Tuesday, February 12, 2013

Roof Choices Today and Their Effects Tomorrow

The roofing material choices you make today may have a variety of effects in the future. There is no perfect solution for every home owner to prevent their roofs from roof leaks. There would only be one roofing system if that were the case. Here are some of the factors to consider before making a roofing material selection.

A big consideration is the slope of the roof. While some products can be applied to any roof, regardless of the slope, some are only suitable for flat roofs and others can only be used on pitched roofs commonly seen in homes.

Asphalt shingles are the most common selection for residential homes with a sloped roof. They are available in numerous colors. Some modern shingles include reflective particles that reduce heat buildup and conduction. The goal is to reduce summer cooling costs by reflecting more heat from the sun.

Ceramic tiles, cedar shakes and slate shingles are less common. Ceramic or slate may last longer but they cost more and they are also heavier. The roof design must be strong enough to support the heavier materials and also to support any anticipated load from snow or ice.

The popularity of sheet metal roofs waxes and wanes as the years go by. Some houses are nicely suited for sheet metal roofs that are reminiscent of the tin roofs of old. The new materials are more rust-resistant and long lasting. The appearance is one of the selling points.

For flat roofs, a membrane roofing system is most commonly used. There are about a half dozen different types of membrane roofing systems. The name refers to the different layers used in the system that rely on some type of membrane to prevent water leakage and other types of roof leaks.

The membrane roofing systems on today’s market include modified bitumen and plastic polymers. Liquid EPDM rubber roofing systems are becoming more popular for commercial buildings. These systems are among the most water-resistant and energy efficient. But they are still more expensive than some of the other solutions.

The cost of materials and installation are factors to consider. While it is true that a cheap system may be lower in quality, you have to look at how long you can expect the roof to last. It might not make sense to install an expensive system on an existing roof that will need to be replaced in just a few years.

On the other hand, making the most energy efficient choice could start paying you back in the very near future. The roofing system is arguably the most important part of any building. If the roof fails, the rest of the building will be damaged too.

For product information or ordering Visit their site at http://www.epdmcoatings.com or their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/liquidepdm or call them at 855-281-0940.

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