| A roof offers protection from the rain, snow and | | | | also have the highest fire rating, Class A, which is |
| sun. It keeps the heat in during the winter and out | | | | required by most building codes. |
| during the summer. Approximately 10 percent of | | | | There are other roof tiles materials that have the |
| the cost of construction goes into the roof of a | | | | highest fire rating. Metal roofing materials, |
| typical home. Roof tiles materials are available in | | | | especially a standing seam metal roof, are |
| many price ranges. Slate roofing is the most | | | | excellent in areas subject to high fire danger. Steel |
| expensive, but it lasts the longest. Slate roofs can | | | | shingles may last 50 years with proper insulation |
| be seen on the famous Biltmore House in North | | | | and an appropriate underlayment or moisture |
| Carolina and on Buckingham Palace in England. | | | | barrier. Steel roofing that is coated with zinc and |
| Slate is environmentally friendly, because it is a | | | | aluminum alloy may have 3 to 4 times the life of |
| natural product. Asphalt roofing shingles are made | | | | galvanized steel. Aluminum is an extremely |
| from a petroleum by-product and make up over | | | | lightweight metal for roofing but it must be |
| 80 percent of all roofing sold. They are | | | | painted or zinc coated. Copper may be the most |
| inexpensive and come in a wide variety of colors. | | | | expensive material, but it will not rust and has an |
| A reflective asphalt shingle has been developed | | | | estimated 200 to 300 year lifespan. It ages |
| that is designed to reduce cooling costs by | | | | beautifully to a natural blue green patina. The |
| reflecting infrared light. | | | | historic Christ Church in Philadelphia has a copper |
| Concrete roof tiles are another economical roof | | | | roof, and it dates back to before the |
| tiles materials. Concrete tiles or lightweight | | | | Revolutionary War. Also, the Statue of Liberty is |
| concrete shakes are often recommended in | | | | made of copper and has been standing in New |
| windy areas. They can sustain winds over 125 | | | | York Harbor since 1886. |
| miles per hour that would strip off other materials. | | | | There are almost endless choices when shopping |
| They typically last for the lifetime of the home, | | | | for roof tiles materials. A simple flat roof repair |
| which is often in excess of 100 years. Concrete is | | | | may be inexpensive and easy for the homeowner |
| environmentally friendly because it is made from | | | | to do himself. A complete roof replacement |
| abundant natural materials and does not use | | | | estimate will involve hiring a reputable contractor |
| chemicals in the production process. It can be | | | | and perhaps a specialty roofing contractor. Still, |
| designed to look like clay, wood or slate, and the | | | | there is always an affordable choice for the |
| surface can be textured or smooth. Concrete tiles | | | | homeowner. |