A Quick Study of the Different
Types
Of Roofing Systems

Let us take a few moments to discuss
the various types of roofs and their aspects. Start with the type of roof
you have now.
Do you wish to make a change
in the type of roof you have?
For accuracy in color selection and
color matching, it is recommended that you see actual product samples.
BSW will be happy to help in the color selection for your roof project.
Many samples can be handled and viewed in our showroom.
Fire Rating System
Any number of sources, including chimney
sparks, a brush fire or airborne brands ejected from a nearby building,
can ignite a roof covered with a flammable material. Fire resistance, therefore,
is an important safety consideration and the reason why many local building
codes as well as the Federal Housing Administration require that roofing
materials conform to certain standards in this respect.
The most widely accepted standards for fire resistance in building materials
are those of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. This non-profit organization
founded in 1894 devotes to testing and to establishing of fire safety standards.
The 3 tests that determine roofing materials resistance to: 1.) to intermittent
flame, 2.) Flame spread and 3.) ignition from burning brands.
To earn the appropriate UL Class A, Class B, or Class C, rating
the roof material must not, at any time during or after each of the tests:
- Blow or fall off the deck as flaming or glowing brands.
- Break, slide, crack or warp to expose the roof deck.
- Allow the roof deck to fall away as glowing particles.
- Allow sustained flaming of the underside of the roof deck.
Class "A":
The highest fire-resistance rating for roofing as per ASTM E-108. Indicates
roofing is able to withstand severe exposure
to fire originating from sources outside the
building.
Class "B":
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand
moderate exposure to fire
originating from sources outside the building.
Class "C":
Fire-resistance rating that indicates roofing materials are able to withstand
light exposure to fire
originating from sources outside the building.
Wind Resistance test
Underwriters Labortories
also tests asphalt roofing shingles for performance in high winds. In this
test shingles are applied to a roof deck according to the manufacturer's
specifications, sealed under controlled conditions and subjected to a 63-mile-per-hour
wind for two (2) hours. To be eligible for a UL wind-resistant rating,
not a single tab must lift during the entire two hours.
Shakes
As of 1994 the State Fire Marshall
of California has declared all shakes installed must carry a Class 'C'
fire rating or better.
Shingles, Composition
Celotex Fiber
Glass Asphalt Shingles
If you are looking for durability,
value and good looks consider Celotex shingles equipped with a 20 year
limited warranty and UL Class 'A' Fire and Wind Resistant strips to bond
shingle to shingle. Suited for a wide range of uses, from single-family
homes to commercial and institutional buildings.
Available in a variety of
decorator colors: Polar White, Bark Brown, Desert Wood, Shadow Black, Mist
Green, Weathered Gray, Golden Brown, Wood Tone, Heritage Gray to just mention
a few choices.
Also Presidential Shake, Dimensional
25/30/40 year.
GS “Gen-Star” High
Sierra, Heavy Weight Laminated Shingles
Available Colors: Cypresswood,
Driftwood (Pacific), Ebonywood, Oakwood. If you like the look of wood,
you’ll love the rich, textured surface of High Sierra. Assuring may years
of lasting beauty and surface protection, High Sierra carries a 40 years
limited warranty.
Made in America.
Pabco Roofing Products,
Durable Fiberglass Shingles
Available Colors: Bark Brown
20/25, Black 20/25, Bronzed Brown 25, Cinnamon Frost 25, Evergreen 25,
Grey Frost 20/25, Maple Red 25, Mint Frost 25, Slatestone 20/25, Star White
20/25, Tan Shadow 20, Timber Blend 20/25,
(Note: “20/25” equals Twenty
and Twenty-five year shingle warranty.) Features shingles of a durable,
fire-resistant fiberglass mat base for dimensional stability; weatherproof
asphalt coating and embedded ceramic-coated granules that resist weathering.
Self-sealing strip, activated by the sun’s heat, provides additional wind
protection. Type 1 and are UL wind resistant and Class ‘A’ fire rated.
Tile
American Cemwood Corporation,
Fiber Cement Roofing Squares
Styles: Cemwood Shake, color
Umber
Pacific Slate, color Green
PERMATEK II, color Tanflash
Frieste Tile, color Terracotta
Eagle & Eaglelite Roofing Products
“American made”
Style: Malibu
Colors: Arrowhead Grey, Terracotta
Gold, Catalina, Flintridge, Granada, Montrose, Walnut Brown, Valencia,
Sonora Vista.
Style: Capistrano
Colors: Terra-cotta Gold,
Granada, Valencia, El Rancho Red, Sunrise Blend, Alhambra.
Style: Ponderosa
Colors: Oakwood, Arcadia,
Charcoal, New Cedar, Redwood, Weathered Red.
Style: Double Eagle Bel Air
Colors: Flintridge, Corona
Red, Sunrise Blend, Arroyo Tan, Garnet Brown, Slate Blend, Glacier Blue,
Slate Green (Flashed or No Flash)
Style: Double Eagle Ponderosa
with the Shake Blend &
Charcoal Blend
LIFETILE Fire-Safe
concrete roof tile
Styles: Country Slate series,
is a smooth surfaced tile with randomly cut, textured butts.
And Country Shingle series,
characterized by its rough, brushed surface texture. Designed to the appearance
of rustic wood shingles, with bevelled edges.
Colors: Sherwood Green, Ascot
Red, Astor Blue, Cedar Tan, Chestnut Brown, Cordovan Brown, Taupe, Alabaster
Grey, Highland Gray, Tudor Gray, also available in three factory-blends,
Straford Blend, Coventry Blend, Yorkshire Blend.
Cal-Shake Fire
Proof (light weight cement and fiber based shakes)
Style: Regal with 1 color
Weathered Cedar.
Style: Classic 4 colors: Charcoal
Grey, Natural Cedar, Golden Cedar, and Aged Cedar.
Style: Cal-Slate in 4 colors:
Canterbury Wine, Nottingham Green, Windsor Grey, and Dover Sand.
All three products are made
using inorganic blend of natural ingredients, they contain no wood or asbestos.
Made in California.
Class ‘A’ Fire rated.
Clay Tile
UStile Authentic
Clay Roofing Tile
Contemporary (one piece profile)
& Traditional styles (two-piece profile). From solid colors to variegated
accents and hues of almond and ivory to deep reds and browns. When coupled
with various installation techniques, including random boosting the possibilities
are endless. Class ‘A’ Fire rated.
Built-Up Roofs ..... More
Photos
dibitenUSA roofing
systems
Dibiten modified bitumen membrane
couples the time proven reliability of asphalt using plasticizers for flexibility
and longer life and bonded to a polyester fabric for strength.
Smooth surface or Granular
finish with slate flakes or mineral granular surface. This product has
been used worldwide for more than 22 years. Used for Homes, Patios, Carports,
Garages, Commercial - Factories, Schools, Decks and more.
Rock Surface Roofs
Pabco
manufactures mineral-surfaced roll roofing, asphalt felt paper and other
specialty roofing products.
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A BSW History | Q&A A Place to Start
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Glossary of Roofing Terms | Financing
Here | Do-it-Yourself
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© 1997 bswroofing.com
By: Ross Group Publishing