The type of roofing material that is chosen can be indispensable to the overall building structure. Not only does the roof shield the interior rooms from the perils of Mother Nature, it has a major effect on heating and cooling costs for that building. This covering system can include insulation which goes a long way in determining the amount of electricity that is consumed. The material of which this system is composed can make that covering long-lasting, durable and low maintenance – or not! How the materials are made has much to do with the lifespan and efficiency of the roof.

Following is a list of roofing products and some pertinent information regarding their makeup.

Asphalt - Asphalt shingles are either organic or non-organic. The difference between the two is that organic versions contain animal-based materials such as wood chips or cardboard while non-organic consist of man-made fiberglass.

The organic version is composed of asphalt, waste paper and ceramic granules so that it will be water-resistant. Wastepaper is mixed with hot asphalt cement to make it water-resistant. It is then mixed with mineral granules to make it resistant to sunlight and other weather extremes. This type of shingle carries a Class C fire rating due to its decreased fire-resistant ability. The life expectancy of organic asphalt types range from 15 to 20 years.

Non-organic shingles are made out of wet, glass fiber reinforcing mat and are infused with asphalt cement and cross-linked together with urea-formaldehyde resin. Both types of shingles are coated with asphalt to make them durable and resistant to the various elements of nature. Non-organic varieties are fire-resistant and therefore carry a Class A fire rating. Non-organic asphalt shingles can last 30 or more years.

Both types of these shingles are durable but if not properly handled and installed, they will crack, blister, stain and curl.

Metal - Metal roofing is a composition of corrugated zinc, stainless steel, copper and aluminum layered with different types of coatings. They are coated with ceramic and nanotechnology solar-reflective coatings to make them heat-resistant, water-resistant and rust-proof. The newly developed metal material through nanotechnology brings additional benefits to homeowners. This includes decreased urban heat island effect, longer life-expectancy, self-cleaning and lower sensitivity to acids.

A metal system may last a century or more and is very low-maintenance. The advantage of using metal rather than any other material is because metal is: durable; light-weight; fire-proof; wind and hail-proof; energy-efficient; and easily be recycled.

Wood Shingles and Shakes - Basically these types of shingles are made out of heartwood cedar or redwood. The most commonly used type of wood is the Western Red Cedar due to its natural ability to withstand decay. Other wood species that are utilized for shingles are Northern and Eastern White Cedar, Cypress and White Oak. Wood shingles are graded with a number system from 1 to 4 and the most commonly used grade is number 1 and 2. The life expectancy of wood shingles is up to 30 years or more if the wood is properly treated.

Slate - A slate roofing system is made out of homogenous metamorphic rock. Slate colors come in various shades of gray, red, green, and brown and come in different textures and shades. They are cut using a specialized tool to form a smooth flat sheet of stone. The mineral composition of slate includes hematite, chlorite, graphite, and quartz. Chemical sealants are used to increase the slate’s strength and weather-resistance as well as to increase surface smoothness. It has a life expectancy ranging from 80 to 100 years.

Clay Tile - This type of tile is produced out of clay. It is naturally sustainable and fire-resistant. Iron, chrome and nickel are the elements that can be found in the clay that gives it black to bright red colors. Manufacturers can produce more than 50 different colors by controlling the temperature and the amount of oxygen used during the molding process. The production of different colored tiles is essential to match the color of the existing roofing system if it is being repaired. Clay tiles can last up to a century.

Not only is it important for the homeowner to know what type of material is appropriate for each home, it is also necessary to know the properties of each different type of roofing product. Education on the various products available; the cost of each different type; and its local appropriateness will be of tremendous value when the time comes to repair or replace that roof. Know the different roofing materials and the best choice will be obvious!