Roofing and Roofing Materials – Different Options

There are so many different types of roofing materials to keep your home cool in summer and warm in winter. Heavier materials are suggested for warmer climates and high end building, but there are other roofing options that are equally as beautiful, durable, and cost effective.

What are different options for roofing?

Research has found that concentrations of asphalt roofs and parking lots in dense areas create an environment effect call the “heat island effect” which means heat soaking into the dark materials are use and these areas hold energy throughout the day and night. This causes high cooling costs and even higher repair costs when asphalt melts and roofs leak. To these ends different options for roofing materials are always being invented and explored. For example Italian architect Renzo Piano combines site planning with age old principles of making the land work with the environment. He uses solar and green roof in his buildings and adds recycled denim to insulation.

Living or green roofing materials are actual living plants that provide less toxic environments, water runoff to cool buildings and protection for base or under roofing. There are not many experts in growing living roofs, and the cost is high, but the theory is a great idea to help the environment and provide cooler living conditions.

Rubber membrane roofing is similar to wearing a raincoat; it keeps both moisture and heat out of the building. This type of roofing material is usually single-ply, white, rubber like roofing materials made from strong and weather resistant thermoplastic. You can also find rubber roofing made from ethylene propylene diene monomer. This type of roofing is common in commercial building and provides long wear, ease of installation, and can be applied quickly.

White flat tile roofing material is very well-suited to warm climates. It is similar to concrete tiling that can be painted in many colors. This is a lighter-weight variety of concrete tiles and the most popular color is generally the intense white flat tile made from ceramics or mixtures of cement and fibers. These tiles are reflect heat and last for up to fifty years and flat white cement tiles reflect over 75 percent of the sun’s rays. Power-washing keep the surface of the tiles from becoming dingy and losing reflective properties.
White metal roofing is highly reflective and can reflect 66 percent of the sun’s rays away from a roof.

White metal roofing cools quickly at night and holds heat for very short periods of time. It does cost about 30 percent more than traditional roofing materials, but in energy savings, low maintenance and durability it is eventually a cost saver. To maximize the benefits of metal roofing, however, treatments and installation are complicated. Most metal roofs need to be treated for corrosion and meet minimum code standards for wind resistance and placement. One very big downside of white metal roofing; the sun’s reflection off your roof can “blind” neighbors and those driving down your street.