12 Different Types of Roofing

Hey there, storm restoration warriors! Ever find yourself in a roofing maze when it comes to insurance claims and roof inspections? Fear not! Here at Claim Supplement Pro, we're your trusty guides through the wild world of roof coverings. From shingles to tiles and everything in between, we've got you covered for supplementing any type of roofing, including getting partial repairs to full roof approvals.

So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of roofing materials, uncovering their secrets, and quirks.

Rolled Roofing: as one of the most affordable roofing materials available, it is a budget-friendly option for homeowners with a tight budget who need to replace or repair their roof. Due to its versatility, it can be used on low-slope roofs, sheds, garages, porches, and other small structures. It can also be used as a temporary roofing solution or as an underlayment for other roofing materials.

• Lifespan: 5 to 10 years

• Pros: great for low-slope roofs, low-cost

• Cons: short lifespan, low-quality

Built-up Roofing (BUR): known for its durability and longevity. Its multiple layers of roofing felt alternated with layers of asphalt or coal tar making it strong and resilient against harsh weather conditions. Its layers also act as a waterproof barrier that effectively protects the underlying structure from water infiltration.

• Lifespan: 20 to 30 years

• Pros: suitable for flat roofs, budget-friendly, fire-resistant

• Cons: prone to cracks and blistering

Membrane Roofing: due to its excellent waterproofing capabilities, membrane roofing makes an ideal roofing material for flat or low-slope roofs where water pooling and leaks are common problems. The materials used to make it such as EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer), TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and modified bitumen make it withstand exposure to UV radiation, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors.

• Lifespan: 20 to 35 years

• Pros: durable, UV-resistant, easy to repair

• Cons: limited color options, prone to debris build-up

Asphalt Shingles: also known as composition shingles are a type of roofing material commonly used in residential construction. They are one of the most affordable roofing materials available making them the first choice for homeowners on a budget.

• Lifespan: up to 20 years

• Pros: affordable, water-resistant, low-maintenance, can be recycled to pavement

• Cons: short lifespan, prone to wind damage

Common Variants:
            1.   Three-tab Shingles are the traditional, most common type of asphalt shingles. They have a flat appearance with three equally spaced tabs along the bottom edge, giving them a uniform look when installed.
Pros:

• lightweight

• easier to install

• endure 60 to 70 mph winds

​Cons:

• vulnerable to wind uplifts

• more expensive damage can occur if one shingle is damaged, missed, or moved

            2.   Architectural Shingles (laminated shingles) are designed to imitate the appearance of cedar shakes or natural slate tiles.  Due to their thicker and more textured, layered look, they give the roof a more dimensional and visually appealing look.
Pros:

• imitate the look of authentic cedar shakes or natural slate tiles

• more durable than 3-tab shingles

• it can endure 120 up to 130 mph winds

• their dimensional and textured appearance imitates the look of a more expensive roofing material

Cons:

• more expensive to repair than 3-tab shingles

• 50% heavier than 3-tab shingles

Metal Roofing: is a type of roofing material made from metal pieces or tiles. Its durability helps it withstand extreme weather conditions, including heavy rain, snow, hail, high winds, and UV radiation. Moreover, it doesn’t crack or shrink over time ensuring reliable protection for the building’s interior for a long time.

• Lifespan: 40 to 80 years

• Pros: durable, recyclable, fire-resistant, mold and rot-resistant, energy efficient

• Cons: noisy if not soundproofed properly, specialized labor required for installation, distorts over time

Common Variants:
                1.   Aluminum Roofing: because of its lightweight characteristics, it reduces the stress on the building’s structure making it easy and faster to install. It is also highly recyclable reducing its environmental impact.
Pros:

• malleable

• corrosion  resistant

• lightweight

• fire resistant

Cons:

• prone to dents

• less availability and color options

• higher cost

               2.   Copper Roofing: although the initial cost of copper roofing is typically much higher than other metal roofing materials, its aesthetic appeal, durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements increase the value of the property over time.
 Pros:

• attractive

• can last up to a century

• corrosion resistant

• lightweight

Cons:

• expensive

• not readily available

                  3.   Zinc Roofing: Over time zinc roofing will patina thus giving it self-healing properties should it be scratched or damaged making it easy to maintain. Moreover, its durability makes it a suitable roofing material for various climates and environments.
Pros:

• attractive

• corrosion resistant

Cons:

• expensive

• it’s prone to chalking

• not readily available

                  4.   Steel Roofing: it’s possibly one of the most versatile roofing materials, as it comes in various profiles including standing seam panels, shingles, and tiles allowing homeowners to choose what style would best complement their home’s architectural design and personal preference. Its durability also ensures that the building is protected from harsh weather conditions.
Pros:

• it can withstand winds up to 140 mph

• it can withstand impact from falling objects

• resistant to fire and rotting

• low maintenance

Cons:

• prone to corrosion

• heavy

• life span is shorter compared to other metal roofing materials

Wood Shakes/Shingles: timeless and rustic in appearance, wood shakes/ shingles add warmth, charm, and character to one’s home. Its natural aesthetic blends well with natural surroundings and it complements a wide range of architectural designs. It also provides natural insulation reducing heating and cooling costs.

• Lifespan: 25 to 50 years with proper maintenance

• Pros: natural, high curb appeal, energy-efficient

• Cons: high maintenance

Rubber Roofing: also known as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) roofing is resistant to UV radiation. Its high durability and waterproofing capabilities prevent water infiltration and protect the building’s interior from moisture damage.

• Lifespan: 15 to 50 years

• Pros: budget-friendly, energy-efficient, eco-friendly

• Cons: short lifespan, can develop mold spots

Concrete Tiles: offer excellent durability and resistance to UV radiation, making them ideal for regions with strong sunlight exposure. Additionally, concrete tiles are heavy, providing good insulation, helping regulate indoor temperatures, and reducing energy costs in warm climates.

• Lifespan: over 100 years

• Pros: durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant

• Cons: heavy, may crack or become damaged when frequently exposed to heavy snowfall where freezing and thawing cycles happen

Slate Roofing: is a premium roofing option known for its elegance that adds prestige, character, and curb appeal to any building. Its durability and longevity make it most suitable for regions with a wide range of climates because of its exceptional resistance to extreme weather conditions

• Lifespan: 60 to 150 years depending on the type of slate and the quality of maintenance and installation

• Pros: suitable for all climates, durable, low-maintenance, fire-resistant

• Cons: expensive, heavy, specialized installation required

Composite Shingles: also known as synthetic shingles imitate the appearance of slate or wood shake making it an affordable option for homeowners who want to add aesthetic appeal to their abode. Their lightweight characteristic also makes installation easy, reducing labor costs and installation time.

• Lifespan: 20 to 30 years depending on the quality of material

• Pros: long-lasting, durable, eco-friendly

• Cons: expensive, relatively new to the market, limited life span

Clay Tiles: renowned for their durability and longevity, they are one of the most long-lasting roofing materials available. They are also fire, insect, and rot-resistant. Moreover, their high resistance to moisture absorption helps in preventing water infiltration and moisture-related issues like rot, mildew, and mold.

• Lifespan: over 100 years

• Pros: high curb appeal, energy-efficient, salt-tolerant

• Cons: not suited for harsh winters, expensive, heavy, limited color option

Solar Shingles: also known as photovoltaic (PV) shingles are a cutting-edge roofing solution that harnesses solar energy. They offer the added benefit of generating electricity, which can offset energy costs over time.

• Lifespan: 20 to 30 years, similar to that of traditional asphalt shingles.

• Pros: renewable energy source, weather-resistant

• Cons: expensive, heavy, specialized installation required, performance variability

When it comes to insurance claims for roof damage, trust Claim Supplement Pro to help you handle the complexities of claim estimates and management of the supplement process. Our team of experts specializes in assisting roofers and general contractors with insurance claims, ensuring your customers are rightly made whole again after storm damage.
Contact Claim Supplement Pro today – your partner in navigating insurance claims with confidence.