |
| designer shingles have a highly textured surface. | | | | Metal, primarily thought of as a low-slope roofing |
| Wood shingles and shakes are made from cedar, | | | | material, has been found to be a roofing alternative |
| redwood, southern pine and other woods; their | | | | for home and building owners with steep-slope roofs. |
| natural look is popular in California, the Northwest and | | | | There are two types of metal roofing products: |
| parts of the Midwest. Wood shingles are | | | | panels and shingles. Numerous metal panel shapes and |
| machine-sawn; shakes are handmade and rougher | | | | configurations exist. Metal shingles typically are |
| looking. A point to consider: Some local building codes | | | | intended to simulate traditional roof coverings, such |
| limit the use of wood shingles and shakes because of | | | | as wood shakes, shingles and tile. Apart from metal |
| concerns about fire resistance. Many wood shingles | | | | roofing's longevity, metal shingles are relatively |
| and shakes only have Class C fire ratings or no | | | | lightweight, have a greater resistance to adverse |
| ratings at all. However, Class A fire ratings are | | | | weather and can be aesthetically pleasing. Some have |
| available for certain wood shingle products that | | | | Class A fire ratings. |
| incorporate a factory-applied, fire-resistant treatment. | | | | Synthetic roofing products simulate various traditional |
| Tile - clay or concrete - is a durable roofing material. | | | | roof coverings, such as slate and wood shingles and |
| Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles are used | | | | shakes. However, they do not necessarily have the |
| widely in the Southwest and Florida, and flat styles | | | | same properties. |
| also are available to create French and English looks. | | | | Before making a buying decision, NRCA recommends |
| Tile is available in a variety of colors and finishes. Tile | | | | that you look at full-size samples of a proposed |
| is heavy. If you are replacing another type of roof | | | | product, as well as manufacturers' brochures. It also |
| system with tile, you will need to verify that the | | | | is a good idea to visit a building that is roofed with a |
| structure can support the load. | | | | particular product. |