Make sure you have all the roofing information you need to get the roof help you need!
When it comes time for roof maintenance or repairs, there are a lot of things to consider. It's important that you choose the right roofing products for your home, climate and needs. Check out the AskARoofer roofing resources below to get your roof questions answered!
Composition shingles are one of the most commonly used roofing materials for residential roofing projects. Available in a variety of styles - asphalt shingles, fiberglass shingles, laminate shingles, dimensional shingles or architectural shingles - the most common form are made of asphalt. Asphalt shingles traditionally were created from layers of paper that were saturated with a mixture of asphalt, making them waterproof to the elements and adding protection from the damaging UV rays of the sun.
Today, asphalt shingles are reinforced with added materials such as fiberglass and ceramic granules. Since their introduction to the market, these superior designed asphalt shingles last far longer than the more simply composed shingles of the past. Their innovative design makes modern asphalt shingles the most commonly chosen roofing material for residential roofing projects by contractors.
A below-grade waterproofing system protects a building from water damage and structural deterioration caused by moisture penetration. Specifically, below-grade refers to systems that are designed to operate below the grade (ground) on things like basements, foundations and parking garages. These areas are closer to the water table and therefore are exposed to more water and moisture, requiring more robust and specialized the waterproofing systems. These systems come in many different forms and combinations, including sheet membrane and liquid-applied coatings.
Commonly referred to as "tar and gravel roofs," built up roofing (BUR) systems are traditionally composed of alternating layers of various materials, such as asphalt, coal tar pitch, bitumen and reinforcing fabrics. The resulting product features a durable granulated surface and is often sold in rolls to be used on low-slope or flat roofs.
For more information about BUR systems, visit the Johns Manville directory.
One of the more popular choices for residential roofing projects has been cedar shake and shingles. Composed of wood fibers that have been treated with fire retardants through a polymerization process, cedar shake provides homes with a natural aesthetic to complement any rustic or modern design.
Having been tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association, wooden shingles come in a range of fire retardant levels, ranging from Class A, B and C.
Clay has been used for roof tiles since 10,000 B.C., with the first recorded tile roof in China. Versatile and easily shaped, clay tiles offer homes a unique Old-World aesthetic. Available in various colors and shapes, these durable roofs reflect sunlight and are fire resistant. There are four main styles of clay tiles:
- Mission: The original barrel-style shingle, featuring alternating concave and convex tiles. Popular in Italian, French, Spanish architecture and the Southwestern U.S.
- Spanish: Also known as S tiles, these one-piece designs are easier to install and create a ripple effect on the roof.
- French: With two flutes per tile, they provide excellent drainage and a textured look.
- Flat: Installed like wood shakes, these tiles can interlock or overlap to create a multidimensional pattern.
For more information on tile products, check out Tile Roofing Industry Alliance.
Concrete tiles are a popular, lightweight and cost-effective alternative to clay tiles. With a lifespan of about 50 years, they require little maintenance and are resistant to fire, rot and insects. Made from sand, cement and water, these tiles are available in several different colors and can have a smooth or rough surface texture. There are three different profiles available: flat profile with no curves, low profile with small curves, and high profile with large curves.
For more information on tile products, check out the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance.
The material that lays between the structural components of a roof (joists and trusses) that the insulation and the roofing system are installed over. Common material in commercial construction is steel, precast concrete panel, structural concrete, cementitious wood fiber, wood planking, plywood/OSB and poured gypsum.
A structure projecting from a sloping roof usually housing a window or ventilating louver.
A vertical pipe or conduit used to carry runoff water from a scupper, conductor head or gutter of a building to a lower roof level or to the ground or storm water runoff system; also called a conductor or leader.
A corrosion-resistant, non-staining metal flashing or other overhanging component used along the eaves and rakes to allow water run-off to drip clear of underlying construction.
The horizontal, lower edge of a sloped roof that projects beyond the wall.
A synthetic rubber single-ply roofing membrane (ethylene propylene diene terpolymer) used in low-slope applications.
The trim around the perimeter of a building, just under the roofing. In steep-slope roofing, it is often a board that is nailed to the ends of a roof rafter; sometimes supports a gutter. As for low-slope roofing, it is usually a vertical or steeply sloped roof or trim located at the perimeter of a building.
Any type of screw, rivet or nail used to secure insulation, base sheets, metal panels, trim and flashing materials together or to the roof deck.
Pieces of metal used to prevent seepage of water into a building around any intersection or projection in a roof such as vent pipes, chimneys, adjoining walls, dormers and valleys. They are found along the roof's perimeter or at penetrations, walls, expansion joints, valleys, drains and other vertical areas of a roofing system.
Also sometimes called liquid-applied. It’s an application of bituminous, polymer-modified bitumen or polymeric roof and waterproofing membranes, flashings, cements, adhesives or coatings installed at ambient or slightly elevated temperatures.
Gutters are installed at a slight angle along the perimeters of a roof and guide runoff water from the roof to the ground via drain leaders or downspouts. This is a crucial part of keeping a home structurally sound as a build-up of water can cause roof damage such as wood rot, cracking concrete and mold/mildew growth. Gutters are made out of materials like vinyl and aluminum and can come with varying attachments, ranging from a simple downspout to a flexible connection to an underground piping system.
The combination of these elements (gutters and accessories) creates a gutter system. It's important to be aware of this entire system and the different effects it can have on a structure. For example, water from a downspout can begin to erode the area where it lands and if placed too close to the foundation can cause structural issues.
Keeping your HVAC system running efficiently and effectively is a crucial part of roof maintenance. It is estimated that humans can breath close to 3,000 gallons of air daily and most people spend 90% of their time indoors. This means it is crucial for our health that the air we are breathing is clean, which is directly determined by the quality of the HVAC running through your roofing system.
While it is often built into your roof, it is not often that roofing contractors tackle your HVAC maintenance. Instead, it is recommended to reach out to professionals that specialize in indoor air quality (IAQ), like Pure Air Control Services (PACS). PACS specifically is a national indoor air quality provider with extensive experience in a variety of different facilities: education, healthcare, military, commercial, residential, law enforcement, warehouses, retail and more.
Many roofing companies and members of the roofing industry in general have relationships with organizations like this that they can point homeowners, building owners and property managers towards. For example, Tremco Roofing and WTI partner with PACS to provide IAQ and HVAC system testing and restoration that makes sure your HVAC systems output clean, quality air and run optimally.
Learn more about maintaining your building's air quality here.
Ice and water shields, sometimes also referred to as protectors or “peel and stick”, are a waterproof roof underlayment membrane developed to protect vulnerable areas on a roof from ice and water damage. Made with polymer-modified bitumen, these shields feature an adhesive back surface that is covered by a release film. The film is removed during application so that the membrane will adhere to the roof deck and also form watertight end laps and side laps when properly applied.
Any of a variety of materials designed to reduce the flow of heat from or into a building. A few example of types of insulation include continuous, tapered, fiberglass and blanket.
A lower downspout section used to direct water away from a wall.
Liquid applied coatings are typically made from advanced polymeric resins, such as urethanes, acrylics, silicones or modified bitumens. These coatings are applied as a liquid, curing to form a durable, rubber-like membrane. While they may or may not incorporate reinforcing materials, they generally create a seamless, monolithic surface that is self-flashing and highly resistant to weathering and leaks.
For more about liquid applied coating, visit Roof Coatings Manufacturers Association (RCMA).
Metal standing seam roofs are sustainable roofing systems made of preformed, interlocking metal panels. Available in various colors, designs and finishes, catering to all homeowner preferences — from contemporary to traditional — metal roofs are not only aesthetically pleasing but durable! A properly installed metal roof can last 50 to 60 years, far outlasting other materials, which typically lasts 15 to 20 years. While the initial cost is higher, a metal roof saves money in the long run and often comes with lifetime warranties of 30 to 50 years. They are ideal for high elevations, allowing snow to slide off easily. Here are additional benefits of metal roofing:
- Energy efficient: Metal roofs help insulate your home in the winter and reflect UV rays in the warmer months, helping you save on energy costs. Metal is also one of the only materials in the world that can be recycled infinitely, without compromising its qualities, meaning it has an unlimited lifespan.
- Low maintenance: Metal roofing is the most low-maintenance roofing option available, saving homeowners significant upkeep costs over its lifespan. Owners can expect to save over 60% in total roofing costs, plus additional savings on energy, insurance and taxes.
- Durability: Metal is one of the most durable and weather-resistant roofing materials available. They provide excellent protection against UV rays, mildew, fire, wind and hail. With superior impact resistance, metal roofing offers significant advantages in areas with extreme weather conditions.
Learn more about metal roofing from the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA).
Made from a combination of modified asphalt, tar or rubber materials and reinforced using fiberglass, modified bitumen (mod bit) roofing systems are a modern, pre-manufactured hybrid of the built up roofing systems. These systems provide a sturdy and durable, yet malleable, material ideal for simple installation using hot tar, torch or cold adhesives. Designed for uses on low-slope roofs, mod bit systems are a commonly used material in modern roofing by both residential and commercial contractors.
A member, usually of wood, set into or secured to nonnailable roof decks or walls to allow for positive anchorage by nailing of roofing felts, insulation or flashings.
An asphalt roofing base material manufactured from cellulose fibers (like wood pulp and vegetable fibers).
Polyiso or iso for short. This is installed on the roof deck and under the roofing membrane. For extra protection a cover board sometimes is installed over the iso.
Typically an acrylic- or silicone-based primer used to prepare surfaces for bonding with materials such as roof coatings and self-adhering asphalt sheets.
PVC, or polyvinyl chloride is a single-ply roofing membrane made from a synthetic plastic polymer used in low-sloped roofing applications.
The supporting framing member immediately beneath the deck, sloping from the ridge to the wall plate.
A horizontal board in wood frame construction at the upper end of the common rafters to which the rafters are nailed.
A material or covering applied over the ridge of a roof.
A ventilator located at the ridge that allows the escape of warm and/or moist air from the attic area or rafter cavity.
Siding is the material that covers an exterior wall or frame building to protect the structure from weather (such as hail, wind, moisture, heat, etc.) and other exterior threats like insects. It also enhances curb appeal and allows the home and building owners to express personal style through the many color and style options siding comes in. As for materials, siding can be made of everything from engineered wood and fiber cement to vinyl, aluminum and plastic. Each of these materials has distinct benefits and drawbacks.
The term "single ply" refers to a roofing system composed of a singular layer of material. Often created from materials such as polymer plastics and rubbers, these systems are commonly used in commercial roofing. TPO, PVC and EPDM are the systems most commonly used by contractors.
Check out the Single Ply Roofing Industry (SPRI)'s directory for more!
A slate roof is visually striking and can last 60-150 years with proper installation and maintenance, far outlasting most traditional materials. Its variety of natural colors allows homeowners to create unique, beautiful and durable roofs.
Slate roofs last longer due to the toughness of slate, a durable microcrystalline metamorphic rock formed from seafloor sediments over 400 million years ago. Specific ocean weather and temperature conditions transformed these sediments into slate beds, providing the material used in roofing, flooring and countertops today. Slate is harvested from ancient shale quarries formed from compressed layers of clay and silt. This pressure creates dense mudstone with natural cleavage planes, allowing slate to split easily, making it ideal for roof tiles.
Natural slate roofing offers unique aesthetic advantages, including subtle variations in color, shade, veining and grain. Colors are native to the country ground of the quarry, with flashes of different minerals present in the ground, it can give the slates a variety of colors and blends or be the same color. Chlorite yields green, hematite produces purple, carbon results in gray and black, while hematite and iron oxide create red hues. It also comes in various sizes, including different thicknesses, widths and lengths.
Solar panels are an energy-efficient and eco-friendly solution for homeowners and building owners looking to save money on energy costs while enhancing their property’s energy efficiency and sustainability. These systems, often referred to as a "solar array" by contractors, consist of multiple interconnected solar panels designed to capture and convert sunlight into electricity.
Solar arrays are mounted on roofs using stanchions, ensuring the panels are securely elevated above the roof surface. This design accommodates various roof types, including steep-slope roofs, flat roofs and low-slope roofs, making solar panels a versatile option for residential roofing or commercial buildings.
Learn more about solar from Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).
Solar shingles and tiles are innovative products that combine the functionality of solar panels with the aesthetics and durability of traditional roofing materials. These advanced roofing products generate electricity while blending seamlessly into the overall look of a home. Unlike traditional solar panels that use racks and stanchions to sit above the roof, solar shingles and tiles are designed to integrate directly into a new or existing roof, creating a sleek and streamlined appearance.
This modern approach to sustainable roofing offers homeowners an eco-friendly way to reduce energy costs and minimize their carbon footprint. Solar shingles and tiles are an excellent option for those interested in renewable energy solutions without compromising on the visual appeal of their home.
Spray foam roofing, or spray polyurethane foam (SPF) roofing, are systems composed of a combination of various liquids that form a sprayable layer that can be applied to roofs. These roofing systems are waterproof and provide adequate insulation for the structure below.
To learn more about spray foam, explore the Spray Polyurethane Foam Alliance (SPFA)'s resources.
Stone-coated steel roofing is typically made from steel coated with an aluminum-zinc alloy, offering both durability and lightweight performance. Designed to mimic the appearance of traditional concrete tile roofs, it weighs only 1.6 pounds per square foot—much lighter than concrete. The stone coating, which consists of acrylic-bonded stone chips, not only enhances the roof’s aesthetic appeal but also provides vital protection from UV rays, helping to prevent fading over time. With superior durability and a longer lifespan compared to materials like cedar, stone-coated steel roofing is virtually maintenance-free and offers an impressive service life of up to 50 years.
Learn more about stone-coated and other steel roofing options from the Metal Roofing Alliance (MRA).
Synthetic roofing mimics the look of real slate, shake or Spanish tiles and is made from recycled materials or virgin resins like polyethylene. Manufactured for durability, these tiles resist impact, fire, insects, cracking and splitting, making them resilient against high winds, hail and UV rays.
Some manufacturers use molds from actual shake and slate, resulting in simulated roofing that looks very authentic, resembling rough-hewn, hand-split cedar or natural slate. There is a wide range of colors and blends in composite roofing materials that replicate nature and manufacturers can often create custom colors to complement specific projects. Synthetic roofing also typically comes with strong warranties, with some manufacturers offering lifetime limited coverage. These products are durable and often recyclable.
A single-layer asphalt shingle separated by cut-outs into three tabs.
A thermoplastic polyolefin single-ply roofing membrane used in low-slope applications.
Asphalt saturated felt or specially engineered synthetic material used beneath roofing to provide additional protection for the deck. It is installed on top of the roof decking to protect the structure beneath the roof system.
Ventilation is key to creating an energy-efficient and healthy environment in any structure. One of the common ways this is managed is through roof ventilation systems. These systems can help[ moderate attic temperatures (which helps moderate the whole building's temperature), prevent moisture buildup and extend the lifespan of the installed roofing materials (condensation causes a lot of damage to roofing materials like asphalt shingles).
While there are many different ventilation products on the market, there are two basic categories to be aware of: exhaust and intake. Exhaust ventilation moves hot, moist air out of the attic can come in the form of products like ridgevents, roof lovers and wind turbines. Intake ventilation brings in fresh, cooler, dryer air from outside that works with the exhaust ventilation to push the warm air out.
To create an effective ventilation system, your exhaust and intake vents must be in balance with each other, meaning the amount of air brought in must be equal to the amount that is pushed out. The number of vents of each type needed to create this system is determined by things like the slope of your roof and the size of your space.
The part of a waterproofing system that has the primary function of excluding water; it does not include accessories such as drainage materials or protection boards. When it is a membrane, it is a continuous layer used as a treatment of a surface or structure to prevent the passage of water under hydrostatic conditions.
Either a diaphragm used across a joint as a sealant, usually to prevent the passage of water or a series of devices installed at the intersection of cold joints in concrete walls and slabs, walls and footings, or at vertical joints in concrete work as a secondary means of protection against water infiltration.
