About This Quiz
A roof is an essential part of a house, but roof maintenance can be a hassle. Different roofing materials have different life spans, and each comes with its advantages and disadvantages. Take this quiz to see how much you know roofing materials.People are choosing metal roofs for their longevity. However, if needed, repairs can be more difficult on a metal roof than on a roof with traditional roofing material.
Generally, a construction professional is required to install a metal roof.
Aluminum and steel are the most common metals uses for metal roofing. Copper is available but costs a lot.
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It 's true that metal roofing is better for the environment and is fire-resistant, but it's the reflective nature of metal roofing that cuts cooling costs in the summer.
Copper or aluminum roofs can last more than 75 years, compared to traditional shingle roofs that last between 12 and 17 years.
Steel is usually coated with zinc, a sealant and a heavy-duty pain to protect it from the elements. Steel is the most commonly used roofing material.
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Stainless steel is made with anticorrosive properties so it won't rust. However, this benefit also makes it more expensive. Stainless steel can be coated for a more natural look if you don't like the look of steel.
The concern is that this finite, natural resource will eventually run out. Aluminum is the most popular residential roofing material since it's lightweight and doesn't rust.
Copper's shiny, reddish-gold color will eventually oxidize and turn a green color.
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Alloys provide flexibility of choice, since you can choose the metals you want to use in your alloy depending on you roofing needs. The cost will be determined based on the metals used.
Underlayments act as a weather barrier between the roofing material and the roof. There are now many options for roofing underlayments, including rubberized asphalt, organic fiberglass or synthetic materials.
Some roofing underlayments have a nonskid surface that protects roof installers from slipping off the roof.
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These days, underlayments can withstand exposure to the elements for up to six months.
After Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, synthetic underlayments were used as a temporary roofing solution due to their ability to last exposed for six months. They held up better than the tarps that were previously used and have now become much more popular.
A chimney should at least be level with the highest point of the roof. If not, wind can blow over the roof and down the chimney, pushing smoke back inside. It's usually recommended that chimneys are about four feet tall.
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