When installing a roof, the most important roofing equipment you will use is the different materials that you will lay down. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages and it is important that any building owner who is looking to install a new roof reads up on roofing materials basics and make a decision based on what will work best for their business.

The first step in choosing roofing materials is to decide which type will be the best choice for your needs. Think about these different roofing materials when making your decision:

1. Use asphalt shingles for a cost-effective, easy-to-install roofing system.

2. Think about metal roofing material for a roof that will last as long as the building does.

3. Take advantage of energy-efficient rubber roofing material.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consider roofing materials such as asphalt shingles for a low-cost roofing option

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular and widely-used roofing systems for buildings today. They are economical and easy to install. There are two types of shingles: fiberglass and organic mat. Organic-mat shingles tend to be tougher than their fiberglass counterparts are, but the fiberglass ones are lighter and have a better fire rating. Since both kinds of roofing materials have their positives and negatives, it is important to weigh all of the factors when choosing shingles for your business.

I recommend: BobVila.com has some great information on asphalt shingles such as how to choose them and what to look out for. DreamRoofs.com has a nice list of the advantages of asphalt shingles.

Install a metal roofing system for a long lasting solution

Whether you are looking to replace industrial roofs or residential ones, metal roofing materials are becoming more popular. Metal roofs can be steel, aluminum, copper, stainless steel or alloys and usually last as long as the building does. They also have a great fire rating. On the other hand, a metal roofing system is more expensive than other types of roofing materials, yet experts say when used for commercial roofs, the owner will make the initial investment back just by staying in the building for an extended period.

I recommend: Metal Roofing Alliance is dedicated to everything metal roofing. Click on the different pages for tons of helpful information. This page on the HomeTips website discusses the benefits of metal roofing while the same site talks about some drawbacks.

Keep your ceiling dry all of the time with durable rubber roofing supplies

Rubber roofing materials are sturdy, and energy efficient. Since suppliers of roofing materials often make them out of recycled materials, they are environmentally friendly as well. A rubber roofing system is a great choice for commercial roofs as they require very little maintenance and are perfect for the flat roofs that industrial buildings often have.

I recommend: Check out Ask the Builder, as it gives a lot of useful information about rubber roofing and Roof 101 lays out some rubber roof basics for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Be sure to discuss the warranty options with the company who installed the roof ahead of time. Since some roofing materials last longer than others, it is important to know how much coverage, if any, you have, in case repairs have to be made later on down the road.

If you are a contractor, you need to be able to offer your clients and customers quality roofing materials. Roofing equipment and roofing materials determine how expensive roofing systems ultimately are and how long they last. The right roof is affordable and adds value to a customer’s property.

When selecting the right roofing equipment for your customers, you need to consider the role of the property you are roofing. Warehouses and other industrial and commercial properties need to be primarily functional. Weatherproofing and waterproofing is paramount, making rubber roofing materials a great choice. Many commercial properties have flat roofs. For these, rubber roofing supplies or waterproof sealants prevent leaks. For properties that your customers’ clients do see, evaluate the need for curb appeal. A retail or office space with a sloped roof may require shingles for presentation.

When deciding on a roofing system, be sure to:

1. Choose the right roofing materials for the job.

2. Get high quality shingles to stretch your client's dollar.

3. Purchase the accessories you need to properly install your client's roofing system.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Select the appropriate roofing materials for a commercial job

Liquid asphalt is an attractive and affordable solution for sloped roofs. Metal roofs are appropriate for both commercial and residential customers. Rubber roofing is ideal for commercial clients who need a durable, water tight, weather-resistant roof.

I recommend: Brothers Roofing Supplies, Inc. sells packaged asphalt roofing in bulk. They also carry high quality metal roofing supplies, both residential and commercial, at competitive prices. Metal Roofing Wholesalers specializes in metal roofing and can customize their roofing products to meet your specifications. Their metal roofing products come standard with up to a 50 year warranty. Flat Roof Solutions features rubber roofing in various widths and lengths at affordable prices.

Pick high grade roofing shingles for maximum durability roofing systems

Shingles are the most common type of roofing for residential homes and for many customer-facing businesses. Although not as durable, in the long-run, as other roofing materials, high quality shingles are attractive and can last 20 or more years. Suppliers of roofing materials offer shingles in a variety of materials, from asphalt to synthetic slate.

I recommend: Get a quote from JB Wholesale. With an emphasis on contractor customers, they sell top-of-the-line asphalt and laminate shingles in several colors, most of which come with warranties. Build Direct offers high quality cedar and tile shingles at a fraction of retail. DaVinci Roofscapes features synthetic slate shingles in a number of colors and sizes, with easy delivery for contractors.

Select the proper roofing accessories

In addition to shingles and other top surface roofing materials , you also need additional roofing materials, such as nails, flashing and underlayment. Flashing and underlayment make roofs more waterproof, with flashing generally applied to the ends and intersections of roofing systems. Nails and other fasteners allow you to attach tiles to the subroofing.

I recommend: ToolBarn.com sells galvanized roofing nails, in bulk, at discounted prices. Metal Roofing Source.com features synthetic roofing underlayment, appropriate for all types of roofing. Get a price quote from Nuclead, a distributor of durable lead roof flashing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Customers are increasingly savvy about dealing with contractors, especially since some unscrupulous practices among a few contractors have come to light. Your best option is to be able to speak frankly about a number of roofing options and to have roofing material samples on hand when speaking with customers.

Contractors that install roofing shingles, rubber roofing materials and all other roofing products play an essential role in the U.S. construction industry. Every standing structure requires a solid roof that will survive even the worst weather conditions. Professional roof installers must know how to get the job done quickly and correctly to safeguard the locations for which they are creating an impenetrable top.

The roofing materials education and training that every person in the business receives should always be an ongoing process. There will always be newer and better ways to get the job done and only companies that can offer their customers the best work will survive. There is a large amount of competition in the roofing industry, so it is important for you to stay ahead of the game. You can do this by making sure everyone that works for your company can:

1. Remove and replace every type of roofing material;

2. Learn about the newest types of roofing systems;

3. Attend seminars and learn from other industry professionals.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Get training on how to install any roofing system

The first and most important step is to learn how to correctly remove all older roofing materials and install new ones. There is no room for error, because a poorly finished roof can easily become damaged and lead to the destruction of property inside the building. It's also a good idea to keep up with the latest instructional videos to find out about new materials such as rubber roofing supplies, advanced methods of installing roofing materials and more.

I recommend: Get hands on training from Firestone Building Products or Gerard Roofing Technologies. Watch installation videos available from Mclean Roofing.

Get educated about the dangers of roofing

The roofing industry can be very hazardous. Older structures sometimes contain unhealthy materials such as asbestos and your employees will need to know what to do if they come into contact with toxic substances. Improperly dealing with these materials will be dangerous for the workers and the people who spend time near the building. There are also many other dangers associated with the roofing industry and it is essential to be well prepared for every job.

I recommend: Learn about older roofing products that contain asbestos from the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Read about safety standards from the Washington State Dept. of Labor and Industries.

Read news articles to keep up on roofing equipment and strategies

Knowledge is power, and the best way to stay aware of the latest news about the roofing industry is to read articles online. Bookmark your favorite sites and stay updated on the most current details as soon as they are available.

I recommend: Read articles about roofing from BuildDirect. Explore different roofing materials at Roof Helper.

Keep updated on the world of roofing and roofing accessories by attending seminars

Seminars are a great way to continue your roofing materials education and training by meeting other people in your profession and learning about the newest industry techniques, products and trends. You can make contacts with new suppliers of roofing materials, hear what the competition is doing and get a sneak peak at upcoming roofing improvements.

I recommend: Attend seminars from Berridge Roof Installation Training Seminars or South Carolina Specialty Roofing.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure everyone on your staff is trained on the proper installation of commercial roofs, industrial roofs and residential roofs so your company never has to turn down a job.
• •  Have at least one employee go through training courses to become certified at asbestos removal so your company can clear away hazardous roofing materials on older structures.
• •  Can't afford to send your entire staff to a roofing seminar? Just send one trusted associate and have him/her share what is learned with everyone else.

A building's roof is an incredibly important part of the structure and the materials you use can have a bit effect on the roof's effectiveness. For example, waterproofing and winterizing would be an important aspect for homes build in the Northeast, where they get a lot of snow, but not so essential for homes located in the Southwest, where the climate is warm and dry. Learn some of the most vital words that are associated with roofing materials.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of roofing materials. Made of asphalt, they are inexpensive, easy to use and come in a range of styles.

I recommend: Look to Bob Vila to learn more about asphalt shingles, including how to choose them and what to watch out for.

Metal roofing

Roofs made of metal, called metal roofing, are stronger than asphalt roofs. In the past, people were hesitant to use metal roofing because it lacked aesthetic appeal. However, these days, metal roofing is made to look much like the more traditional asphalt shingles.

I recommend: See some pictures of metal roofing styles from the Metal Roofing Alliance.

Rubber roofing

Rubber roofing is an environmentally friendly roofing material, typically made from used tires. It is low maintenance and durable. You can purchase rubber roofing in a number of styles to suit your home or office building.

I recommend: See some pictures of rubber roofing from RuBBur Concepts, along with some of the reasons to choose rubber.

Waterproofing and winterizing

Depending on the weather conditions in your area, you may need to waterproof or winterize your roof. All areas need waterproof roofs, which prevents water from coming inside the house. However, areas with a long rainy season should take extra precautions. A roof that has been winterized will keep the building warm.

I recommend: Learn more about waterproofing and winterizing a roof from DoItYourself.com.

Roof underlayment

The roof underlayment is an added layer of protection located directly underneath the visible roof. This acts as a weather barrier, preventing leaking and regulating the temperature inside.

I recommend: ToolBase Services describes synthetic roof underlayment.

Pitch

The pitch is the angle at which the roof slopes. This is important to know when selecting roofing materials because it can effect the amount of materials that you purchase.

I recommend: Learn how to calculate the pitch of a roof through RoofGenius.