Long ago, metal roof types were commonly made of tin or copper, but today the advancement of new technologies offers highly durable metal roof types in steel or aluminum. You have options in metal roofs that are made to look like wood, stone, or clay.
For many years, when someone said they had a metal roof, it would mean they had corrugated panels which were common on barns or sheds. Today, you can get this roof type to fit any architectural style whether it’s Spanish, Colonial, or Victorian, or any other style home.
With all the changes in the world, the old tin roof has had its own history of evolving into a top of the line metal roofing product that can last many years longer than ever before.
History of Wooden Roof Types
The old wooden shingles were the first shingle types in the U.S. They were cut or split from old growth trees which made them last a long time. Today, a wood shingle is cut from new growth and would need to be sealed with a chemical treatment.
You can also find composite materials that look like varieties of wooden roof types. They are much more durable and difficult to tell from real wood.
History of Asphalt Roof Types
Believe it or not, asphalt has been used for thousands of years as a building material. It was used between clay bricks for mortar and as waterpoofing to line canals by the ancient Babylonians.
Long strips of asphalt coated felt with a finished layer of finely crushed stone is called roll roofing and has been around since 1893 in the U.S. By 1920, this roofing type was popular and sold through catalogs. By 1950, the asphalt shingle looked like it does today.
Beginning in the latter part of the 1950s, inorganic based materials began to be use as alternate materials to the organic felt. This provided better fire resistant properties to the shingle. They also help the shingles to weigh less.
Asbestos was used at one time during this stage on shingle mats until it was discontinued due to the discovery of its connection with health risks. Since the late 1970s improvements were made to asphalt shingles with the introduction of fiber-glass matting.
Asphalt shingles made with organic felt are made of cellulose fibers that are taken from recycled waste paper or wood. The cellulose fibers consist of water-based pulp that is broken down. They are then are formed into sheets, dried, cut into strips, and finally rolled up.
With the base made of fiberglass instead, a thinner and lighter shingle with resistance to fire is created .
Asphalt itself is a very thick hydrocarbon substance that is made from either naturally occurring deposits or is a byproduct of crude oil refining.
Asphalt has to be oxidized by blowing, which is a process of bubbling air through heated asphalt after adding a catalyst. This causes a chemical reaction that results in softening of the asphalt to the right temperature which makes them good shingles.
Ceramic-coated mineral granules are applied to the shingle as a top coat. This gives them UV sun ray protection and makes them fire resistant. It also makes this very common roof type more attractive.
If you are looking for options in roof types or other roofing services, then please call 866-798-3523 or complete our online request form.
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