When builders say a house is "roof-tight" they mean that the structure is built, the roof is installed and the windows and doors have been installed. For the most part the building is shielded from the elements and work can commence inside where water and intense sun cannot harm the materials. And the most important part of this process is the roof because it does the lion's share of the protection for the structure.

Roofs differ depending on where the home is built in the country. In the northeast, slate used to be the popular choice because it was available, whereas cedar grows in abundance in the northwest and many houses still use cedar shakes. For a couple of centuries southwestern homes adopted the exteriors and roofs of colonial Spain, the clay tile roof.

Clay and Cement Tile

Traditionally, roof tiles were made of baked clay but now they are made of a variety of hard materials like ceramic, cement, stone, metal or glass. They come in a variety of types but the most common is the "double-lap." Like the clay roofs of old they protect the home from the sun and elements, keeping the home cooler on hot days.

Unlike asphalt tiles, which are nailed to the roof deck, clay tiles are hung on wooden strips called battens." In many areas the battens are made from preserved softwood to prevent rot of there is a leak. The nails, like common roofing, nails are galvanized for waterproofing but most tiles require only one nail per tile.

In some areas of the world roofs have no other protection than the tile but American roofers use a rain-screen cross strapping system for better protection. Clay is not a good product for areas where there is a freeze-thaw cycle.

Metal Roofing

Traditionally, a metal roof was made from corrugated iron plated with zinc. These were popular in rural and commercial settings but after a few years the zinc wore off and the roof rusted. However, with new techniques in galvanizing these roofs are lasting longer.

Aluminum came into the fold in the 1950's. For years it topped the list of metal roofs but painted steel has made inroads. Most metal products are made in long strips and, in some cases can reach form peak to eave. These strips are joined at the seams and bolted to the roof deck. Aluminum roofing also is available in interlocking shakes which are painted with a durable powder coat. Besides being environmentally-friendly, metal roofing also deflects the heat from the roof.

Copper is still used in architectural situations but is is extremely expensive.

Cedar Shingles, or Shakes

A mainstay for almost three centuries wood shingles are still available for most roofing applications. Cedar is the wood of choice for roofing due to its high concentration of natural oils which prevent rot and mildew. By its very nature cedar weathers into a silver-gray color and needs no more treatment. Like clay and individual, metal; shingles installing cedar shakes is very labor-intensive but can last up to a hundred years.

Asphalt Shingles

Probably the most common shingle in use today is the standard, 3-tabbed asphalt shingle. Made from compressed paper impregnated with asphalt and coated with ground ceramic granules, asphalt can last as long as 30 years. The two most common types are organic and fiberglass. Fiberglass replaced asbestos as the prime material for shingles but they are lighter and prone to wind damage. Organic shingles are heavier and composed of paper products immersed in asphalt and pressed.

By laminating fiberglass shingles a new style called "architectural" shingles was born. These are both durable and give the home a classic look. They also withstand heavy winds, even hurricane-force blows.

Slate

Once common in the northeast slate is now used for high-end homes. It produces and amazing-looking, long-lasting roof. In fact some roofs are over a hundred years old.

Roofs are not only the shingles there other parts like drip edging, ridge vents, ice shield, felt and other materilas to consider. As well, there is flashing to placed int strategic places. So, whatever roof you choose be reminded that this type of work is not for novices and should be installed by a qualified roofing professional. A poorly placed flashing around a window or chimney stack can cause endless grief from a leaky roof and once a leak has started it is difficult to pinpoint the location and stop the water.

There are also safety issues to be considered. Professional roofing installers have scaffolding and personal safety gear on hand to do the job safely.

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