Types of Roofing Materials
There are many kinds of roofing materials available for homeowners to choose from. They include Asphalt, PVC, slate, and wood shakes. The type of material you choose can depend on several factors, including a budget, the style of your home, and what you want to protect against weather and insects.
Roofer In Kent works in all kinds of weather, and they face a lot of dangers that other people wouldn’t have to worry about. To keep your roofing work injury free, you must ensure that your contractor is licensed, insured, and uses quality products. You can also help protect your workers and yourself by ensuring your roof is built on solid, level ground and that there are no gaps where debris might fall. If you have questions about roofing work that may connect to these risks, talk to your contractor immediately.
Asphalt roofing is one of the oldest and most reliable roofing materials. It is available in various styles and colors, providing a solid, durable roof. Asphalt shingles also can withstand fire damage. They are also easy to install. One of the biggest reasons asphalt shingles are so popular is their low cost. A typical 3-tab shingle can cost just over $100 per square foot. That’s a significant savings compared to other roofing materials.
Another advantage of asphalt shingles is their lifespan. Depending on the type of shingle, they can last up to 30 years. As with all roofing products, the durability of your shingles depends on the quality of the materials you choose.
Coal tar pitch for roofing is one of the best roofing materials available. It is durable and self-healing. However, it would be best if you always used a professional roofing contractor. This material has been used in buildings for many years. For instance, in the early 1700s, coal tar pitch was used to waterproof buildings. Then, in the 1800s, it was used to manufacture paints and photographic materials.
But, as new technologies come along, the market share for coal tar pitch is rapidly declining. Some building owners are afraid of its safety, but more often than not, they are more concerned with its cost.
To create the material, two highly reactive chemicals are mixed. These include a polyurethane precursor (called a polyol) and water. After mixing, the reaction mixture is heated to a suitable temperature, usually around 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows for a controlled and consistent reaction. As it is heated, the asphalt and polyurethane react with each other to form a soft and compressible foam. This foam is pale yellow at first, and then orange as it dries.
Roofing materials are continually being developed to improve the overall performance of a home. One new material that’s making a splash is synthetic slate roofing. Synthetic slates aren’t just made to look like slate, they’re designed to outlast a real stone roof. These shingles are manufactured from a variety of recycled plastics, rubber and cellulose fibers, and are available in several colors and styles. Some are lightweight and highly flexible, while others have the added durability of a metal or composite tile. Many of these shingles are manufactured from materials with a class A fire rating, and some have advanced UV ray inhibitors to help fight sun damage. These roofs also reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
In order to make this type of membrane, ultrafine glass filaments are coated with a very thin layer of PTFE. These filaments are twisted into yarns and then woven into the fabric. The result is a lightweight, low cost, durable, high performing membrane.
PTFE is produced in the States, where it is the largest producer. Although the price varies by country, the States imported nearly $158 million of it in 2016. Besides being used in the building and construction industry, PTFE is also utilized in medical devices, automotive, electronics and other applications.
Wood shakes and shingles are popular roofing materials. They offer a classic look and are ideal for complementing cabins and cottages. However, they are not as durable as other roofing materials. Therefore, they need to be treated with preservatives and fungicides. This can help prevent wood shingle warping and cracking.
If you are building a home or addition that will be exposed to severe weather conditions, consider installing a wood shake roof. These roofs are more durable than many people think. It’s a good idea to check the condition of your roof regularly. If it isn’t performing its job, you can have the problem repaired as needed.
