Which Roof Material Do I Choose?

An Agent inputs the type of roof material for the main dwelling on the Property Review tab in the portal.

Openly's acceptance of roof material varies according to material type and state-specific guidelines. Roof classification may vary due to material type and the process of installation.

If the roof age or material needs to be changed after the policy is bound, see this article for acceptable proof to include with the request.

Architectural

Architectural Shingles - Imitation Cedar Shakes: These shingles are designed to look like cedar wood shakes. They are thick and have random slots on them like natural cedar would have. 

Architectural Shingles - Imitation Slate: These shingles are designed to look like slate without the weight that natural slate shingles possess. 

Architectural Shingles - Asphalt: These shingles are the most common roof material used today. They have better durability and wind resistance, resulting in a longer lifespan.

Asbestos

Asbestos shingles are roof or wall shingles made with asbestos cement board and were very popular in the early 1900s due to their durability, low cost, and fire resistance. They stopped being produced in the late 80s.

Three-Tab

3-tab asphalt shingles are of uniform appearance. They are called 3-tab because each shingle has three notches at the lower edge of the shingle and is usually laid flat on the roof.

Tile

The roofing tiles are generally made from terracotta or slate and hang in parallel rows, overlapping to keep out rainwater.

Slate

This roofing material is made from slate, a type of metamorphic rock that is highly durable. As one of the oldest roofing material types, they don’t decay and are waterproof, fire-resistant, and environmentally friendly.

Composition

Composition shingles usually have a fiberglass reinforcing mat coated with asphalt and mineral fillers to make the mat waterproof. The top surface of the shingle is embedded with a layer of ceramic granules to provide extra strength. 

Foam

Foam roofs are made up of plastic that is insulated with spray. It combines two chemical components, isocyanate and polyol, which are fed through a spray gun, heated, and then pumped to the roofing surface as a liquid. As the chemicals react, they expand and form a strong, rigid material.

 

Rubber

Rubber roofing is a material made up of a combination of recycled tires, slate dust, and sawdust.

Tar

Tar is usually used for flat roofs and is a dark and oily mixture made from coal tar and petroleum, laid in three to five layers of asphalt-based sheets, hot tar, and roofing felt material. It can also be used for roof repair. It can be classified as Modified Bitumen due to the asphalt and rubber material mix.

Gravel

Also known as “built-up roofs,” tar and gravel roofing consists of asphalt and tar paper layers fastened to the roof surface with molten asphalt applications. The layers are laminated and then covered with gravel to hold them down and protect against UV degradation.

Metal

A metal roof is a roofing system made from metal pieces or tiles characterized by high resistance, impermeability, and longevity. It is a component of the building envelope. Zinc, copper, and steel alloys are commonly used.

Polymer

A polymer can provide a rubber-like absorption to impact due to the composition of melted plastic and a tough underlying structure to resist damage. Often, they can be made to look like slate, wood shake, or clay tiles.

Rolled

Roll roofing is a mineral-surfaced material, usually made of asphalt-based components. It can be rolled out to install and reinforced with fiberglass. It’s used for roofing buildings with flat or low-sloped roofs and is often classified as TPO, EPDM, or Modified Bitumen.

T-Lock

T-Lock shingles are made of asphalt and have a T-shaped design that allows them to interlock with each other.

Wood

Wood shingles are thin, tapered pieces of wood primarily used to cover roofs and walls of buildings to protect them from the weather. Historically, shingles were split from straight-grained, knot-free bolts of wood. 

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