Betterview Roof Materials

Each Betterview property profile includes information about each building’s roof material. We work with a trusted network of data providers to gather these details. Betterview currently reports 7 common roofing materials:

Let’s take a closer look at each of these roof materials.

Above is an aerial image of an asphalt shingle roof.

Asphalt shingles are the most common type of roof material on pitched (sloped) roofs. They consist of a fiberglass mat that is coated with asphalt and ceramic. The fiberglass mat gives structure and durability to the shingles so they maintain their shape and structure. The asphalt provides flexibility and water-shedding ability. The ceramic provides protection from degradation from sunlight and minor abrasion.

Asphalt shingle roofs may come in many different colors, but common colors include black, grey, and red. This roofing material may show signs of staining or missing shingles. Asphalt shingles look smooth from overhead; roofs made of asphalt shingle will not appear bumpy or ridged.

Here are some examples of asphalt shingle roofs in good condition.

Here is an example of an asphalt shingle roof with some wear and staining.

Above is an aerial image of a clay tile roof.

Clay tiles can be found on pitched roofs. These roofs consist of tiles made of clay. Clay tile roofs are commonly found in warm climates and in areas with a natural abundance of raw materials. These types of roofs are often found on residential properties.

Clay tile roofs may vary in color but are commonly red, grey, or black. These roofs are not smooth in appearance. Instead, clay tile roofs look bumpy from overhead because of the way the tiles are joined together.

Here are some examples of clay tile roofs in good condition.

Here is an example of a clay tile roof with minimal staining.

Above is an oblique image of a metal panel roof.

Metal panel roofs are made of steel and can be painted a number of different colors. They are often found on pitched roofs but may be used on flat roofs as well. This material is commonly used on commercial buildings.

Metal Panel roofs are typically grey in color. They appear smooth, but feature lines or stripes running from the top of the roof down to the edge of the roof.

Here are some examples of metal panel roofs.

Here is an example of a metal panel roof with minimal staining.

Above is an oblique view of an EPDM roof.

EPDM stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer. EPDM is a rubbery compound that is rolled across the top of a flat roof. EPDM roofs are wide, black sheets of flat roofing that often have a matte texture. They can be found on flat, commercial roofs.

EPDM roofs are either dark grey or black. They appear smooth with visible seams.

Here are some examples of EPDM roofs.

Here is an example of a severely damaged EPDM roof.

Above is an oblique image of a modified bitumen Roof.

Modified bitumen is made up of asphalt (bitumen) on a felt mat with granules adhered to the surface. These materials are then combined into a rolled sheet that can be installed over the roof’s insulation. Modified bitumen is found on flat, commercial roofs.

Modified Bitumen roofs are grey in color. They appear smooth with visible seams.

Here’s an example of a modified bitumen roof.

Here is an example of a modified bitumen roof with staining.

Above is an aerial image of a PVC/TPO roof.

PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. TPO stands for thermoplastic polyolefin. PVC and TPO are two different materials, but Betterview classifies them the same way due to their similar appearance, properties, and performance. Both are wide materials that are rolled out on top of flat roofs.

TPO has become more popular on new roofs as it is cheaper and tends to withstand weather and sun damage better than PVC. However, PVC remains an appealing option as it is more durable in harsh weather conditions. PVC and TPO can be found on flat commercial roofs.

PVC/TPO roofs are white in color. They look smooth from overhead but have slightly visible seams.

Here are some examples of PVC/TPO roofs.

Here is an example of a PVC/TPO roof with ponding and staining.

Above is an oblique image of a ballasted roof,

Ballasted roofs are covered with rocks and or gravel. The term “ballasted” simply means that the roofing material is loose-laid over (or not adhered to) the underlying structure of the roof. Ballasted material can be found on flat, commercial roofs.

Ballasted roofs are commonly brown or grey in color. They are grainy, rocky, or dirty in texture, and have no visible seams.

Here are some examples of ballasted roofs

Here is an example of a ballasted roof with minor staining.