For as long as people have been living in shelters that they made themselves, there have been roofs. In that long history, roofing materials and techniques have evolved, creating an interesting story about the evolution of it all.

Fun and Interesting Facts about Roofing

Even if you don’t think home construction and maintenance aren’t especially interesting topics, they are definitely important ones. Learning about roofing can help you make better choices for your house, from the roofing contractor you hire to the types of materials you choose!

Scottsdale, Arizona

Here are a few facts about roofing that you may find fun and interesting — or at least worth knowing:

Thatch, clay, and stone are among the world’s oldest roofing materials. Clay tiles were used as early as 10,000 BC, and thatch was used as early as between 5,000 and 1,800 BC.

Some clay roofs have lasted more than 1,000 years. While today’s clay roofs may not last that long, they can certainly last a lifetime or more if you give them the right care.

Thatched roofs may not seem like they offer much protection because they are made of reed or other grass-like materials. However, thatched roofs can actually repel water, sleet, and snow thanks to the tight weaving of the strands.

Asphalt shingles are the most popular type of roofing material. They were only invented a little over 100 years ago, but they have quickly taken the top spot thanks to their ease of installation, affordable cost, and relative durability.

Green roofing materials actually last longer than asphalt. Some green roofing materials include recycled steel, wood shake, solar panels, and even living roofs. Plus, these materials have the added benefit of being environmentally friendly, while asphalt shingles use up important natural resources like petroleum.

Living green roofs won’t leak if they are installed properly. This may seem counter-intuitive for what is essentially a giant garden growing on your roof. However, these roofs are installed with a water barrier that protects your home. The plants and soil also protect your roof from the sun, helping to keep down your energy costs. This is an especially great benefit in Scottsdale, where the temperatures are blazing for much of the year.

Coated steel roofing has a high amount of recycled material. In fact, it can contain up to 65 percent recycled material, which makes it a great choice for those who are trying to make more environmentally friendly building choices.

You’ll pay more for your homeowner’s insurance if you choose wood shake for your roofing. That’s because the wood is a fire hazard — especially in hot climates like in Scottsdale. Some companies won’t insure homes with wood roofing at all.

Concrete tile can be designed to look like wood, but it is not a fire hazard. It presents a great option for those who like the traditional look of wood but who can’t have a wood roof, either because the fire risk is too great because of the climate or because they can’t afford the higher homeowner’s insurance premiums.

Metal roofing is lighter than wood. You might think that metal would be heavier because it is so much stronger and more rigid, but the metal used for roofing is actually quite light weight. Of course, it is also fire-resistant, unlike wood.

You will have to hire a structural engineer if you want to make the switch from shingle to tile roofing in Phoenix. That’s because tile weighs a lot more than shingle, whether you are considering the standard clay tile or more high-end (and heavier) slate. The engineer will evaluate your home to determine if the roof decking can handle the weight of the tile. If it can’t, you will have to pay a roofing contractor to reinforce the decking with joists and other material. Otherwise, the tile can cause cracks or even holes in your roof.

You don’t always have to remove your old roof to install a new one. In many cases, your roofing contractor can lay new roofing materials right over the old materials. It really just depends on the type of materials being used and their condition. However, if the old materials do not have to be removed, you will save a lot of money on labor.

Water travels before it leaks. If you see water damage on your ceiling or in your walls, you’ll want to check out sources above that point. In fact, the source of the leak can be as far as 20 feet away. You’ll need to get into your attic with a flashlight to look around for signs of water traveling, or you’ll need to get on top of your roof to check for signs of loose roofing materials. Hiring a Scottsdale roofing contractor is the best choice since climbing around on your roof isn’t all that safe as a novice.

A combination of red and white cedar shingles are considered to be a classic roofing choice for the Pacific Northwest. However, wood shake is always a classic choice wherever you live — as far as appearance is concerned anyway.

The right Scottsdale roofing contractor can help you understand all your roofing options so that you make the right choice for your home or business. Allstate Roofing has been serving residential and commercial customers in Mesa and surrounding communities and building beautiful, quality roofs for years. We are a family owned and operated business, and we make customer satisfaction and loyalty our top priority.

We can install all types of roofing, from popular asphalt shingles to more luxurious slate tile. We also install commercial roofing systems, such as foam roofing in the greater Phoenix area. We serve clients with routine roof maintenance and repair, and we are available for emergency repairs, such as during the Arizona monsoon season. Call us today and learn why we have a reputation as one of the best roofing contractors in the state. You’ll love our commitment to service and the highest quality of workmanship and roofing materials.

Published By:

Chad Thomas

Allstate Roofing Inc. – Phoenix Location
2955 W Clarendon Ave
Phoenix, Arizona 85017

Office: 602-484-7663
Email: kathy@allstateroofingaz.com
Website: https://www.allstateroofingaz.com/phoenix

Office Hours:

Monday – Friday: 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
With 24 Hour Emergency Service

Allstate Roofing – Peoria Location
30521 N 126th Dr
Peoria, Arizona 85383

Office: 602-620-2755
Email: kathy@allstateroofingaz.com
Website: https://www.allstateroofingaz.com/peoria

Office Hours:

Mon – Fri: 7:00 am – 4:30 pm
Sat: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
With 24 Hour Emergency Service

Office: 602-620-2755
Email: kathy@allstateroofingaz.com
Website: https://www.allstateroofingaz.com/peoria