Composition Shingles

Composition shingles come in a large selection of types, brands and colors. Versatile, they adapt easily to different applications. They require low maintenance and can be walked on without damaging the material. Most brands offer Class A fire protection.

Composition shingles are most recognized for their durability; while other roof shingles last on average about 15-20 years, composite shingles are usually warranted from 30-50 years. Some composite shingles are even guaranteed to last a lifetime.

How it is made
In production, conventional asphalt composite shingles are made in a hot asphalt coating process as a continuous sheet of composite material with the width being dictated by the design of the coating equipment. The sheet is fed into a cutting device which cuts individual shingles from the sheet. As mentioned, the exposed, outer surface of the asphalt shingle is generally provided with a covering of granular material embedded within the coating of asphalt. The granular material generally protects the underlying asphalt coating from damage due to exposure to the light, particularly ultraviolet light. The granules reflect light and protect the asphalt from deterioration in the sun. In addition, such granular material improves fire resistance and weathering characteristics. Further, colors or mixtures of colors of granular material may be selected for aesthetics

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Wood Shingles and Shakes

Wood shingles that are rough and rustic are called shakes. They come in varying sizes and lengths of 16, 18 and 24 inches. Nailing wood shingles is done in a way that enables air circulation, while shakes are laid so that they form a tight surface. Both methods are devised to assure durability and resist decay. Treatment of wood shingles and shakes can slow down natural weathering processes, though expect a 1/4 inch or more to be lost over the period of a century. Wood shingles and shakes alike can be installed over previous layers of asphalt shingles or wood shingles. Furthermore, wood shingle roof repair is made simpler this way.

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Tile Shingles

Tile lasts a long time - its expected life span is greater than the life span of the material on which the roofing rests. Tile won't rot or burn, and it can't be harmed by insects. It requires little maintenance, and comes in a variety of colors, types, styles and brands.

The biggest drawback to tile is its weight. Depending on the material used to make it, tile can be very heavy - so heavy that extra roof support can be required. With some new materials, however, color is added only on the surface of the tile, and they can fade over time. Tiles are fragile, so walking on them can break them. That makes it more difficult to accomplish maintenance like painting or cleaning rain gutters or fireplaces. Initial installation can be complicated.

Finally, tile can cost more than other roofing materials.

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Slate Shingles

Slate - actual shingle-like slivers of rock - is another roofing material that shows up on more upscale homes. Although slate is an expensive choice, it offers a very natural look and can be laid out in a variety of patterns.

The benefits of slate are identical to those of tile: a very long life span, good fire protection, low maintenance, and an invulnerably to rot and insects. It comes in a good selection of sizes and colors, although colors are limited to those found in nature.

Like tile, slate can be very heavy, sometimes requiring expensive extra support. It, to, is breakable enough that walking on it is difficult for a non-professional, complicating such tasks as rooftop maintenance, gutter cleaning and painting.

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