Your selection of roofing material is an important decision that determines how long the roof will last and how well your home or business will be protected from the elements. The right material can also bring out the beauty of architecture and add a great amount of curb appeal. Let’s take a look at some popular Norman roofing choices.
Asphalt shingles. Inexpensive and easy to install, asphalt shingles are the #1 choice for North American homes. They are produced by saturating a fiberglass mat with waterproof asphalt, then coating the mat with colored ceramic granules to protect it from sun damage. Asphalt shingles come in a full array of colors and many styles for great design flexibility. Many brands are warranted for 30 years or more.
Wood shakes and shingles. Wood shingles are cut by machine for a clean finish, while wood shakes are split by hand for a more rustic appearance. This natural material stands up well to high winds and hail, and provides better insulation than asphalt shingles but is more expensive to install.
Metal. No material can better protect a structure from wind, rain, hail, fire and rot than metal. Just as importantly, a metal roof will last for 50 years or more with virtually no maintenance. New innovations have produced metal roofing in a wide variety of styles that mimic asphalt shingles, slate and even wood shakes. The cost of a metal roof is significantly higher than an asphalt shingle roof.
TPO. TPO, or thermoplastic polyolefin, is a durable plastic membrane that’s becoming increasingly popular for commercial applications. Heat-welded seams make it completely waterproof with proper installation. TPO also is considered a “cool” roof material because its reflective properties reduce indoor temperatures and lower utility costs.
Roof coatings. For businesses wanting to prolong the life of a roof, roof coatings are an economical alternative to complete roof replacement. These elastomeric coatings are applied in liquid form to provide excellent water resistance, UV resistance and reflectivity.
