Way Up on the Roof

When someone asks you to list roof materials, which ones come to mind first? Most people will mention asphalt shingles, metal, wood, and maybe tile. These are all great residential roofing materials, and that is why they're so popular and well-known. However, you should not assume that they are the only roof materials you can choose from. There are a few other options that are a bit more offbeat but still offer their own great benefits. 

1. Rubber

Rubber roofing is used pretty often on commercial buildings, but it is becoming more popular as a residential roofing material, too. The type of rubber most often used is EPDM. This is a black rubber that comes in thin sheets. To apply rubber roofing to your home, a roofing contractor will basically cut it down and glue it to the wooden roof surface.

Rubber roofing has the advantage of being really lightweight. It's also affordable and quick to install. It works well on low-slope roofs as it is less likely to leak than shingle or tile roofing when water sits on it for a bit longer than usual. The downfall of rubber roofing is that it is prone to tears, so it's never a good choice for roofs that sit under trees.

2. Copper Roofing

Most metal roofs are made from either steel or aluminum. But there are copper roofs out there, too. Copper is usually chosen primarily for its looks. When new, it has the shiny look of a new penny. After a few years in the elements, it takes on a nice, green patina, similar to what's seen on the Statue of Liberty. This looks really cool on modern homes with simple architecture. Copper roofs will last virtually forever. However, they are heavy and expensive, so they're not for everyone.

3. Soil and Plants

This one needs a little more explanation. Roofs made from soil and plants are usually called "green roofs." They're basically gardens on a rooftop. The soil substrate itself makes up a good portion of the roof's volume, and the plants form the top layer of the roof. Green roofing is very eco-friendly, and not just because the plants release oxygen into the atmosphere. These roofs are also very insulating, so they keep heating and AC bills down. They are not, however, a very good option in colder climates.

Have your eyes been opened to a few less traditional roofing materials? If you think one of them might be right for you, then talk with residential roofing services and see what they can do.