Over the millennia, people have surfaced their homes with just about anything that would hold the weather out, from animal skins to tree bark. Today's roofing options are the result of eons of invention and experimentation. Some--such as slate and wood shakes--have remained virtually unchanged for centuries. Others, such as asphalt/fiberglass composites, lightweight concrete, and coated-metal tile are products of the technological revolution. Each has slightly different durability, appearance, cost, and ease of application.
Though most contemporary roofs look as though they're made almost entirely of shingles or tiles, roofs are actually waterproofing systems made up of a variety of components that work together. These systems include framing, sheathing, underlayment, flashing, and finish roofing.
Explore these sections for helpful articles about roofing and more:
All Roofing Basics about roof construction, dealing with leaks, and more
Asphalt Roofing Help with buying, installing, and repairing conventional composition roofing
Built-Up Roofing Basics of built-up roofing for flat roofs, including repair
Chimney How a chimney works and what to do to keep it working properly
Gutters & Downspouts How to buy, hang, and maintain various types of gutters and downspouts
Metal Roofing Helpful information about buying, installing, and caring for metal roof products
Tile & Masonry Roofing Roofing tile and masonry buying guides, with step-by-step instructions for installation and repairs
Wood Shingle Roofing Tips for buying, installing, and maintaining wood shingle roofs
Related Search Terms:
house exterior, roofing, rooftop, chimney, downspout, downpipe, gutter
All Roofing
Asphalt Roofing
Built-Up Roofing
Chimney
Gutters & Downspouts
Metal Roofing
Tile & Masonry Roofing
Wood Shingle Roofing