by Tommy Gambon

Created on: September 19, 2010   Last Updated: September 20, 2010

The best way to choose roofing materials is to consider aesthetics along with your budget. The most common type of roofing material is the asphalt shingle. They have been used for many years and do a perfectly good job of keeping out the rain and snow. Asphalt shingles are available in two basic types, the 3 tab shingle is the old standby, and the most inexpensive way to re-roof your house. Not recommended in high wind areas, like Florida because the tabs have a tendency to break off and fly through the air.

An upgrade from the 3 tab is the architectural shingle, sometimes referred to as dimensional. These are made of multiple layers of fiberglass matting, and resemble cedar shakes in appearance. Architecturals are available in either 30 yr. or 40 yr. shingles. The difference in the two is the weight/thickness of the shingle, 40 yrs. being much heavier, and giving more of a dimensional appearance. Shingles of either type can only be used on roofs having a slope greater than 2 1/2" for every 12". Less than this slope will not allow water to drain away fast enough and could leak in a heavy downpour.

One very popular upgrade to asphalt shingles is metal roofing panels. Metal roofs are typically made of "Galvalume", which is a trade name for zinc coated steel panels. Roof panels are also available in a wide variety of colors to suit everyone's taste. Galvalume material carries a 50 year warranty against rust through, far longer than shingles provide. If you want the ultimate in metal roofing, solid copper panels are available, but carry a hefty premium. A good choice if you live on the beach, copper resists the salt spray much better than steel.

Metal roof panels are made in 2 basic types, "5 V-Crimp", and "Standing Seam". The difference is in the design and attachment of the panels. 5V-Crimp panels have raised ridges (5 of them) that run lengthwise on the panels. The ridges add rigidity and a bit of aesthetic flair to the panels. They are attached to the roof by self-tapping screws with a neoprene washer under the head, usually 16" on center in 3 rows down the panel. The disadvantage of the 5V-Crimp style roof is that the neoprene washers can shrink and dry out over time, causing a leak. There's also the fact that you have a zillion holes in your new roof from all the attaching screws.

A better choice if you're considering a metal roof is the "Standing Seam" roof style.The Standing Seam roof uses either a one foot or two foot wide panel with a 90 degree bend along each edge. On this type of roof the panels are secured to the roof by small metal clips, that hold down the edges. As each panel is laid in place it covers the clip from the previous panel, no holes or screws exposed. A U-shaped metal "Batten" is driven over the panel edges and metal clips to complete the installation. This results in a much cleaner looking installation, than the 5V-Crimp roof. 

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