How To Choose Roofing Shingles For Your Type Of Roof Style
Weve given you a breakdown of common roof shapes, which also have a variety of sub-types that can be joined together in combination styles. Making the right shingle selection is up to you.
- Drive through neighborhoods, browse houses online, and look through magazines to find a roof style and color that reflects your dream house.
- Consider your neighborhood. Youll have the choice to blend into your surroundings or stand out it depends on your personality and exterior design goals.
- Additionally, there may be building codes or HOA restrictions that limit your options, so be sure to do your research before starting any project.
Owens Corning® roofing shingles can be used on all roof types, with limited exceptions to certain roof slopes. Use roof color and design tools from Owens Corning to see what your roof could look like in a variety of shingle styles and colors and help you coordinate the roof with your homes exterior.
Once youve found the look you want, talk to an experienced independent roofing contractor in the Owens Corning Contractor Network near you. They can help you with choosing the appropriate shingles for your roof design and provide you with an estimate along with roof financing opportunities.
What Is A Jerkinhead Roof
If you see a roof that combines design elements from both gable and hip roofs, chances are that it is a jerkinhead roof.
Also referred to as a clipped gable or an English hip roof, jerkinhead roofs essentially resemble a gable roof but with clipped or shortened ends, or alternatively a hip roof that has two shorter sides.
Youll usually see this sort of roof designed in such a way that the clipped sides or hips dont disrupt the view from the top floor dormer windows.
The somewhat eccentric name jerkinhead is of unknown origin, but is said to possibly come from the old Scottish kirkin-head, or the rooftop of a church.
No matter how you define the style, jerkinhead roofs tend to be more stable than gable roofs or hip roofs due to the way that the points or edges of the roof turn down, lending them greater wind resistance or protection against wind uplift.
Higher pitched jerkinhead roofs also allow for more living space or storage space under the roof, thus adding to their appeal.
This sort of roof can be crafted from nearly any standard roofing material, including asphalt or wood shingles, metal shingles, slate, or even composites.
Jerkinhead roofing tends to be costlier than its gable or hip roof alternatives, but it can be worth the investment due to its durability and allowance for extra usable square footage under the rooftop.
Single Layer Membrane Roof
There are two types of membrane roofs: Thermoplastic and Thermoset. Thermoplastic membranes such as polyvinyl chloride and thermoplastic olefin can be softened through heating and then hardened by cooling time and time again. Thermoset membranes like ethylene propylene diene terpolymer , once the roofing materials is hardened, it is irreversible.
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Types Of Roof Trusses
As previously mentioned, there are a myriad of trusses available to fit the needs of your building project. Whether youre building a home, a multi-family structure, or an extensive agricultural project, roof trusses are crucial to the style, structure, and cost of your build.
With that said, its important that you choose the right type of truss that best suits your project and your budget. Here are some of the most common types of roof trusses you have to choose from:
Shed Roof Or Skillion Roof
A shed or skillion roof has a distinct design with a noticeable slope consisting of a single flat area surface. They are also sometimes referred to as lean-to roofs, mono-pitched roofs and pent roofs. The roof is pitched at a perpendicular angle and is not attached to any other roof surface, which was a popular roof technique used during the Victorian period. Properties with a skillion roof tend to be either of the circular or butterfly variety. Circular skillion roofs feature a soft-curved edge, while butterfly designs slope towards a particular point.
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What Type Of Roofing Lasts The Longest
One would think that slate roofing would take this place, as well but slate roofing is not suitable for some environments.
And clay and concrete roofing are. On average, clay and concrete roofing can hold up for a minimum of 50 years. However, it can really extend the top-end, going over 150 years in some cases.
The technology keeps advancing, making the tiles lighter and tougher and practically indestructible in regular roofing conditions.
Depending on maintenance and installation, you can either get a minimum of 50 or a minimum of 120 years out of this roof. Which is on par with slate roofing.
What Are The Top Rated Roofing Shingles
In some cases, top-rated does not equal the best. So before we take a look at the top-rated, lets remind you of a roofing checklist to help you decide.
Now that you know how to choose the best shingle for you lets take a look at the top-rated roofing shingle.
Using an Instron machine, which tests and determines how the strength and quality of a roof perform over time. And by simulating extreme weather conditions, and testing the thickest part of every shingle a consumer report has established these top-rated roofing shingles:
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How Long Do I Want My New Roof To Last
When investing in an important purchase like a roof, you expect to get as much out of it as possible. Thats why you need to consider the lifespans of the different types of roofing materials.
The 3 types of asphalt shingles have a lifespan range of around 25-30 years, depending on which one you choose. A cedar shake roofs lifespan is also around 30 years, but you could possibly get up to 50 years if you invest in quality materials and live in an area with the right conditions.
If youre looking for a little more durability, a composite shingle roof and a standing seam metal roof are the way to go. But if youre looking for the longest-lasting roofs on the market, a slate roof is the way to go with a lifespan of 75 to 100 years.
To learn more about the lifespans of the different types of roofing materials, read this article on how long your new roof will last.
Slate Tile Roofing Shingles
Slate roofing shingles are a stone roofing material that is installed as a shingle. Slate shingles are thin but very heavy when the whole roof is made out of them. Slate has a natural beauty to it that many people appreciate, but the shingles do not really vary in color or looks. Slate roofing shingles cost on average $8 to $14 per square foot or $800 to $1,400 per square to install. Slate tiles are more difficult to install but when done properly they will give you one of the longest-lasting roof options available. Slate shingles come with an expensive price tag, but that does not mean that slate is not a great roof type option if you can afford it. Many people decide slate roofs are worth the cost to install since they will last more than a lifetime from 60 to 150 years.
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Clay And Concrete Shingles
For some homes, particularly in warm climates, clay and concrete shingles are the way to go as they are heat resistant. Manufacturers mold these heavy, durable tiles into series of half-cylinder-shaped shingles, giving these roofs a texture and look like no other. These tiles are non-combustible and offer solar reflective properties for improved energy efficiency over other shingle types.
Concrete and clay tiles are more expensive than asphalt shingles, and theyre also very heavy. Because theyre so hefty, many homes internal framing might not be strong enough to handle the weight. These tiles generally require professional installation. However, any cracks that do occur are usually homeowner-friendly repairs, as they simply require a bit of roofing cement and paint.
What Look Do I Want My New Roof To Have
You may not think about this until meeting with your local roofing contractor, but you need to think about the look you want your roof to have. All 5 types of the roofing materials offer something different to give your roof the exact look you want.
While 3-tab and dimensional asphalt shingle roofs are the most commonly seen around the country, they dont give you a look that stands out in your neighborhood. If your roofs look isnt important, I would recommend going with either of these asphalt shingle roofs.
However, if you really want your roof to stand out, you should consider a luxury asphalt shingle, standing seam metal roof, synthetic roof, cedar shake roof, or slate roof.
The 5 top types of roofing materials all look good. You just need to decide what look you want your new roof to have.
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Slate Tile Roof Shingles
With a 60 to 150 years durability warranty, you can be sure that your great grandmother may see this roofing style replaced only once in her lifetime. That shouldnt be an issue because it means your cost on replacement is reduced.
Thin and stone-cast, this style can cost you on average something around $8 to $14 per square foot .
Whats more, the slate tile roofing shingles are thin but very heavy. Although difficult to install, the slate tile shingles are preferred by many of the shrewd spenders. Meanwhile, difficulty in DIY installations some homeowners run from the slate tile shingles.
Pros
- Expensive
What Are Roof Trusses Made Of
According to Roofing Calculator, trusses usually consist of large segments of lumber. Theyre generally 2×8 or 2×10 grade. Some of them have steel components. Some trusses get constructed of steel material. It usually requires a skilled carpenter with expert-level skills to build roof trusses on-site. Since its more expensive to do that, theyre commonly ordered to specifications from a mass-scale manufacturer and delivered as freight.
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Wood Shingle Or Shakes
Wood roofs are very attractive, but they are also quite expensive and have limitations. They are not particularly long-lived, and they are a poor choice in areas that get lots of moisture or where wildfires are a danger. Still, they are among the most attractive of all roofing materials, which makes them a popular choice for luxury homes.
Although both are made from natural wood, usually cedar or redwood, there is a difference between wood shakes and shingles. Shingles are typically thin, wedge-shaped slabs of wood that are produced by precise sawing. Shakes are produced by splitting wood and they are thicker wedges with a rougher texture.
Shingles typically cost about $4.50 to $9 per square foot, installed shakes are more expensive, with average costs of $6.50 to $14 per square foot, installed. Longevity depends very much on circumstances and maintenance. In relatively dry climates a wood shingle or shake roof can last 60 years in damp conditions, you may only get 20-30 years from the roof.
What Is A Skillion Roof
Also called a shed roof or a lean-to roof, skillion roofs are single-angled sloped roofs that can be attached to a taller wall or be an alternative to a flat roof for a stand-alone structure.
Skillion roofs are common for additions to existing homes along with being a good choice for sheds and porches, but more contemporary style buildings may feature a skillion roof as a design statement.
Skillion roofs have some significant advantages if your property is located in the mountains or northern midwest or New England, since their slope allows for quick snow and water runoff, which makes them ideal for regions that get heavy snow or rainfall.
Skillion roofs tend to be a less expensive choice given their lack of complexity to build.
Standing seam metal roofing is perhaps the best choice for a skillion roof, particularly since it allows for the installation of PV solar panels, which naturally increase the energy efficiency of the home.
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Composition Asphalt And Fiberglass Shingles
These types of shingles are manufactured with glass fibers and mineral granules. These fiberglass composition shingles are much lighter than the asphalt shingles listed above and are also less expensive. Fiberglass shingles also offer homeowners improved heat resistance and are well suited for older homes, to new construction builds.
Other Factors To Keep In Mind When Youre Building Or Buying A New Roof
Regardless of the roof type that you have, you will most likely need to have it repaired or replaced during the course of your homeownership.
Major weather events and other natural disasters can be detrimental to the condition of your roof, of course, but planning ahead and going with a roof structure type and roofing material that works best for your specific area and property can go a long way towards preserving and maintaining the state of your roof.
While the types of roofs for houses vary by climate, architectural style, and personal preference, it is good to understand the types of roof shapes and house roof styles that are common in your area and for your specific kind of home.
This will help you make the best possible choice for your needs, whether you are building an existing building or creating a home from scratch with a custom build, or anything in between.
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Know Your Roofs: Sloping Roof Types
February 14, 2017 By EMA Construction
Roofs can be categorized into two categories depending on their general shape, flat roof or sloping roof. Flat roofs are more common in commercial buildings while sloping roofs are more common in residential properties. Sloping roofs can have a variety of shapes and styles depending on the homes needs and aesthetics.
North Light Roof Truss
Traditionally used for short spans in commercial buildings, North Light Roof Trusses are one of the oldest forms of roof trusses. They offer the maximum benefit regarding natural lighting with the use of glazing on the steeper pitch which typically faces north or north-east to limit solar gain.
In fact, the use of north light trusses to enhance natural daylighting can help reduce operational carbon emissions in industrial structures. As a result, they reduce the need for artificial lighting and the risk of overheating. The north light truss is most suited for industrial buildings but can also work in homes that desire a durable solution with proper ventilation.
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Advantages Of Roof Trusses
The growing popularity of roof trusses as an alternative to rafters is due to a couple of reasons. However, the biggest reason that trusses are so popular is because they are roughly 30% cheaper than rafters. Since they are constructed out of lighter materials they are both produced and purchased in large quantities, which, in turn, lowers the price.
Not to mention, the labor costs involved in building roof trusses are relatively low, as they do not require the skills of an expert carpenter. In fact, research shows that you can expect to spend between $30 and $400 per roof truss.
Aside from affordability, another major advantage to roof trusses is that they effectively distribute the weight onto the exterior walls of the structure, as opposed to the interior walls. With little to no interior load-bearing walls, builders are able to easily craft the exceptionally popular open-concept living spaces. This fact also makes it much easier for homeowners to remove interior walls for future home renovation projects.
As an added benefit, there are countless types of trusses, allowing you to create roof framing for nearly any roof style.
What Is The Best Type Of Roof For A House
If you can afford it, a metal roof is best for the following reasons :
While metal roofs have many benefits, they are not cheap costing up to 3 times the amount of shingles. Moreover, they aint quiet in the rain .
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Parallel Chord Truss/girder Truss
The Parallel chord truss is also known as a girder truss. These trusses come in a different shape than most other truss types. Their unique design forms a rectangular shape with top and bottom cords. The chords are long and straight with spacing and web reinforcement at intermediate locations. The Parallel Chord Truss features wood timber construction most often and is useful in providing exceptional support for purlins, rafters, and traditional trusses. Theyre valued for their strength and durability and are used when longer spans are required. Theyre the sensible choice for spanning distances without a central supporting post.
