Built-Up Roofing (BUR) is the process where layers of asphalt or composition are put down in between felt or ply sheets over the insulation and roof deck.
BUR works best on flat or low-sloped roofs because the surface is continuously sealed. BUR roofs perform best in warmer weather climates such as Houston rather then cold weather. We offer commercial roofing service.
The pros to BUR roofs are that they protect the home or business effectively from ultra-violet rays, fire, and water damage.
The cons to BUR roofs are that they only last about 15-30 years. The install process includes dangerous fumes and can take a lot of time to complete.
Clay tiles are just as they sound, tiles made of clay. These tiles come in a variety of colors and hues. The most common, and favorite color of clay tiles is the terra cotta color, but they can come in white, brown, yellow, and orange as well.
The fact that clay tile roofs are made of clay gives them the added bonus of being a great insulator and excellent roofing material. The mass or weight of clay tiles depends on the amount of time and the degree of temperature applied during the heating process but rest assured these are excellent for keeping cool in and heat out, or keeping heat in during those winter months.
The main upsides to choosing clay tiles for your roof is that they are friendly to the environment, high wind and fire resistant, durable, strong, and easily fend off insects. Also, due to the curvy shape of clay tiles, they naturally insulate homes from severe cold or heat.
The downside to clay tiles is that they are susceptible to cracking and chipping. They are also extremely heavy and reinforced framing is required.
Slate roofing tiles are made from metamorphic rock. This type of rock is found deep within the earth. Volcanic materials, clay, minerals, and other materials that have been pressured together by heat form it.
Slate tiles are among the most sought after roofing materials. They are long lasting and high quality. Roofs comprised of slate have been known to last over one hundred years. The pro to having a slate roofs is that they are beautiful, fire resistant, environmentally friendly, and last a very long time.
The drawback is that slate roofs are very expensive, can be fragile, and if not installed properly will require constant maintenance. Inquire with RG Roofers In Houston for slate roofing service.
Solar tiles are made up of solar cells, which use semiconductor materials like copper-indium-gallium selenite and monocrystaline silicon to form them. They come in either a shingle or tile shape.
These tiles are able to take the suns radiation and convert it into electricity. The difference between solar tiles and solar panels is that solar tiles are each individually able to generate electricity and double as your roof. On the other hand, solar panels can only produce electricity wherever they are on your roof and do not act as roofing material.
Solar tiles are a great choice for those wanting an updated, futuristic type look to their roof. It also looks less cluttered then roofs with solar panels. Solar tiles aren’t so good for those with a small budget as they’re costly and there are still very few roofing companies installing them. Though long term savings in the form of “free electricity” can offset cost.
Stone-Coated Steel roofing material is made of steel sheets that are rolled and then covered with a thick layer of stone granules.
This type of roof is protected with a coating that prevents rusting. Stone-coated steel is extremely durable and versatile.
It can be made to look like many other types of roofing material such as wood shakes, clay tiles, and composite shingles.
The biggest benefits to stone-coated steel roofing are that it durable, energy efficient, long lasting, and low maintenance. The downsides to stone-coated steel roofing are the noise when there is either rain or hail (though many people enjoy the sound and find it relaxing) and the initial cost can be quite expensive.
Metal roofing is becoming more and more popular among residential homes.
The four most common types of metal roofing that are used today are aluminum, stainless steel, zinc, and copper.
The biggest pro of metal roofing is that it is almost completely fireproof. Metal roofing also doesn’t run the risk of rotting or being infested with insects and it is energy efficient.
Some people also enjoy the sound of rain when it hits a metal roof and find it relaxing.
The cons to metal roofing is that severe hail can do some damage to these roofs leaving small dings marks but typically leave the roof functional. Ridge vents are much more obvious and corrosion can happen.
Rubber slate roofing, also known as synthetic slate roofing, is made up of a combination of plastic polymers and rubber.
These materials are sourced from recycled tires, slate dust, and sawdust. These roofs can last on average between 30-50 years. The benefits to rubber slate roofing are numerous. It is low cost, versatile, wind resistant, UV ray resistant, easily walked on, rot resistant, low maintenance and lightweight.
The drawback to rubber slate roofing is that it is not as fire resistant as other roofing options out there and when first installed the smell of rubber can be quite overpowering.
Hands down the most popular roof in Houston and in the world is simply put, the “shingle roof”. Asphalt and composition shingles are the same thing. Different people, parts of the country, and the roofing industry interchange the two all the time, but they are the same type of shingle. Asphalt shingles are made up of a composition of man-made materials like tar, granules, and fiberglass that are then put onto a mat of fiberglass, which makes the shingle.
The pro’s of asphalt shingles is that they are available everywhere, always in stock and usually purchased in bulk by roofing companies allowing them to be inexpensive compared to other roofing materials, and did we mention they are widely available.
The cons to asphalt shingles are that they do not last as long as other roofing materials but they still last on average about 25-30 years before needing repair or replacement. That may seem like a long time for a roof but in comparison to other roofing materials available it comes up a little short. Factor in labor cost to repair or put on an entire roof 25 years down the road and you could save money in the long run with an upfront and more expensive roof off the get-go. That being said, asphalt roofs our cheap in comparison and a great budget friendly option.
Concrete tiles are made up of cement, water, and sand, and are created using high pressure and high temperature.
Concrete rooftiles come in various designs and styles. Concrete tiles can look like other roofing options such as wood shakes, clay, stone, or slate, without the high cost.
This allows homeowners to have more options in their roofing choice. A big win for concrete tiles is that they are great at protecting your home from wind, insects, fire, and hail. If maintained well they can also last a lifetime.
On the other hand concrete tiles are extremely heavy and will require the framing of your home to be reinforced.
If not installed properly, concrete tiles will easily absorb water and cause mold and mildew to form. It is very important to ensure you get a good warranty from a trusted Houston roofing company just in case this happens.
No matter your roofing need from roof repairs, roof replacement or even siding repair and patio add-ons we’ve got the materials you want to make your home aesthetically perfect.