Page 21 - The Homeowner's Handbook 2017

Exteriors / Roofing / Structure / Insulation / IAQ / Windows & Doors / Heating & Cooling / Lighting / Appliances / Plumbing / Finishes / Cabinets & Tops / Alternative Energy

CLAY/CONCRETE
Almost Forever Clay or Concrete Tile
Clay or concrete roof tiles would appear to have it all: good looks, fire
resistance and extreme durability. Recent innovations also address
issues of stormwater management, and enable cool roof capability.
But the high cost of buying and installing masonry tile roofing has
relegated its use to regional styles and high-end housing. Since 2004,
its share of the residential roofing market has shrunk in the U.S., but
is growing steadily worldwide.
Nonetheless, a quality tile roof that is installed over a heavy-duty
underlayment and screwed to the roof deck (not just mortared)
should last for decades—if not a century or two—before it’s time
to remove them, replace the underlayment and put the tiles back
on. GB

Wood Roofing

Virtues Caveats
■ ■ Durable ■ ■ High cost (materials and
■ ■ Abundant resource and low installation
embodied energy ■ ■ Heavy
■ ■ Natural insulating qualities ■ ■ Some types may be susceptible
■ ■ Class A fire rating to freeze-thaw damage

Virtues Caveats Consider a green roof for capturing
■ ■ Renewable ■ ■ High cost (materials and
■ ■ Some natural rot resistance installation) stormwater and mitigating the
■ ■ High natural insulating value ■ ■ Flammable
■ ■ 100 percent recyclable and ■ ■ Requires chemical treatment “urban heat island” effect.
biodegradable for fire safety and durability

Cost per Year of 100 sq. ft. (Over 35 years)
Roofing Durability
Cedar Wood Shake
Vermont Slate While numbers vary somewhat by brand
GAF TruSlate and installation quality, the chart at left offers
Imported Grade 1 Tile (Clay)
Aluminum Shingles a broad overview of the long-term cost of
LudoSlate (Clay) different roofing types, based on expected
Synthetic Slate (Polymer) lifespan and maintenance. Created by a
Eagle Tile (Concrete)
3-Tab Shingles (Asphalt) roofing reseller, the chart shows only a few
Laminate Shingles (Asphalt) brands, but as a general rule, you get what
Stone-Coated Decra (Steel) you pay for. An early initial investment in
Wakefield Bridge (Steel)
AmeriCana Panels (Steel) metal or high-end laminate shingles pays
back nicely over time.
– Editor

$0 $200 $400 $600 $800 $1,000 $1,200 $1,400 GRAPHIC: WWW.ABSROOF.COM

www.greenbuildermedia.com The Homeowner’s Handbook 2017 GREEN BUILDER 19

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