Roofing Materials:
A Look at the Options for Pitched Roofs

Of all the common materials used in construction, none poses quite the challenges of roofing—particularly from an environmental standpoint. Roofs provide one of the most fundamental functions of a building: shelter from the elements. Roofs must endure drastic temperature swings, long-term exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, high winds, and extreme precipitation. Yet much of the roofing industry is driven by highly competitive economics and thin profit margins that conflict with these performance and durability requirements. As a result, roofs commonly exhibit the lowest durability of any major building component except carpeting, requiring and frequent replacement. The National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) estimates that 78% of the dollars spent on roofing in the U.S. are for reroofing, as opposed to roofs on new buildings.

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