5 Types of Roofs Considered the Best for Southern California

There is a lot to consider when it comes to selecting the right roofing material for your home. Your roof plays an important role in protecting your home from the natural elements. It also increases the value of your home depending on its insulation quality and appearance.

What all started with just banana leaves and hay stacks to prepare a shelter from the rain and sun has now emerged as an industry with an extensive range of products. Roofers now offer materials and styles like natural slate and wood to man-made products such as asphalts, sheet metal, and plastic polymers.

Here are 5 types of roofing materials that are best for Southern California’s diverse climate:

1. Asphalt Shingles

   Studies show that more than 75% of Americans choose this roofing material because of its low cost, easy installation, and resiliency. These are made of fiberglass mat which is saturated with asphalt and coated with colored mineral granules.

They have low insulation quality and a shorter life span than any other roofing material. Standard shingles are available in a wide variety of colors and are the cheapest option in roofing material.

2. Metal Roofing

   Metal roofing was generally used for warehouse construction in the past, but with advanced technological changes, many people are choosing metal roofing for their residential homes. They are available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel with a high percentage of recycled content.

The look varies from traditional metal roof panels to simulating wood shakes and shingles, slate, or tile. Metal roofing is lightweight, fire resistant and durable. Apart from its longevity, it is much lighter than most materials and resistant to adverse weather.

3. Wood Shingles and Shakes

   Wood shingles and shakes are available in different qualities of wood like cedar, redwood, southern pine. Shingles are made with the help of a machine whereas shakes are handmade and have a rougher look. Since this type of roofing is more aesthetically appealing due to its natural appearance, it’s much more expensive than asphalts.

However, in recent years, its use has been a concern due to its lack of fire resistance and the potential of mold in heavy rainfall.

These shingle and shakes have been categorized under class ‘A’ and ‘B’ according to the character of the specified. Class ‘B’ products have been pressure treated with fire retardants and are readily available.

Before considering a wood roof, please check with your local building departments that there aren’t any restrictions in your community.

4. Clay Tile and Concrete Tile

   Clay tile is made from natural clay which is fired in a kiln whereas concrete tile is made from a mixture of Portland cement and sand. These tiles give comparable benefits to slate but with a greater variety and at a lower cost. Tile is very durable and fire resistant but it’s much more heavy and expensive than other materials like asphalts shingles, fiber cement products, so your roof may require a reinforcement if you are planning to go for tile roofing.

5. Slate Roofing

   Slate is a dense natural material that is non-absorbent. Its color is determined by its chemical and mineral compositions. As we know these factors vary from place to place, slate is available in a variety of colors. These factors also influence the responsiveness of slate towards changing color upon exposure to weather.

Those with minimum change in color are known as ‘’permanent’’ slates while those with the most color changes are known as “weathering” slates.

Re-roofing with slate will require reinforcement of the roof to carry its heavy load. Although it’s non-leaching and lasts for hundreds of years and its natural beauty is unparalleled, it is one of the most expensive of steep slope roofing materials. Its installation is labor intensive and requires considerable skills.

Apart from these roofing options, you can also consider silicon roofing.

Silicone roof coating restoration is one of the most affordable, cost-effective and durable options if you are looking for roof restoration or a new roof coating. Silicone roof coating is made up of 100% silicone which helps to prevent leaks more efficiently than any other roofing material. This roof coating doesn’t require primer and double coating, hence it’ll save your time, material cost as well as labor charges.

If you are looking for a roof restoration or a new roofing system, Applied Roofing Services based in Orange County, CA, is the best place for all your roofing requirements.

Here are some commonly asked questions about the roof types in California:

1. How to Tell When You Need a New Roof?

Leaking roofs with wet ceilings and missing or damaged shingles that warn of potential leaks are signs of urgent roof replacement.

2. What is The Best Roof For High Winds?

Clay tiles, metal roofing, and fiberglass asphalt shingles are all appropriate roofing choices for high-wind areas.

3. What is The Longest-Lasting Roofing Material?

The longest-lasting roof materials are clay, concrete, and slate, lasting for more than 100 years, followed by metal roofing that may last for up to 80 years.

4. Which Roof is Best for a Hot Climate?

Metal, slate, clay, and rubber are four excellent roofing options for a hot climate- with slate being the most expensive and rubber being the cheapest.

5. What is The Most Durable Type of Roof?

Solar glass roofing is the most durable of all roof types. Though considerably expensive, it can last for more than 100 years and is incredibly energy efficient.

6. What Type of Roofing is The Cheapest?

Asphalt roofing is the most affordable, with asphalt shingle prices ranging from $70 to $160 per square feet.

7. What Type of Roof is Best For Hurricanes?

Roofs with multiple slopes, ideally inclined at 30 degrees, are the best to stand against extreme wind pressure. Hence, the 4-sloped hip roof is safer than a gable roof with just two slopes.

8. How Can I Make my Roof Last Longer?

1. 1. • Manually clean the roof with brooms or leaf blowers.
      • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent condensation on the plywood decking and resultant rotting.
      • Regularly clean the gutters to avoid water logs.
      • Cut off heavy tree limbs, if any, that brush against the roofs.
      • Properly insulate attic ceilings with self-adhesive layers to prevent ice dams.
      • Ensure 3-layer protection in hurricane-prone areas –using sealants, ribbing with ring shank nails, and locking down roof edges with metal flashing.

       
      9. What are the longest lasting roof shingles?

      The shingles with lifetime warranties are laminated shingles, which consist of two types: dimensional shingles, with standard architectural patterns, and luxury shingles, which are more appealing and thicker, with more substantial exposure than the dimensional shingles.

      If you are looking for a roof restoration or a new roofing system, Applied Roofing Services based in Orange County, CA, is the best place for all your roofing requirements.

      

      

      About Applied Roofing Services

      Applied Roofing Services is a full service roofing company located in CA. We offer durable and high quality residential and commercial flat roofing. We provide roof installation as well as roof repair services, roof maintenance and inspection services. We specialize in low slope roofs, energy efficient, zero maintenance, and green roofing. We have 20+ years of experience in the roofing industry.

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