Understanding Roofing Materials for Your Property
When we assess your roofing needs at Cran-Marsh Inc., we consider multiple factors that influence material selection. The climate in New England, including Cape Cod and the Islands presents unique challenges with its seasonal temperature fluctuations, coastal weather patterns, and occasional severe storms. Our five decades of experience have taught us which materials perform best under these specific conditions. We’ve installed thousands of roofs across New England, Cape Cod & The Islands, observing firsthand how different materials age and perform over time.
Material selection directly impacts your roof’s longevity, energy efficiency, and overall property value. As a family owned and operated business, we understand the importance of making informed decisions about your investment. Our team evaluates your building’s structural capacity, architectural style, budget considerations, and long-term maintenance requirements before recommending specific materials. This comprehensive approach ensures you receive a roofing solution that meets both immediate needs and future expectations.
Asphalt Shingle Options and Technologies
Asphalt shingles remain the most popular roofing material in our service area, accounting for approximately 75% of residential installations nationwide. Our GAF Master Elite Certification allows us to offer extended warranties and access to premium product lines that many contractors cannot provide. These shingles have evolved significantly from basic three-tab designs to sophisticated architectural products featuring multiple layers, enhanced wind resistance, and improved aesthetic appeal.
Modern architectural shingles incorporate advanced manufacturing techniques that create dimensional profiles mimicking natural materials like slate or cedar shake. The granule technology has improved dramatically, with ceramic-coated minerals providing superior UV protection and color retention. We install shingles rated for wind speeds up to 130 mph, crucial for properties in exposed locations. The weight typically ranges from 250 to 400 pounds per square, requiring proper structural assessment before installation. Our certification as a Master Shingle Applicator through CertainTeed ensures we implement manufacturer-specified installation methods that maximize warranty coverage and performance.
Metal Roofing Systems and Applications
Metal roofing has gained significant traction in commercial and residential markets, with installation rates increasing by 3% annually over the past decade. We work with standing seam panels, corrugated sheets, and metal tiles, each offering distinct advantages for different applications. Standing seam systems provide superior weather resistance through concealed fasteners and interlocking panels that create continuous barriers against moisture infiltration.
The longevity of metal roofing typically exceeds 50 years with proper maintenance, making it an excellent long-term investment despite higher initial costs. Energy efficiency represents another compelling benefit, as reflective coatings can reduce cooling costs by 10-25% during summer months. We specify gauge thickness based on local building codes and project requirements, typically ranging from 29-gauge for residential applications to 24-gauge for commercial buildings. Our installation process includes proper underlayment selection, thermal movement accommodation, and specialized flashing details that prevent common failure points.
Flat Roofing Materials and Commercial Solutions
Commercial properties often feature low-slope or flat roof designs requiring specialized materials and installation expertise. We install three primary flat roofing systems, each suited to different building types and usage patterns:
- EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) rubber membranes offer excellent weather resistance and flexibility across temperature extremes
- TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) provides superior energy efficiency through white reflective surfaces that meet cool roof standards
- Modified Bitumen systems combine traditional reliability with modern polymer technology for enhanced durability
These materials require precise installation techniques to ensure proper drainage, seam integrity, and flashing details around penetrations. Our commercial roofing experience spans retail centers, office buildings, industrial facilities, and institutional properties throughout New England, Cape Cod & The Islands. We understand the importance of minimizing business disruption during installation and coordinate our work to accommodate operational requirements.
Making Informed Material Decisions
Selecting appropriate roofing materials involves balancing multiple considerations beyond initial cost. We analyze life-cycle expenses including maintenance requirements, energy savings potential, and replacement intervals. Our honest approach means we present realistic expectations about each material’s performance characteristics and limitations. Building Trust and Exceeding Expectations guides every recommendation we make.
Environmental factors increasingly influence material selection, with many property owners prioritizing sustainable options. We offer recycled-content shingles, recyclable metal systems, and cool roof technologies that reduce urban heat island effects. Our Velux 5 Star Skylight Specialist certification also enables us to integrate daylighting solutions that complement your roofing system while improving interior environments. This competent approach to comprehensive roofing solutions demonstrates why property owners throughout our service area have trusted us for over 50 years.
