Slate, Wood and Tile Roofs
The most common type of roof shingle for sloped roofing is asphalt shingle roofing because it is inexpensive, offers many colors and options, and requires minimal maintenance. An annual inspection of your roof and roofing components is advised for any type roof, however homeowners will find that little maintenance is required for the asphalt shingle roofing itself. However, there are many other types of roofing that are widely used and which provide excellent wear and appearance characteristics, including slate, wood shingle, wood shake, tile, and cement. Almost all of these, though, require more homeowner attention. This attention should take the form of an annual checkup documented in a roof inspection report, plus a program of preventive maintenance. Armed with a detailed roof inspection report, homeowners can take the necessary actions to reduce the potential for pre-mature wear and extend the life of the roof and roofing components.
While asphalt shingle roofing is the most common type of sloped roofing, there are many other types of roofing that are widely used and which provide excellent wear and appearance characteristics - although most all require more homeowner attention. This attention takes the form of an annual condition check and a program of preventive maintenance. Among the non-asphalt types of roofing are slate, wood shingle, wood shake, tile, and cement roofs. Each has its own distinctive look, economic life and maintenance requirements.
Slate
This type of roofing has been used for roofing purposes for hundreds of years around the world. Most slate roofs have an extended life span with slate from Vermont and Virginia lasting the longest (50+ years) with proper annual care; service life of roofs made with Pennsylvania slate is in the moderate range (35+ years).
All slate roofs should be checked periodically by a professional slater - check credentials before contracting. The major areas of concern in your annual roof check-up are the flashings (the cause of most roof leaks), missing or cracked slates (caused by freezing and thawing as well as by downward pressure from a tree limb or workman's foot), rusted nails and damaged ridge slates.
Corroded nails are particularly detrimental to slate roofs since the slates actually hang on these fasteners. Copper nails are recommended over galvanized nails due to their longer life. Failure to provide an adequate level of preventive maintenance will result in a poor aesthetic appearance and a much reduced economic life span.
WOOD SHINGLES AND SHAKES
About 10% of the residential roofs are covered with wood - either shingles or shakes. Most all wood roofs are made from red cedar. Shingles, which are less expensive than shakes, are sawn to a uniform shape. With care, they have an expected economic life span of 15 to 20 years.
Their more expensive cousins, wood shakes, are thicker, often handsplit, and generally last longer with regular care. Both wood shingles and shakes come in varying grades, depending on the quality and thickness of the product. A fire retardant pretreatment is recommended, and required in some areas, to minimize the chance of fire spread.
Even with the availability of treatments to minimize fire spread, wood roofs present a greater fire concern than most other roofing products. In many areas now, especially where the risk of wildfires is high, restrictions or prohibitions on the use of wood roofing have been implemented. In many cases, future roof replacement will require the use of a non-wood roofing product.
Flashings require more attention on wood roofs since the acid in the wood can corrode metal flashings causing leaks. An annual check of a wood roof is a prudent step. Check for weathered, split or curled shingles or shakes and replace all those that are damaged. Be certain to periodically remove any leaf accumulations and to prevent the build-up of moss or mildew.
In many areas of the country application of a wood preservative is recommended every few years to reduce the drying effects of the sun and/or minimize mold or moss build-up. Maintaining proper attic ventilation will increase the economic life expectancy of any wood roof.
TILE AND CONCRETE
The classic red clay roofing tile has long been the roofing mainstay of quality homes through the southern tier of the United States. Clay tiles are available in many shapes from the traditional half barrel shape to flat shapes resembling wood shingles.
Although unglazed clay tiles are porous and hold dampness, they have a long expected life span of 40+ years, if maintained. In high humidity areas, clay tiles should be pressure cleaned to prevent or minimize darkening caused by mold or mildew. If allowed to go unchecked, this condition will set in the tiles and affect its life and appearance. Many roofers are unfamiliar with clay tile and will recommend replacing rather than repairing. Clay tiles weather well but are prone to breakage like slate.
Concrete roof tiles have become quite popular in the warm climates of the United States. Formulated of cement, sand and water, they are formed in many shapes from flat to curved. While quite durable (average expected economic life span of 25 to 40 years if maintained), concrete tiles are very heavy and require proper roof framing support. Roofers unfamiliar with tile or concrete roofs, or other non- asphalt roofs, often take the approach of recommending replacement when problems occur. Unfortunately this may mislead the homeowner as repairs are often possible.
view your inspection documents/report online
