subject: The 3 Most Common Roofing Materials In Maryland [print this page] The 3 Most Common Roofing Materials In Maryland
From the East Shore to downtown Baltimore, from the Great Valley to the Virginia state line, from the Bluerne Ridge Mountains to the Appalachian plateau, Maryland has a diverse geography and varying weather patterns across the state. When it comes to the most common roofing materials used here, climate and function play a major part in the choice.
The rainy, coastal weather patterns of the Delmarva Peninsula require a material that is resistant to rain, hail and wind. Functional roofing is more important that decorative roofing on the shore. In the wealthy Southern Maryland region, an ornamental roofing material is favored for those homes with ornate styling and artistic design.
Tradition and appearance are more important here. Buildings in Baltimore's inner city, as well as in the more mountainous areas, need a versatile roofing material that can withstand the extremes in temperature and regular snowfall. While there are numerous materials in use currently, here are the three roofing materials used most often in Maryland.
Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roofing material state-wide. In addition to fitting into any house style, they have numerous advantages when compared to other materials. Their low cost is perhaps the most attractive feature. Asphalt shingles can be purchased that look like slate shingles, strip shingles or even cedar shakes.
They're available in many colors, making them adaptable to any color scheme. Asphalt shingles are lightweight, durable and easy to apply. They're fire-resistant, easy to maintain and can be repaired quickly in an emergency. They also provide thermal insulation for the home. Asphalt shingles have a life expectancy of fifteen to thirty years, depending on the weather patterns.
Ornate, stately residential buildings and commercial properties frequently have metal roofing made of aluminum, tin, steel or copper. Metal shingles offer beauty and function. They last fifty to sixty years--more than double the lifespan of asphalt shingles. They come in many colors and styles, just like asphalt. A metal roof can be installed over an existing roof, which is unique. A metal roof is lightweight, very durable and can withstand high winds, hail and thunderstorms.
Because they reflect sunlight, metal shingles don't absorb heat as readily as other types of roofing materials, which is another reason metal roofing is popular in southern Maryland and the inner city. The nature of metal makes it adaptable to many building types and shapes as well. Metal shingles can range from expensive to very expensive, depending on the material. Installation is more difficult than asphalt shingles.
Slate roofs are a popular choice promoted by Maryland roofing contractors. The natural, organic beauty is easily recognized. Slate has a look all its own. It's stately, classy and beautiful. It is the preferred material for historic buildings. World-class architects favor slate for its sheer magnificence.
While expensive to install, slate has the longest life-span of the three materials and is actually inexpensive if the longevity is factored into the equation. It is fire-proof and wind-resistant. Slate is common throughout Southern Maryland and can be seen in the older subdivisions of Baltimore. Slate requires a specialized installation and is very fragile. It's heavy and requires a high level of maintenance.
The type of environment, as well as the nature of the building, will have an effect on the roofing material used. On occasion, function triumphs over style. Other times the aesthetic is more important than the practical. In either case, asphalt, metal and slate are the most commonly used roofing materials in Maryland because they adapt well to either imperative.
