What is the Best Roofing Material for your Project?

Asphalt Shingles:

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular and affordable roofing materials for residential and commercial projects. There is a wide range of colors, prices, and designs available on the market. Most shingles have a warranty of 10+ years, but keep in mind that regular maintenance is key to preserving their life span.

Ceramic Tile:

Tile is a popular choice in Southern California and other warm climates. In addition to its classic look, ceramic tiles offer excellent insulation from the heat and a 30-50 year life span depending on the weather in your region.

Composition Roofing:

Composition roofing offers an affordable roofing material for commercial and residential buildings. Composition roofing shingles are a product constructed out of laminate, asphalt, slate, fiberglass, and other recycled materials.  This material comes in multiple colors and designs.

Torch down:

Torch down roofing is a good option because of its high tolerance to both cold and heat. It is installed by laying down a multi-layer system. This system begins with an insulation layer followed by a vapor layer to combat the gathering of condensation. These are followed by an asphalt or adhesive layer, and then a layer of bitumen. Bitumen is asphalt that is mixed with a polymer and spread into sheets. Using the torch down method, the roofing installer rolls out the sheets of bitumen while applying heat from a propane torch. The edges of the bitumen sheets are then melted together to create a seamless product that stands up to the heat and cold stresses that the roof will experience year after year, without melting or cracking.

Cold Process:

Cold process roofing is a build up roofing (BUR) system that uses a water or solvent based adhesive to build up multiple layers of roofing material. The end product is comparable to hot process BUR but it is sometimes preferable as the material does not need to be heated. This means that it’s easier to work with and there is less equipment involved in the process. Cold process BUR can be used for new or remedial construction and can be applied to existing smooth surface roofing. In cold process BUR, multiple plies of base sheet are applied using the adhesive. These are then covered with a waterproofing layer and then finished with an aggregate or other roof coating.

Cool Roof Coatings:

Cool roof coatings are a paint-like substance that can be applied to an existing roof. Cool roof coatings provide resistance to UV light, chemicals, and water. The coating can be white or contain other reflective properties.

Single Ply:

Single ply membranes are sheets made of rubber or other synthetics that can be adhered to roofs using mechanical fasteners or adhesives. There are two main forms: Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) and Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM).

EPDM:

With Ethylene Propylene Diene Terpolymer (EPDM), synthetic rubber sheeting is mechanically fastened to the roof. The seams are then taped to form a durable, weather resistant roof barrier. The material is available in a range of colors, widths, and thicknesses.

TPO:

Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) is a similar process and product to EPDM but it offers some advantages which make it a strong competitor with EPDM. Unlike EPDM, TPO reflects sunlight, which allows a commercial building’s AC system to work more efficiently. TPO is also more puncture resistant than EPDM. TPO seams are welded as opposed to taped. This makes the product more durable but also complicates both the installation and repair processes, as the installer needs electrical equipment to weld the seals.

Slate Tile:

Slate tile is a very popular option for residential roofs. Slate is a high quality, attractive material. It comes in a variety of thicknesses and colors, and gives a classic and refined appearance to the roof. Although it is heavy, it is a durable, long-lasting material that is completely fireproof. Due to its longevity, it is also a more environmentally friendly option than other roofing materials that need to be replaced more frequently.