Roof
For roofing some non-absorbent material is best. Wood shingles are possibly the most common in this country, although they are rapidly being replaced with composition shingles. The wood shingles are somewhat absorbent and are inflammable. Slate and tile are also used. The slate is a good conductor of heat, and is hot in summer and cold in winter. Tiles are heavy but are warm in winter and cool in summer. Lead, zinc and copper have all been used, but they are good conductors of heat and for various other reasons are not exactly desirable. The best method of preventing too rapid conduction of heat is to have an air space between the roof and the ceiling of the top floor.