Roofing Materials

Wood shingles and some wood shake roofs require open sheathing--1 by 6 boards that are spaced apart. The spaces allow air to circulate around shingles to prevent moisture buildup underneath the wood.

Wood shakes, with deeply grooved textures that allow air circulation may be applied over solid sheathing with interlays of 30-pound roofing felt.

Tile and slate roofing is very heavy, some-times requiring structural reinforcement. Most tile roofs go over solid sheathing and a 30-pound or heavier roofing felt. They're often hooked onto battens-strips of wood that run horizontally across the roof.

Built-up roof is made from fiberglass-based asphalt sheeting, applied in layers with mopped-on hot bitumen between each. The surface is coated with bitumen and a layer of gravel or crushed rock to minimize damage from the sun and from abrasion. Newer flat roofs may have coverings of single-ply bitumen or rubber-like materials.

MORE ABOUT:
/ Asphalt shingles / / Roof construction / / Roof surfaces /
/ Thatched roofs / / Flashing / / Gutters & drainage /

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