Getting to know your roof is crucial in helping you decide whether or not your current one is in need of a repair or replacement. Roofs range in style and materials used so there will always be different considerations but there are certain qualities that affects the overall condition of all roofs. These include:

ROOF PITCH

The pitch is the term used to describe the slope of your roof, expressed as rise over run; a 5:12 roof, for example, rises 5 inches for every 12 inches of horizontal roof. Your roof’s pitch is important because it affects what roofing materials you can use on your home as not every roofing material can work with a particular roof slope.

• Flat roofs: ½:12 to 2:12 slope• Low-slope roofs: 2:12 to 4:12 slope• Conventional roofs: 4:12 to 9:12• Steep roofs: anything over 9:12

WEIGHT

A roofing material’s weight will dictate whether or not it can be used over your home because it calls into question existing supporting structures. A heavier roofing material then, like slate, cannot be used in a home made with roof supports meant to accommodate asphalt shingles, unless additional supports are constructed, which will bring up costs for the homeowner.

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING ROOF QUALITIES

EXPECTED LIFESPAN

Roofs are built to last but they have defined service lives. Knowing how long a particular roof is expected to last plays a part in deciding whether to do a patch job or replace the roof outright because it will tell you what the more practical move will be. If your roof is relatively new, for instance, then you should likely consider repairs first. If, however, your roof is already nearing or past its expected lifespan, then you should be looking into replacing it entirely.

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Gained a little bit more understanding of your roof? We’ll now be heading into the next part to talk about the most popular roofing options available today.

PART 1: UNDERSTANDING ROOF QUALITIES

Every home is different so you should get a roof that addresses your needs exactly. However, knowing what others have is not a bad thing. Here’s a list of five of the most popular roofing materials around:

ASPHALT SHINGLES

Asphalt shingle is the most popular roofing material in the United States today, with over 80% of homes in the country featuring asphalt roofs. Aside from being the most affordable, asphalt shingles also come in a variety of styles and colors to complement a range of home schemes.

Pitch: 3:12 and upWeight: moderateLife expectancy: 20 years

TILE

Clay and cement roof tiles are common choices, with clay tiles being particularlyused in Italian- or Spanish-styled homes. Moderate to expensive in price, tile roofs are highly durable, offering excellent fire resistance and requiring little maintenance.

Pitch: 4:12 and upWeight: heavyLife expectancy: over 100 years

METAL

Made from a variety of metals, such as steel, copper, or zinc alloy, metal roofs are light and durable, and can be fitted to a wide variety of housing styles. Available either as metal sheets or as shingles, metal roofs range in cost from moderate (steel) to expensive (aluminum). (Note: metal roofs don’t attract lightning. Should lightning hit it, a metal roof will disperse energy safely through the property.)

Pitch: 2:12 and upWeight: lightLife expectancy: 40-80 years

PART 2: POPULAR ROOFING MATERIALS

WOOD

Considered the most traditional of roofing materials, wood roofs, typically made from cedar, are among the most expensive and require regular maintenance. However, there’s nothing debating that wood shakes and shingles are unparalleled when it comes to charm and beauty.

Pitch: 3:12 and up Weight: moderateLife expectancy: 30 years

SLATE

Made from natural rock, slate roofs are very durable and look highly appealing. While structural supports may need to be added to ensure that a home can accommodate the roofing material, slate will last for a long time, making for a sound investment.

Pitch: 4:12 and upWeight: heavyLife expectancy: 60-150 years

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In the next part, we’ll be continuing our discussion on roofing material options, this time talking about choices usually reserved for commercial use.

PART 2: POPULAR ROOFING MATERIALS

Many homeowners don’t know about certain roofing materials because they are not usually offered for residential properties. However, just because they’re popular as flat roofs for commercial properties doesn’t mean that homes can’t benefit from them. Here’s what you need to know about these other roofing options:

BUILT-UP ROOF

Also known as tar-and-gravel roofs, built-up roofs are made from three to five alternating layers of heavy felt and asphalt or tar finished with a protective coat of gravel or mica. Built-up roofs compare well with lower-end steel roofs, price-wise, and provide a solid, fire-resistant roof.

Pitch: up to 3:12Weight: moderateLife expectancy: 10-15 years

MODIFIED BITUMEN

Modified bitumen roofs add layers of bitumen-impregnated fiberglass or polyester to the standard built-up roof. Sold in rolls, the material is applied in layers to the roof and then sealed with a torch. Modified bitumen is more expensive than asphalt roofing, but less so than a built-up roof.

Pitch: ¼ :12 to 3:12Weight: moderateLife expectancy: 12-20 years

EPDM

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, or EPDM roofs, are an old, proven, and relatively low-cost option for flat roofs. Made from durable rubber, EPDM roofs are light, inexpensive, and long-lasting. They’re easy to install too!

Pitch: up to 2:12Weight: lightLife expectancy: 12-25 years

PART 3: OTHER ROOFING OPTIONS

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride, or PVC, roofs are made from heat-welded thermoplastic, forming a watertight and waterproof material. Also known simply as vinyl roofs, PVC’s impermeability to water makes it ideal for certain roof applications, such as green roofs. PVC is also naturally light-colored, naturally reflecting heat to offer energy efficiency.

Pitch: less than 2:12Weight: lightLife expectancy: 20-30 years

TPO

Thermoplastic olefin, or TPO, roofs consist of a single-ply plastic membrane that resists the formation of algae and holds up well against tears, punctures, and impacts. It is also a common choice for green roofs because it does not degrade under exposure to ultraviolet light.

Pitch: anyWeight: lightLife expectancy: 10-20 years

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Don’t let the sheer number of roofing options overwhelm you. Instead, use it to your advantage that you have a lot of options to consider, which will help ensure that you find the right roof for you.

PART 3: OTHER ROOFING OPTIONS

Maggio Roofing

6476 Sligo Mill Rd Takoma Park,MD 20912

(800) 766-34951-800-ROOF-495

MaggioRoofingContractors.com