The roofing industry is one of the most lucrative industries in construction and continues to expand as the demand for new homes and commercial buildings increases. Roofing is generally considered a minor component of a structure because it covers the largest portion of a building. A roof alone is often not constructed, but rather the roofing system is combined with all other elements of the structure to create the complete protective covering.
A roofing system is usually composed of at least six materials – concrete, shingles, slate, wood, tile, asphalt, and concrete – that are used to cover the roof. The roof covers the largest portion of the entire building, which includes the structure, all structures, and materials needed to support it on top of the ground, or over bulges, creating a cap. A roof is often a separate part of the overall building envelope.
In older buildings, the roofing system is made up of flat slabs of wood, clay, or slate. Over time the tiles have worn down and became less durable. The clay tiles have cracked, broke, or are now starting to decay; the wood tiles are starting to rot from the moisture they contain; and the slate and clay tiles are becoming damaged from being exposed to too much heat, the sun, and the rain. To replace these roofing products requires extensive labor and replacement of old, failing materials, therefore the costs can quickly add up.
A roofing alternative is to use rubber, metal, or plastic materials such as asphalt shingles. These materials are durable, cost-efficient, and more environmentally friendly than clay, wood, or slate roofs. They also require little maintenance and do not break, chip, or decay. Rubber roofing is especially useful in hot climates because it provides an excellent barrier against heat gain. It is also available in different thicknesses to accommodate the varying needs of the home or building.
Another option for replacing or repairing a roof that is failing is a system called Lean-To. This system consists of creating a chimney-top cover over the existing roof structure. The water comes up through an exit point on the side of the chimney and runs down the chimney to a flash collar where it is diverted to a lower level before being directed back up to the roof again. The Lean-To system is the most expensive roofing material because it requires professional installation by Roofing and it cannot be used on flat or sloped roofs.
One roofing material that is commonly used in many areas is rubber slate roofing. It is highly durable, has a wide range of applications, and is very resistant to hail, high winds, snow, and salt spray. It is also a fire retardant, so it can be used in hot climates where traditional materials may not be appropriate. Rubber slate roofing has a fire rating of one million hours, which means that over the course of one million hours, the roof will not catch on fire. It can also resist extreme temperature changes, so it can be used in places where traditional materials may bend or melt under extreme temperatures.
If you live in a place where hail is a problem, you might want to consider using high-density polyethylene roofs. These roofs are designed to withstand hail, temperatures of minus seventy degrees Fahrenheit, thunder, and even severe downpours without any damage. They are also water-resistant, so they will not warp or crack when exposed to water for extended periods of time. They do not contract or expand, so they won’t get pinched by the wind, either. And because they are rigid, they make it easier for roofing professionals to install them without worrying about bracing and tilting the structure.
If you live in a place that is frequently wet climates or has heavy snowfall, rubber slate roofing may not be your best option. In heavy snow and heavy heat, however, it is the only practical alternative. You can find all types of synthetic material, but none has the resilience to withstand hail, heat, and extreme weather as slate does.