Roofing
By far the most common roofing material in the U.S. is asphalt or asphalt-impregnated fiberglass shingles. Fiberglass roofing is rated by the number of years it’s warranted for. Ring’s End carries a wide variety of fiberglass roofing shingles with a 25 year to lifetime guarantee. Additionally, Ring’s End stocks roll roofing systems for low pitch applications and wood roof shingles; we can also order copper roofing to meet your specifications.
Types of Roofing
Architectural Shingles
Now the most popular type of roofing shingle, dimensional shingles – also called architectural laminated shingles – are dual- or multi-layered products. They are heavier and more durable than strip shingles and give a thicker, more visually interesting look to the roofline.
Premium Shingles
Premium shingles differ from dimensional shingles in two ways. First, they have innovative designs and textures, such as those mimicking natural slate or shakes. Second, their technological improvements, such as solar reflectivity and impact resistance, can increase durability and energy efficiency.
Cedar Shingles
In many areas of the country, cedar roofs are very common. They are not only beautiful, but when installed properly, they are extremely wind resistant and have twice the insulating value of standard asphalt shingles. For best performance, cedar roofs should be kept free of moss, fungus, and tree debris; overhanging tree branches should be high enough above the roof to provide good air circulation.
Strip Shingles
The most basic type of residential shingle, strip shingles are single layered and relatively light weight; they give a roof line a very flat appearance. Once the most popular type of shingle, they are now used mainly for economy-priced homes and for replacement shingles.
Panels
Ring’s End carries light-weight fiberglass Sequentia Roof Panels in both translucent green or white and in clear. They make an excellent material for a porch, patio, or a utility building roof. Ring’s End also carries the special nails needed to install these panels.
Types of Roof Prep & Finishing Products
Cedar Breather
Cedar Breather® Wood Roof Underlayment protects the beauty and life of wood roofing by providing a space for continuous airflow between the solid roof deck and shingles or shakes.
Roofing Felt
For decades, felt paper or “tar paper” has been an industry standard for covering wall and roof sheathing before the finish materials go on. Felt paper sheds moisture, and installs easily. Ring’s End stocks rolls of both 15-lb. felt paper as well as 30-lb. felt paper. Most roofing applications specify 30-lb. felt.
Synthetic Roofing Underlayment
Benjamin Obdyke’s new SynShield synthetic roof underlayment is lighter and stronger than standard roofing felt. Its innovative engineering and exceptional durability provide superior protection against water intrusion.
Ice & Water Membrane
Adhesive-backed ice and water membrane by WinterGuard has become an industry standard for waterproofing trouble areas of a roof such as valleys and eaves. Its adhesive allows it to stick to the roof deck as well as to itself, making the surface below the roofing as waterproof as the roofing itself. This membrane is self-healing, meaning that it seals around nails, including the nails used to attach the roofing. Ring’s End stocks this membrane in 200 sq. ft. rolls.
Self-Adhering Roofing Membrane
Flintlastic SA NailBase by CertainTeed is a self-adhering roofing system for low-pitch applications. It permits complete mechanical attachment to nailable substrates, preserving the integrity of the substrate for future tear-offs. It also adds to the moisture- and fire-resistance of the roof system.
Gutters & Flashing
Ring's End has quality aluminum gutter systems and gutter parts: leaders, corners, caps, hangers, ferules, outlets, and elbows. We also stock premium gutter systems by Intex, as well as roll and sheet flashing in aluminum and copper.
Materials
Asphalt
Due to their waterproofing properties and reasonable cost, asphalt shingles remain the most commonly used roofing material for residential construction. Engineering advances have increased asphalt shingles’ wind, heat, and algae resistance so that better quality products can have exceptional durability. Asphalt shingles are available in many shapes, textures and colors.
Cedar
In many areas of the country, cedar roofs are very common. They are not only beautiful, but when installed properly, they are extremely wind resistant and have twice the insulating value of standard asphalt shingles. For best performance, cedar roofs should be kept free of moss, fungus, and tree debris; overhanging tree branches should be high enough above the roof to provide good air circulation. Ring’s End stocks both 18-in. and 24-in. premium cedar shingles in different styles, including hand-split shakes.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass shingles are comparatively new in the building industry. They have the advantage of being significantly lighter in weight than traditional asphalt shingles, and they are manufactured in a wide range of designs and colors. Ring’s End carries a variety of fiberglass roofing shingles.
Copper
Copper roofing is often used over bay or bow windows in order to highlight these architectural features. As copper ages beautifully to a soft green patina, it provides a lifetime of elegant visual variation to a home’s façade. Copper roofing is available in one-piece, ready-to-install units with soldered joints and built-in flashing, drip edges, and nailing flanges.
How To Select Roofing for your Home
Style is certainly a key factor, but materials, cost, and durability are also important. Not all materials are practical for every roofing project: pitch, roof shape, and the strength of the supporting structure may rule out heavier roofing like wood or slate. Similarly, cost is determined not only by the price of materials but also by the complexity of installation and, if you are replacing a roof, the condition of the existing roof. Today’s roofing materials often come with impressive warranties; it’s important to read the warranty carefully, as there are different coverage definitions for factors like wind and sun damage or contractor workmanship. Some warranties are transferable, which can provide an attractive selling feature for prospective buyers.
When Choosing the Color of Asphalt Shingles
1. Consider the Climate:
Light shingles reflect sunlight and can keep the temperature of your home cooler; dark shingles absorb heat and help homes in colder climates stay warmer.
2. Remember the Neighbors:
Picket fences complement Victorian, Cape Cod, and other traditional architectural styles, for instance; horizontal or vertical board fencing suits Ranch and Contemporary homes; post-and-rail or split-rail fences give a more rustic look. Post caps and finials can add extra distinction to your fencing.
3. Coordinate Colors:
In general, use gray or black shingles on a blue, gray, or white house; use brown or tan shingles on a cream, tan, or brown house. Red, yellow, and green houses can use any color shingle depending on the look you want to achieve.
4. Use the Internet:
Some shingle manufacturers include color selection tools on their websites. These can be an easy and fun way to start choosing roof colors that will be right for your home.
