Colonial Installs All Roofing Styles
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most commonly used type of shingle. They're reinforced with fiber glass or paper and range in durability; typically 20 to 30 years.
Asphalt shingles usually have three sections or "tabs" per shingle and an overall length of 3'. Most have dabs of tar or roofing cement on front to hold down the shingle that will lay on top of it.
Laminated Shingles
Laminated shingles have gained a lot of popularity recently. Designed to add character, color and depth to the roof, laminated shingles are made of multiple, staggered layers of material (usually asphalt).
From afar, some types of laminated shingles give the look of an expensive slate or shake roof by incorporating angled or rounded tabs and shadow lines.
Slate
Slate (stone) shingles are highly durable (100+ years); but about 3 times heavier per square foot than asphalt. Slate is a bit more difficult to work with and less forgiving than asphalt shingles because they break easily. However, a slate roof can create a colorful, hand-crafted look that adds to the overall appearance of a house.
Cutting slate to size requires using a special pressure cutter or a pick-like hammer that splits the slate. Slate is easily damaged by walking on it, so you may want to contact a pro for repairs.
Concrete roofing is similar to slate in that it is extremely durable to the elements, but easy to damage during installation or repairs.
Wood Shakes & Shingles
Shakes are typically made of cedar, spruce or treated pine. Hand-split shakes have a rough, textured look on the front and often smooth on the back. Wood shingles are machine sawn smooth on both sides.
Generally, cedar is the highest performing wood for making shakes. But, treated pine shakes also perform well. Shakes are brown or reddish in color when new, but usually fade in the first year to a gray color. To allow for expansion, shakes should be spaced up to 1/4" from their neighbors.
Shakes normally last about 30 years before needing to be replaced and throughout that time individual shakes/shingles may shrink, warp, or splinter.
Metal
You can expect a metal roof to last at least 2 to 3 times longer than a regular roof. In general terms, count on a metal roof lasting 40 to 60 years and beyond. Plus, your new metal roof will add to the resale value of your home, save you money on your energy bills, and give you piece of mind that you'll likely never have to re-roof again.
Tile
Tile roofing is an affordable way to beautify the exterior of your home while simultaneously installing a roof that will keep your home weatherproofed in all sorts of weather. Roof tiles are made of clay or concrete. Clay tiles are quite durable and can last through rough weather; clay tile keeps home protected from wind, hail, and are fire resistant as well. Concrete tile offers similar benefits when compared to clay roof tile. Extremely weather resistant, attractive, affordable, and durable, concrete roof tiles are an ideal finish for any roof and home style.