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