Types of Roofing

There are many types of roofing available, but most of them are specialty types. Specialty roofs are often more expensive, not only because of the materials, but because of the trouble finding roofers with experience in them. Specialty roofs are a simple, striking statement on any home, however, and an easy way to stand out from the crowd.

Standard Roofs

There are two styles of roofs that we would call “standard.” These ubiquitous styles are tin and asphalt shingles. Tin, after being scorned for many years as being only for barns and industrial applications, is making a comeback due to its sheer resilience and economy. Unlike shingles, it does not deteriorate in sunlight and is relatively simple to install.

Shingles are the other standard type of roofing. The quality and durability of shingles varies widely. Cheap shingles are never a good idea, but a trustworthy contractor will not even offer them as an option; only quality shingles will do.

Traditional asphalt shingles come in 20 and 30 year styles, and new technologies are developing 50 year shingles as well.

Roof Specialty Styles

Specialty styles are generally more expensive, but not always. Cedar shakes, for instance can be economical. However, cedar is not simple to maintain and may be prone to mold in shady yards. There are starting to be some artificial alternatives on the market, though.

Slate is another specialty style. It’s fairly rare; you might have seen it on gothic-style churches. If a slate roof is your desire, you might have to check your building plans to see if the roof can bear the weight. On the plus side, however, a slate roof lasts practically forever.

Tile roofs are quite popular in the American Southwest, but here we count them as a specialty style. They’re generally used only on certain architectural styles, but they certainly set a home apart.

Asphalt and gravel is the final specialty style, commonly used on flat roofs. It’s not so much a specialty as it is simply rarely used for non-commercial applications. However, homeowners might install one on a garage or shed.

For any type of roofing, call Style Roofing! (703) 754-9906.

Standard Roofing (standard because they’re the most economical)

Also Tile, Cedar, Slate, Asphalt