What is a Roof Type?
A roof type (or roofing type) is the covering or material on the roof of a house, condo or building. The type of roof is usually stated on most real estate listings.
Real Estate Agent Explains Roof Types
There are many kinds of roofing materials out there, the Realtors Association of Edmonton (formerly known as the Edmonton Real Estate Board) recognizes the following roof types:
| Roof Type | Abbreviation | |
| Asphalt Shingles | AS/SH | |
| Clay Tile | CLAY | |
| Concrete Tiles | CONCR | |
| EPDM* Membrane | EPDM | |
| Fiberglass | FBGLS | |
| Metal | METAL | |
| Roll Roofing | ROLL | |
| Cedar Shakes | SHAKC | |
| Pine Shakes | SHAKP | |
| Tar & Gravel | T&GVL | |
| Vinyl Shingles | VINYL | |
| Wood Shingles | WD/SH |
The most common roofing type in Edmonton for houses is asphalt shingles, and the most common for condominiums would be tar and gravel. This is partly because of when the majority of construction occurred in Edmonton, and also due to cost. Roofing types can vary widely in cost depending on quality, material and the difficulty of installation.
*EPDM is a kind of rubber, usually installed as a sheet.
Why Does It Matter?
There are many ways to build a house or a condo and each one has it’s benefits and drawbacks. When you own real estate, you need to know what needs maintenance and when. Different roofing types wear out at different times, and that’s especially true in places with a variable climate like Edmonton. Real estate maintenance usually involves keeping water out of the home, and your roof is the first line of defense against leaks.
