When making repairs to your roof, it’s common to hear terms that are way over your head. Whether you have to fix that annoying leak, change shingles or repair parts of the roof to install a new one; we’re exposed to different words and terms related to roofing. Types of roofs, roofing supplies, repair techniques, tools, are some of them. This situation becomes even more complicated when it’s time to contact a roofing expert in the Bay Area, and he speaks in jargon. Then you’re completely lost and intimidated.
Have no fear, terms like gabled roofs or hips-and-valleys won’t blindside you anymore. Bay 101 created this roofing guide to familiarize you with roofing terminology.
Are you familiar with roof shapes?
Every roof is different. More than a theme of aesthetics, the shape of the roofs has to do with its functionality. These are the most common roof shapes:
- Gable roof: This type of roof looks like an inverted/upside down V. It isn’t ideal for areas with high wind.
- Hip roof: It rises by inclined planes to form one or more hips. It has a more complicated truss and rafter structure.
- Mansard roof: This is a French-design steeper roof that terminates into a flat roof at its high point.
- Gambrel roof: This is a barn style roof. It has two pitches on each side.
- Shed roof: Shed roofs contain only one sloping plane. They have no hips, ridges, or valleys.
When you are in the design stage of your house, choose the type of roof that best suits your needs and the characteristics of your home. In our last post, “Pitched roof or flat roof? What type of roof should I choose?” We give you more information about roof shapes and how they affect the rest of your home.
Our Roofing Supply Shopping List.
You already spoke with your roofing contractor, and they gave you a budget. Whether they include the roofing supplies in the quote or you prefer to buy them on your own, it’s important to know the roofing supplies most used for a new roof, their benefits and costs. Take a look at the most common roofing supplies and decide which are the best options for your roof, considering the pros and cons.
- Asphalt shingles: They fit for any architectural roofing style. They can last between 15 and 30 years, and the cost varies between $50 to $150 per square. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing supplies used for roofing. They are inexpensive and easy to install, but they represent little insulating value and a shorter lifespan. They aren’t recyclable and have the worst environmental track record.
- Wood shingles & shades: They’re standard for ranches, cottages, and bungalows. Their duration can vary between 30 and 50 years depending on the maintenance. The cost of this type of material is $100 to $165 per square. Wood roofs are aesthetically pleasing. The pros of this material? It’s a natural option; some of the woods used are cedar, redwood and southern pine. On the other hand, if untreated, wood shingles have a poor fire rating and need lots of maintenance to prevent moisture or the presence of insects.
- Metal: This is an excellent option when choosing the roofing supply for your house’s new roof. Metal roofs are highly durable, lasting at least 50 years. They have a high percentage of recycled content and are energy-efficient. Besides, metal is much lighter than other materials and resistant to adverse weather.
- Fiber cement: Its cost varies around $100 to $165 per square. This type of material fits in any architectural roofing style and can last between 20 and 30 years. Fiber cement is fireproof, recyclable and lighter than regular concrete. The “industrial” look they give to your home may be one of its cons. Also, they can easily crack if stepped on or due to cold weather.
- Clay & concrete tiles: This is a common material on roofs for Mediterranean, European, contemporary and ranch-style homes. Talking about costs, they are more expensive than asphalt or wood roofs, involving an investment of around $300 to $600 per square. Concrete tiles are heavy, and they need extra roof framing. Even so, they are energy-efficient, non-combustible and durable, surpassing even 50 years. Besides, concrete tiles are elegant, versatile and available in lighter colors to reflect solar energy. This is one of the greenest roofing choices.
- Slate shingles: If we focus on duration this is by far the best option. Although it is a costly roofing supply, around $500 to $1000 per square, slates shingles can last between 50 and 100 years. Colonial, French, and Chateau are the most common architectural style using this material. Slate shingles provide a beautiful appearance; they are sustainable, recyclable and easy to repair. A disadvantage? They are quite heavy and not recommended for high-heat locations due to their dark color.
REMEMBER! While preparing for a new roof installation…
- Buy the best quality roofing supplies you can afford.
- Schedule the roof installation during dry seasons.
- Make sure your roofing contractor provides installation and liability insurance.
- All necessary permits are usually the roofing contractor’s responsibility.
- Do not prepay until you and your roofing contractor define the working conditions of the contract. Consider some specifications such as estimated project time, materials, budget, workmanship, etc.
Thinking of a new roof installation? Ask for a Free Roof Inspection!
Our Bay 101 Roofing professional team is always ready to help you. CONTACT US NOW!