A house can be topped with a variety of roofing materials,

each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Location is a primary concern when selecting materials, for example a sturdier material is used in areas prone to hurricanes or heavy snow fall. In the medical world a popular phrase is “doctor heal thyself,” but for homeowners it's “owner know thy roof.”

Fiberglass asphalt shingles have a base of glass fibers covered with ceramic coated mineral granules . This inorganic shingle is highly fire resistant and has a longer expected life than other shingles. This shingle resists water and cracking. It also tends to resist high winds, as tested by the Underwriters Laboratories. Sounds like a winner!

Architectural shingle is an inorganic, three dimensional shingle. It is made of multiple layers which gives it a depth and thus an appearance closer to wood or slate roofing. Disadvantages are weight and cost, both more than other shingles.

Roll roofing is less expensive than shingles. It can be used on roofs with shallow grades, or in addition to shingles on steeper roofs. This is used most often on industrial buildings. It consists of a heavy felt base, saturated with asphalt, covered by a smooth or mineral surface. Easy to install, this type of material will last between 10 and 20 years.

Steel panels used in place of shingles, metal roofing, are also popular. The best steel panels are made with zinc. Like roll roofing this is more common on industrial buildings. It is durable, withstands fire, and lasts a long time.

The earliest shingles were made of wood, and wood shingles are still used in modern construction. Cedar is the most common wood used for these shingles, but many consist of a variety of woods. Wood shingles are amongst the most difficult to install. Wood burns. A fire-retardant coating reduces the flammability, but cannot eliminate it.

A roof has other elements in addition to the shingles. These are not shingles or tiles or total roof coverings, but nevertheless are elements of a roof. Flashing consists of roofing material or sheet metal strips used to cover joints, to make the joints waterproof. A special type of flashing is a “boot,” made to fit around a vent pipe. The boot is sometimes plastic. A Drip Edge is an “L” shaped, weather-resistant material placed at exposed roof edges to help protect wood portions of the roof by shedding water. Felt paper, or building paper, is a sheet with a tough, fibrous base saturated with asphalt installed under shingles. Felt paper also contributes to protecting the wood portions of the roof, particularly the frame.

The Internet is full of information on these roofing materials, installation and contractors, maintenance, and a lot more about roofs. Ignore this information and you could be all wet.