Roofing Materials List

No matter the scale or nature of your roof repair needs, or installation projects, obtaining quality materials will be key. This list will help you navigate all available choices to you so you can select what’s right for your home.

Rolled roofing is an economical choice that features large rolls of asphalt topped with mineral granules. This type of roof works best on low-slop roofs. Cedar shakes add rustic charm but require regular upkeep to prevent rot and insect infestation, while slate roofs offer superior durability over their shorter lifespans.

Shingles

Shingles offer homeowners an ideal solution, thanks to their range of colors. Additionally, shingles work perfectly with all styles of homes while seamlessly blending into natural surroundings.

Most shingles are made of wood – usually cedar – and sold in packages that include starter strips to help prevent blow-off.

Clay shingles offer a classic aesthetic while being water and fire-resistant – two qualities which are especially valuable in areas vulnerable to wildfire.

Nails

Nails (corpus unguis) are hard structures used to protect the ends of fingers and toes. Constructed from translucent keratin protein, nails protect fingers and toes without blood vessels or nerves and serve a variety of purposes including sensation, protection from harmful substances and act as tools. Nail plate, matrix and sinus all comprise nails; their visible portion, the free edge, is dead tissue which, if mechanically damaged does not affect living tissue underneath and will eventually shed- much like hair does.

Different nails serve different functions; for instance, thumbtacks feature flat points on short shanks to secure papers to walls, dowels have heads at one end for joining boards together and sprigs have points on both ends to secure glass planes to frames.

Vents

Ventilation is an essential aspect of roof care. Manufacturers and codes require that attics have a steady airflow coming in and out to balance out what comes in and out – this helps avoid overheating or moisture build-up that may lead to ice damming or damage of materials used on the roof itself.

Most roofs are ventilated using both soffit intake vents and ridge vents; roof louvers or turbine vents may also be used, although these do not offer continuous airflow as required by code or manufacturers. A variety of products such as GAF’s Cobra hip vent and Air Vent’s turtle or mushroom vents exist to assist in venting these types of roofs.

Fascia Board

Fascia boards add a striking finish to a building’s roofline, while also protecting against moisture entering through roof edges and holding gutters in place. Made of various materials and colors to complement other exterior trim elements of a house.

Wood fascias are affordable but require regular priming and painting to remain water resistant, while aluminum fascias tend to be durable enough to withstand changes in weather patterns while vinyl offers minimal maintenance costs and can even be wrapped around existing wooden fascias.

Clay Tiles

Clay tiles make an excellent long-term roofing option that combines style and functionality, providing insulation benefits that help lower energy costs throughout the year, are fire-proof, mold, mildew and temperature resistant and resist UV radiation damage.

Clay tiles come in various styles to fit with traditional home designs. Mission style clay tiles are popular options; their S-shaped profile makes them easy to match many traditional home designs. As these roofs require sturdy structures for support and maintenance, regular upkeep will protect from damages as well as prolong their lifespan.

Slate

Slate is an incredibly durable material, lasting centuries or millennia with minimal upkeep required. Not only that, it adds beauty and a special aesthetic touch to any home. Slate is a metamorphic rock which can be formed into tiles or shingles for roofs; different quarries produce these stones in various colors, textures and qualities.

Slate roofs are known for being durable and windproof. Their low rate of water absorption and minimal processing make them one of the greenest roofing materials available, not to mention fireproof and energy efficient – two great benefits that make slate an excellent choice for historic houses.