We All Need a Good Roof Over Our Head
Choosing the right shingle is the key to not only protecting your home, but to build its market value as well. Aesthetics are important and roofing materials must adhere to building requirements, what will work with the pitch of your roof and materials allowed per city code.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the default roof covering, mostly because of price. As the least durable option, they represent the greatest risk of leaking and causing water damage to your home. Asphalt or composition shingles are most commonly constructed from organic material or fiberglass. Available in a wide variety of colours, styles and grades, they are appropriate for moderate- to steep- sloped roofs.
Torch On
Perfect for flat roofs, torch on roofs are popular for their durability and cost. Both the top surface of the base sheet and the bottom face of the cap sheet are heat welded together. The materials are joined together thermally by melting both surfaces with a propane torch, thus the term “Torch On Roofing”. An even thickness of waterproof protection and UV protection is created when heated together creating a perfect material for flat or low sloped roofs where snow and rain water collect.
Metal Roofs
Aluminum, steel, copper and copper-and-asphalt are all durable yet expensive roofing surfaces. Available in many colors and textures, metal roofing is versatile, durable and built to last. With a large range of styles, colors and designs this ecofriendly material (many are made with as much as 60% recycles materials) has minimal maintenance and is fire and rot resistant. A metal roof can enhance the look of many different style homes and are gaining popularity in our climate.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts to homes with metal roofing as it is a great material for protecting your home.
Cedar Shingles/Shakes
It’s hard to beat the appearance of a natural wood roof. Redwood, western red cedar, cypress, spruce and pine are all used to manufacture wood shakes and shingles. Cedar is the most popular wood for shakes. Wood shakes and shingles can be pressure treated with fire retardants and chemical preservatives.
Wood shake roofs fit with the style of many Vancouver area houses. If properly installed and maintained, wood shakes can last 30+ years, although wood shakes can be a challenge to maintain in our damp climate. Wood shingles made from storm damaged trees and older timber harvests naturally resist rot better than more commonly available second growth material.
Rubber Shakes
Made from recycled tires, rubber shakes systems are lightweight and incredibly heavy duty (typically available with a lengthy warranty). Moss resistant, wind resistant, fire resistant and leak proof, rubber shakes are maintenance free and worry free. Unlike cedar roofs, these rubber roofs will not dent, buckle or split when walked on. Scrap material generated during the installation process can be collected and recycled again eliminating environmental waste. They also reduce exterior noise.
Concrete Tiles
Made from cement and sand aggregate, these tiles resemble clay tile. Although they require a large amount of energy to produce, concrete tiles offer a long life expectancy and require minimal maintenance. Available in many colors and textures, concrete tiles are quite heavy and can be dangerous in earthquake prone areas. Structural reinforcement may be required to bear the weight of the tiles.
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