The Three Most Commonly Replaced Roofing Materials

It is important to protect your home from the elements. That’s what the roof does: it protects from rain, snow and strong sun. Over time, it becomes necessary to replace the materials that make up the hood of your home. When the time is right, your contractor will determine which of the following roofing materials need to be replaced to continue protecting your home.

herpes

Of all roofing materials, shingles are the most frequently replaced. These are the parts of the roof that take the brunt of damage from the elements. There are several different types of shingles to choose from.

Asphalt shingles are possibly the most common. The similarity of this material is due to its durability and lower cost. The most basic is the three-tab shingle, which has two rain slots in each shingle strip. However, in today’s market, it is more common to see strip shingles without grooves. Instead, the layered design creates a dimensional product that is just as effective as the three-tab version. Newer products also have a “class A” fire rating to help reduce homeowners insurance. The asphalt design comes in various colors.

Clay roof tiles are also a popular option. There is a belief among homeowners that this is the most durable option available. It works best in hot climates because clay tiles can withstand extreme temperatures. In fact, they have a high reflective rating, which allows them to qualify for the Energy Star rating.

Cedar shakes are arguably some of the oldest roofing materials still in use. This option has been used in homes for more than a century. Tiles are popular due to their rich appearance and natural resistance to decay and rot. The downside to using this material is that installation is labor intensive and slow to complete.

tar paper

When you replace the shingles on your roof, you’ll also need to lay down new tar paper. This tough paper is actually a tar-soaked paper or fiberglass mat. This creates a waterproof material that is used under the shingles. Some construction sites also use roofing felt, which is saturated with asphalt. While the two are different media, contractors often use the terms interchangeably as they both serve as a waterproofing layer. True tar paper is used less often than asphalt paper because it is not as resistant to wind or sun.

It doesn’t matter if your contractor uses true tar paper or roofing paper, there is always some type of waterproofing underlayment between the shingles and the wood of the roof.

Paneling

The last common roofing material is wood siding. This is usually plywood, but could be another wood material that supports the shingles and base. These are the solid wood pieces that are attached to the frame of the house. Although they are protected from rain, wind, and direct sun by the other layers, they occasionally need to be replaced. This occurs when there is damage from hail or tree branches, for example, or when the shingles are in poor condition and no longer protect the area. If you see leaks in your home, you will need to replace one or more of these plates.