Tiles or Shingles?

Purchasing a new roof can be both an exciting and stressful time, and it can leave you with many questions to have answered. One of these questions may relate to choosing a tile roof or a shingle roof. There are pros and cons to each roofing material and choosing a suitable material depends on several factors.

In Oklahoma, asphalt shingle roofing is the most common choice of roofing for residential homes, so it is always a safe choice. It is lightweight, durable, and will last roughly 20 years if well-maintained. This is a good choice for roofing because it is durable and protects your home, but it is also inexpensive. However, these roofs are not great for the environment and they do not last as long as tile roofs.

Tile roofing is more of a premium roofing material. Tile roofs are made of clay, so they are completely natural and environmentally-friendly. They can last longer than 50 years, are extremely durable, and perform natural ventilation, which will help keep down your energy costs. Since this is a premium material, however, the costs can be very high. Additionally, they are heavy, so you should make sure your home can support the weight before having a tile roof installed.

Shake Roof Tear-Off

Shake roofs are gorgeous and can really make a home stand out among others on the block. Wood shakes are usually made of cedar, which provides a beautiful, rustic aesthetic. In addition, they are durable and also organic since they are made of wood, which helps the environment. They are very durable, but they can still become worn and damaged over time. Once a shake roof becomes damaged, it will need to be torn off and repaired. However, this can be difficult and should be done a specific way.

Shake roofs tear-offs can be more difficult than other tear-offs. While asphalt shingles are usually nailed to plywood roof decking, wood shakes are attached to skip sheathing. This means performing a wood shake roof tear-off is more difficult and dangerous than many other types of roofs. For wood shake roofs, a crowbar or a type of pry bar is used to pry loose the wood shakes where they are then thrown into a dumpster. This dumpster is usually accompanied by a tarp laid around it on the ground to make cleanup easier.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

While asphalt shingles are inexpensive, are durable, and look nice, they are also extremely common. Sometimes, for extra curb appeal, a unique roof is needed. Standing seam metal roofs are able to provide this differentiation. However, what exactly makes these roofs so unique? How are they any different from asphalt shingle roofs?

Standing seam roofing consists of metal panels rather than asphalt shingles. The areas where the panels attach, however, are raised up to give the roof a unique look. This seam is created as two panels are crimped together rather than just attached using bolts.

Standing seam metal roofs will give you a lot for the money. They have roughly double the lifespan as asphalt shingle roofs. They have greater durability as well, being metal, and the maintenance burden on the homeowner is virtually nonexistent. The reflective nature of the metal panels also repels UV rays, lowering your energy bills and creating a more comfortable home for you and your family. This roofing is an excellent option to save money in the long-run, to help the environment, and to improve the look of your home.

Shingle Patterns

While regular asphalt shingle roofs look great and get the job done well, they are quite common. Many homeowners want to add an extra pop for curb appeal and opt for another option. Shingles can be installed using different patterns to give a roof a unique look that stands out from others on the block without being too over the top.

The classic roofing pattern is a brick looking pattern installed using three-tab shingles. This look does the trick, but can look bland. One way to avoid this bland look is by using different sized tabs. Instead of laying each three-tab shingle like normal, use a ½ tab or ¾ tab mixed in with the regular tab. This creates an offset look that will develop a pattern in your roof.

Another way to create a pattern in your roof is to utilize different colors. For example, using large square shingles that vary in shade of color can replicate the look of a slate roof without the cost/weight associated with slate.

The possibilities for shingle patterns are endless. Talk with a roofing professional about the patterns they offer and find one that works for you.

Terms Used by Roofers

Roofing has industry-specific terms. Not unlike sports or other industries, these terms must be learned over time. With a little help and some repetition, you can understand these terms so you know what your roofer is talking about. Here are a few of the terms roofers use when talking about a roof.

Apron Flashing:
Normally, metal flashing that is installed to seal the corner where the roof meets the chimney

Flashing:
This performs the same function as apron flashing, but it can be used at any point where the roof and a wall create a corner

Blistering:
These are bubbles, usually due to moisture, that form in a roof

Granules:
Essentially, these are the small pieces of rock that coat the tops of your shingles to protect them from the elements

Ice Dam:
Walls of ice created at the bottom of your roof that prevents water from draining. These are caused by melting snow or ice at the top of your roof that refreezes at the bottom of your roof before it can drain into the gutters.

Mortar:
The material the holds bricks together and helps them stick to a surface

Mats:
The foundational layer of shingles

If you have any further questions regarding roofing materials, you can contact us at 918-404-5996.

Outdoor Creations Roofing is located at 1924 W Albany Street in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma.