The roof is an important part of the house. It not only protects you from rain and sun, but also from thieves and robbers. Moreover, a well-constructed roof can increase the beauty of the façade as well as the longevity of the entire structure. More importantly, if you can choose the material well, it can have a profound effect on the interior temperature of the building. Therefore, before you take up any roofing work, know the different types of roofing materials available today. They are mostly as follows:
• Asphalt shingles
• Cedar shingles and shakes
• Metal
• Clay
• Concrete
• Slate
• Living
• Rubber

In the United States, asphalt shingles are the most commonly used roofing material. It is cheap, but if you take good care of the shingles, such a roof can last as long as 30 years. Unfortunately, asphalt shingles have the tendency to build up moss, which in turn can damage the roof and interfere with temperature control. That is why such a roof needs periodic inspection and cleaning. On the other hand, shingles can be easy to install and so they are quite convenient. Of course, in case of cedar, shakes are more popular than shingles. Cedar shakes are eco-friendly, long lasting and beautiful.

Metal roofs can be made out of copper, steel or aluminium sheets as well as shingles. Such roofs are more or less maintenance free. They can last upto fifty years and can endure all kinds of weather condition. Today metal roofs are even given an anti-reflective coating and so a room under it can be as comfortable as any other is. It is no doubt that such roofs will be a little costlier. Concrete and clay roofs too are long lasting and cool. Therefore, they are very suitable for warmer places such as Los Angeles and Florida. However, since the shingles are rather heavy, check the strength of the structure before you install them. The color choice is also limited.

Slate roofs are the most expensive and hence found only in high-end neighborhoods. Apart from being beautiful to look at, slate roofs do not get moss or insects and can even last for 100 years. The most unique roofing system is the living roof or a green roof. A flat roof base is needed for this living roof. Over this, a thin layer of soil is spread and a lawn or shrubs grown. Living roofs are eco-friendly, improve air quality and provide natural insulation to a home. Just ensure the base is constructed properly for water seepage can be a problem with living roofs.

We also have rubberized roof, which keeps the room under it well insulated and so you can save a lot on energy bills. However, these are just fair weather roofs and are not suitable for places with high rain or wind conditions. Another modern roofing material suitable for equitable weather condition is bitumen. Today you have them mixed with fiberglass or polyester materials to make them more effective. Bitumen roofs generally come in layers and have a covering of asphalt or hot tar on top. Such roofing material is quite inexpensive and so widely used.

Always consult roofing contractors and expert before choosing roofing materials. It is important to make sure that the existing structure is strong enough to be able to withhold the weight of the shingles and other roofing materials. The climatic condition too should be suitable for it. In addition, such persons will able to advise you on proper maintenance of the roof. Did you know that build up of moss on the shingles could damage your roof beyond repair?

Indeed, layers of moss that grow on the roof can trap water under it. Over time, this water seeps through the shingles to damage the entire structure. Consequently, unless we have them removed on regular interval, we may have to replace the entire roof much too early. Remember, moss grow in humid places, where there is little sunshine. If your climatic condition is such, you will have to inspect your roof more often.

Look for them especially in places on the shaded area of the roof. Spread a handful of oxygen bleach on the affected area and scrub it with stiff brush. Always go downward while scrubbing; otherwise the shingles may come off loose. Also clear the roof of debris and if there is any overhanging branch, cut it off immediately. They not only provide shade and encourage growth of moss, but cause rainwater to drip even when the rain has stopped.

Article by Joseph Wilkerson of Los Angeles, who is also a specialist in roofing. For more information on roofing contractors Los Angeles, visit his site today.