Metal Roofing

Modern metal roofing is high tech and high style and will virtually last forever.  Metal roofing is usually 24 or 26 gauge in thickness, so it is very sturdy but, at the same time, very lightweight.  Metal is also fireproof and, depending on your location, may help lower your home insurance.

Types of Metal Roofing:

Standing Seam is the most popular style and refers to long panels of colored metal, 12 to 24 inches wide with raised seams running up the face creating a sleek, modern appearance.

Decorative refers to small panel, formed into the shape of tile roofing which are interlocked in much the same way as tile.  The surface has bonded colored granule allowing for a variety of looks.  Again, there are no exposed fasteners with this style of metal.  Decorative metal is a great choice if a tile look is wanted and the structure is not designed for the heavier cement tile.

Composition Roofing

3-Tab

The least expensive option is know as '3-Tab' shingles. It appears as a one layer product with a distinct pattern of tabs.  This pattern is caused by vertical slots notched into the visable part of each shingle, splitting the lower half of the shingle into three tabs.

3-Tab composition roofing comes with a manufacturer's warranty of 20, 25, and 30 years.

Standard Laminates

Laminated shingles (also known as dimensionals) have become the most common choice in composition roofing.  They are a more recent variant and are superior to the basic 3-Tab.  Laminates have a second tabbed layer fused to a base shingle, effectively doubling the material thickness.  They have a strong resemblance to wood shakes and are available in a wide range of colors.

Laminates come with a manufacturer's warranty of 25, 30, and 40 years.

Premium Shingles

Premium shingles are a heavier laminate and represent the absolute top of the line in composition.  They are thicker, heavier and physically larger than standard laminates.  Premium shingles often incorporate extra features like moss retardants and modified asphalts.

Manufacturer's warranties can be as long as 50 years or lifetime.

Wood Roofing Systems

Wood roofing has been used to protect homes which is a testament to its reliability.  It has a rustic, natural look and ages beautifully.

All wood roofing is made from cedar because it is light, yet durable.  Cedar will weather to a gray color in several months if not pressure washed.  This graying is natural and often desired aesthetically.  Cedar is a long lasting product as well. If properly maintained you can expect approximately 30 years from shakes and 20 years from wood shingles.

You can choose from two types of wood roofing:

Wood shingles are smooth, flat and have cleaner lines.  Courses are straight.

Wood shakes are thicker than wood shingles, giving a longer warranty.  The surface is grooved from the slitting process and has a more rustic, random look.

Wood roofing is not the least expensive option; however, the visual appeal and natural protection from the weather has made them a popular choice in many areas.

Tile Roofing

Tile is a ceramic/clay or cement/sand based product that can last 50 years or more.  It is available in several styles, each providing a unique appearance.  Tile gives a very stately look which is particularly well suited for larger homes.

A high selling point for tile is its ability to withstand extreme weather conditions.  High wind, high heat and severe cold have no real effect on this type of roofing.

Tile roofing can be applied to almost any new or existing roof.  One of the requirements is a fairly straight structure without any severe sags or bumps in its surface.

Built-Up or Hot Tar Roofing

Built-Up roofing is sometimes referred to as 'Hot Tar' roofing; they are one in the same.

This roofing is comprised of several altering layers of rolled out fiberglass based materials and molten tar.