Roof Protection: on Using Clay, Fiberglass or Slate Shingles

Every layer of shingles partially goes on top of the one laid before it. This is to keep water and other elements from leaking into the roof. Where the two sides of shingle meet, a plastic, or more often metal type of cap, is attached.

There are different kinds of shingles, and some are more durable than others. Many people prefer using shingles for their roofs because they are more decorative and they add texture to the appearance of what could otherwise be a plain looking roof.

Shingles made from wood have inherent protection from the oils in the wood’s structure, which in turn is composed of cellulose. As time passes, however, the oil in the wood is softened by sun exposure. The oil washes out, leaving the wood’s surface unprotected. Continuous rains, meanwhile, will gradually erode the shingles, causing it to rot and to expose the nails that keep them pegged to the roof itself. The water then gets into the holes of the nails and cause damage to the walls directly connected to the roof.

Clay, in the meantime, can be formed into different shingle shapes. However, as roofing material, it’s very heavy. Roofers have to make certain that the roof and walls will be able to hold under the weight. The good thing about clay is that it’s very durable and can last up to a hundred years because it doesn’t rot and cannot be damaged by mold. It also has heating and cooling effects depending on the season because it has reflective properties.

Roofing contractors Massachusetts residents trust offer clients asphalt roof shingles if they are on a budget. This kind of shingles is the most inexpensive, but it’s also not as durable as the others. They have to be replaced regularly because they are vulnerable to extreme weather.

Among the more costly materials that are used for shingles are slate and fiberglass. According to roofing contractors Worcester MA provide, roofs made of slate can also last as long as clay roofs. The costs of installing a slate roof may be higher than what some homeowners can afford, but the benefits of using slate shingles are inarguably worth it. Aside from being sturdy, slate shingles are also fireproof and very low maintenance.

Roofing contractors Massachusetts will be able to explain more about the other kinds of shingle materials. For more information, look up ehow.com or selfhelpandmore.com.

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