Building Roofing Materials

The word Roofing material:

The building materials used in constructing roofs is called Roofing Material. Choosing of roofing material in the house cool in the summer, warm in the winter, safe of fire and harsh weather elements, and a host of trouble we can spare. Different looks, colors and styles can be attained by the use of various roofing materials, and more. Choosing of roofing material depends upon the availability and materials price comparison, comfortless, look, color. In general, the material which is used for constructing roofs is known as a roofing material. From ancient to present different types of roofing materials is used in the construction of roofs. Different types of roof are described based on the material used.

 

Thatch Roof:

            It is ancient type of roof and mostly used in traditional building in past but now a days this type of roof can be seen in Business places as an background setting. The material used in this roof is Bamboo,Khar,Straw etc. Mostly poor people’s house contains thatch roofing, available easily, economically. There are some advantages and disadvantages of the Thatch roof. Those who are considering the purchase of thatch roofing to cover their outdoor environments or enhance their business space should compare both sides of the equation. Here are the pros and cons of thatch roofing.

Pros :

• Because of its neutral color palette, thatch blends pretty seamlessly with any type of environment and any type of stylized living space. And with age and use, thatch goes through a natural process and changes to a more attractive color.
• Thatch is an extremely eco-friendly building source. It doesn’t take much energy to grow thatch and very little amounts of natural resources to crop the grass. Therefore, thatch pricing also remains fairly low because of its easiness to growth and its abundance in nature.
• A thatched roof is ideal for those who experience rather hot weather because it creates a great amount of shade and keeps areas much cooler while avoiding direct sunlight. It is recommended that thatch be applied thickly when used as a roof for the coolest thermal insulator.
• Thatch comes in a variety of products as well as correlating accessories that perfectly match the roofing. If there is a need to use thatch in more areas, consider thatch as a furniture adornment, as an umbrella, or even as an outdoor mat or rug for your backyard or patio. Thatch can be used inside the house as well to create the ultimate tropical atmosphere for the home.
• Tiki thatch has a great lifespan and can last anywhere from three to five years. The product also holds up well with extreme wind, and if properly installed, can withstand winds up to 50 to 60 miles per hour.

 

Cons:

• Thatched roofs are more susceptible and vulnerable to the risk of fire when compared to other materials. Before installing the roof, make sure to keep the area clear of candles, kitchen appliances that provide fire and any other items that could create a burning reaction.
• Because thatch is a natural and organic material that is rarely treated with components to preserve the freshness of the material, thatch is also at risk for decay and decomposition. Make sure to take the appropriate precautions to avoid this process from taking place. It is also best to hose off the thatch roof a couple times a year to prevent buildup. Ask the thatch roofing expert about what types of sprays and treatments work best.
• Animals can sometimes cause damage to the thatch roofing. For example, birds can peck at the roof while looking for food or gathering materials to build a nest. The roof itself can even become a nesting area for area birds.
• If not protected or cared for on a regular basis, maintenance for thatch products can be intensive. Speak with the thatch specialist about precautions to take and how to best treat the product.

Tile Roofing

            Roof tile has been used since archaic Greece, and is today one of Nepal’s most popular forms of roofing. Roof tile act as an outer-most layer of sheathing, and drain water well due to their unique structures. There are many roof tile shapes available, including flat, roman, pantile, barrel, tower, and tegula. All roof tile shapes allow for overlapping and/or interlocking, and they are hung in parallel rows from the framework of a roof. The advantages of a tile roof include important features such as fire safety, non-combustibility, and durability roof tile.

Roof tile are usually made from slate or clay, yet they are also available in concrete, plastic, and other more modern roofing materials. When it comes to durability, ‘cement roof tile’ or ‘concrete roof tile’, are most suited. Made from sand, cement, and pigment, cement roof tile do not rot, curl, burn, or rust, and have a high solar reflectance. As a result, cement roof tile are generally given a lifetime warranty. Clay roof tile offers authenticity and architectural character, and can be suited to both modern and historical appearances. Clay roof tile can also withstand climatic elements well, and their durability improves with exposure. The combination of performance and aesthetic enhancement make clay roof tile a popular choice. 

Pros:

• Long life
• Good weather resistance
• Environmentally Friendly

 

• Cons:

• Material expense  Expensive to repair if changed total roof

Concrete Roofing

          Concrete roof tiles are made of a mixture of sand, cement, and pigment, and were first used for roofing purposes in the 19th century. The fact that many buildings of this time still stand with their original roofs is proof of a concrete roof’s lifetime warranty and high durability. A concrete roof is fire resistant. The concrete roof is also non-combustible, and do not rot, burn, curl, warp, or rust. An additional benefit is that the concrete roof is an excellent insulator, keeping house warm in winter and cool in summer

Concrete roof tile is heavy, so installing concrete roof tiles can be difficult and will take time. Installing concrete roof tiles is strongly recommended for buildings situated in coastal areas, as concrete roof tiles are salt-safe and corrosion resistant. We offer a variety of installation, repair, and maintenance services for all concrete roof deck applications, and work with a wide range of concrete tile styles, colors, sizes, and designs

Expanding, and by mixing the cement with additives, manufacturers and making lighter and lighter products. 

 

Pros:

• Long life                                                        
• Strong material                                                                                                                                                      
• Available in a variety of shapes and colors                                                                                                          
• Environmentally Friendly                                                                                                                  

Cons:

·        Material expense

·        A heavy material, which will not work on all roofs

 

Aluminum Roofing

       Most people can enjoy the advantages of metal roofing, any heavy tiles or slates, without any concern of strengthening the housing infrastructure by installing an aluminum roof. This high quality and durable roofing material happens to be also greatly resistant to rust and corrosion, in regular climate regions and at salt spray costal environments alike. It is an incredibly strong roofing material, light in weight at 50 to 70 lbs. per square, tough at extremely cold temperatures, reflects the sun and keeps the house cool in hot weather and highly resistant to weathering, which is one of the reasons Boeing aircrafts are made of it.

The use of aluminum is environmentally friendly, when compared or to other composition roofing materials. Aluminum roofs are entirely recyclable.

Since the 19th century when aluminum was first introduced to the various industries, not only did the roofing market enjoy the introduction of the “metal of the future” as it has referred to at the time, but so did the field of aviation, architecture and many other industries.

 

 

 

Copper Roofing

            Copper roofing has been used for centuries world-wide, and is favored by architects due to its endurance properties and lasting beauty. Copper roofing can be applied to achieve both contemporary and historical styles, and although copper roofing installation can be expensive, long term maintenance costs of copper roofs are close to none.

            Copper roofing boasts many important qualities. Firstly, when installed properly, copper roofs last a lifetime, as they are resistant to corrosion and fire, and are extremely durable. Durability is reason for the use of copper roofing against extreme weather and industrial conditions. Secondly, copper roofing is lightweight, and doesn’t require much supporting structures, which saves valuable roof space. Thirdly, copper roofs minimize roof movement due to thermal change, which prevents deterioration and failure. Additionally, copper roofing does not require any decoration, cleaning or maintenance, because of the protective patina developed over time, which heavily reduces your expenses. And finally, the copper roof is 100% recyclable and environmentally friendly

   

 

Copper roofing is pre-designed and manufactured in sheets or seams, as copper roof flashing is easily installed and require no special equipment. The copper itself can also be bent to suit unique roofing shapes, and have an exposure of 9.5 inches. For this reason, copper roof flashing and other accessories are water-tight, wind-resistant, and can be applied to almost any roof structure.

Ceramic Roof Tiles

            The original roof tiles thousands of years ago, which can still be found on buildings in Nepal, were ceramic roof tiles. They were traditionally of the barrel type ceramic roof tiles, what is referred to today as cap and pan roof tiles. Though the ceramic roof tile was handmade at the time, today there are many large ceramic roof tile manufacturers and they are made by machines.

 

Ceramic roof tiles are full of character and add a lot to a home’s appearance. The color and texture of the ceramic roof tile does not fade, thanks to technological advancements to the material and process of manufacturing the tiles. Of these colors, the most popular one, perhaps for its resemblance to the historic ceramic roof tile, is the terra cotta red. It is achieved by mixing clay with iron oxide in a large percentage. The use of colors however, continues to expand and the choices are varied.

·       a natural and durable roofing Ceramic roof tiles are a product

·       adds aesthetically to a home and gives it a natural look

·       provide a product with prime quality, satisfying industry standards by and large

·       a top-quality product that keeps a traditional look while giving first rate roof performance

Metal Roofing Materials

            Metal roofing provides many benefits for homeowners who choose it for their roof. These advantages are becoming increasingly apparent, as the dramatic rise in the popularity of metal roofs tells us. Responsible for this is also the growing variety of metal roof materials, no longer simple corrugated tin roofs, but rather a proper selection, which differs in durability, fire resistant standards, weight and cost of metal roofing of different types. Every house and every homeowner can find the metal roof that is right for them.

 

Metal roofs are seal out water, are strong against winds, are easy to clear snow off of and are totally resistant to fire, mildew and rot. A metal roof is guaranteed to reach its warrantee period in full force. To add to this, metal roofs are considerably lighter than other roofing materials, requiring no additional structural support whatsoever. Not only their light weight make them easy to install, but also does the fact that metal roofing shingles come in sheets or sections, allowing for a quick and simple installation process.   

            One of the greatest benefits of metal roofing is its astounding energy efficiency. The source of metal roofing energy efficiency lies in its finish – an unpainted metal roof will reflect majority of the solar radiation that is absorbed by a roof and attic in a regular asphalt roof. Painted and granular coated metal roofing system both reflect solar energy and re-emit absorbed radiation such that it can also cool your home. In warm climates, a highly reflective and emissive metal roof is capable of re-emitting up to 90 percent of absorbed solar radiation, and in doing so, greatly reducing energy consumption.

In order to qualify for the Energy Star program requirements, an energy efficient improvement to one's home must include a pigmented metal roof. Because the majority of metal roofing manufactured today is at least 25 percent solar reflective for steep roofs and 65 percent solar reflective for low slopes.

Solar Roofing

            Solar roofing is growing ever more popular with its increasingly recognized economic benefits. It is slowly becoming the preferred alternative to regular electricity and heating. Financially, solar roofing dramatically reduces both heating and electricity bills by providing enough output to power the entire house or building, and integrating advanced plumbing systems.

 

 The heating, cooling costs and electricity bills will reduced simply by installing solar roofing systems. Combined with some durable roofing materials such as Asphalt, PVC, and metal, solar roofing can also provide non penetrable, lasting, and strong roofing sheathing for both residential and industrial applications. Solar roofing is purchased most commonly in panel form, yet is also available in shingles, roof tiles, and sheets. Many of today’s solar roofing systems are interlocking, which allow for simple installation. Most solar roofing systems do not require any attachments or modifications to be made to existing roof, and are also lightweight making them easy to handle and install.

 

Plastic Roofing

            Plastic roofing is a modern roofing material, and is usually PVC or TPO. PVC is a thermoplastic polymer, while TPO is a thermoplastic olefin. Both are synthetically produced into plastic roofing to provide protection against the elements and energy efficiency.

Pros and Cons :

Plastic roofing is specially designed to withstand pounding water because it is welded together with hot air to remove all seams, which prevents the passing of moisture. Also, plastic roofing is able to reflect approximately 90% of UV and other rays. This will lower the absorption of heat and, in turn, heavily reduce your cooling costs. Additionally, plastic roofing is fire-safe and highly suited to low-slope roofs. However, plastic roofing has low strength, which means that it is not capable of holding high weight. Plastic roofing also tends to shrink which eventually causes leakage of roof. Corrugated plastic roofing sheets are available in an extensive range of sizes, thicknesses, colors, and designs. Thinner plastic roofing sheet is used for domestic garage and small industrial buildings and is an inexpensive roofing option. Although the thinnest plastic sheet is 200 times stronger than glass, its lifetime is significantly shorter than thicker plastic roofing sheets. Corrugated plastic roofing sheets that are combined with Micro Sealant technology have a life span of up to 35 years and can expand/contract according to temperature fluctuations. And like all corrugated sheets, plastic corrugated roofing allows efficient water run-off.

Tin Roofing

            Although called “tin roofing”, the material used is actually 80% lead and 20% tin that makes up the outer coating. Tin roofing is a soft, ductile material that forms an oxide layer making it resistant to corrosion. Its durability and weather resistance is the reason for the popular usage of tin roofing throughout the 19th century, most of which is still standing today.  

Unlike other forms of metal roofing, tin roofing is able to be manufactured in thin sheets, making it both lightweight and easy to work with. This in turn, allows for simple, quick and efficient tin roof installation in all building types. It is important that tin roof installation is accompanied by sufficient sound proofing materials, as tin roofs are known to make a lot of noise during a rainy day. Although resistant to corrosion, the tin coating in tin roofing can wear away with time naturally.  

Steel Roofing :

            The benefits of steel roofing and the technology that has gone into this type of roofing material has made this material famous in the market.

 

The first benefit of steel roofing is evident when you carry it up to the roof to install it. Steel roofs are light, at 1/10 the weight of concrete roofing and 1/5 that of asphalt roofs. Not only will it be easier carrying it up the ladder, but it does not put much stress on the building either. With regard to weather resistant qualities, few roofing materials even compare with steel roofing materials. Rain, sun exposure, heat or winds – none can really damage a steel roof, or even discolor it at the least.

 

 

Roof Type	House Style	Advantages	Disadvantages
Composition (asphalt shingles)	Can be used on any house from contemporary to historic. False thatched roof with the wrapped roof edge on 1920s Tudor style.	·        inexpensive ·        ranges from low-cost 3-tab shingle to architectural shingles with extra durability and style ·        many colors, types, and manufacturers ·        suitable for most residential applications ·        easy to repair ·        fire resistant	·        relatively short life-span (15–30 years) ·        scars easily when hot ·        subject to mildew and moss ·        environmentally unfriendly
Wood shingles or shakes	Bungalows, ranch, contemporary, cottage, historic	·        natural look weathering to a soft grey ·        offers some insulation value ·        blends in with the environment ·        easy to repair or replace ·        long lasting if maintained (30–50 years)	·        expensive ·        usually requires professional installation ·        high maintenance ·        tends to rot, split, mold, and mildew ·        poor fire rating unless pressure treated
Metal (steel, aluminum, tin, copper)	Bungalows, ranch, contemporary, cottage, historic (virtually all)	·        available in different looks including cedar shingles, slate, or standing seam ·        many colors ·        light weight ·        durable ·        long life span (at least 50 years) ·        low maintenance ·        can be installed over existing roofs ·        excellent performance in high wind, hail and rain ·        environmentally friendly	·        may be difficult to install ·        can be expensive ·        may need periodic painting
Tile (concrete, clay)	Mediterranean, Italian, French Eclectic, Spanish Eclectic, Beaux Arts, Mission, and Prairie. May also be attractive on some contemporary or ranch style homes.	·        non-combustible ·        many colors and styles ·        attractive ·        fireproof ·        easy to maintain ·        extremely durable when maintained	·        expensive ·        heavy ·        used primarily in new buildings because of weight and structural requirements ·        installation and repairs can be tricky ·        fragile; walking on roof may break tiles
Slate	Colonial, French, Italianate, Exotic Revivals, Chateauesque, Beaux Arts	·        beautiful, distinctive appearance ·        fireproof ·        long life span ·        low maintenance	·        very expensive ·        requires specialized installation ·        heavy ·        fragile ·        high maintenance
Concrete (fiber reinforced)	Virtually any style of home	·        many colors and styles including shakes, tile, and stone ·        relatively lightweight ·        fire and insect resistant; meet many of the more restrictive fire codes ·        low maintenance ·        extremely durable ·        resource efficient	·        can be expensive ·        uneven quality among products
Hot mopped asphalt with decorative stone	Flat roofed California-style modern	·        inexpensive ·        easy to repair	·        stinks ·        health risk to installers ·        fumes promote smog
Engineered rubber/plastic	Virtually any style of home	·        about 1/3 the weight of slate ·        long lasting (30–50 years) ·        cost effective ·        attractive ·        available in a large range of styles and colors with more appearing constantly ·        made of reclaimed materials	·        new to market
Eco-roofs	Flat to moderately sloped roofs.	·        Environmentally friendly; filters rainwater through a roof system of vegetation and soil ·        Low maintenance; can extend the life of the roof membrane substantially ·        Provides insulation to even out climate variations; in particular, keeps houses cooler in summer ·        Attractive	·        initially expensive ·        unconventional in US, though used more than 30 years in Europe

Fig: Different roofing materials & use, Composition