Picking the Perfect Roofing
If it’s time to put on a new roof – whether you’re renovating an old house, or building a new one – you have to choose the materials very carefully. There are plenty of decisions that need to be made, both for practical and aesthetic reasons. After all, you want your roof to look nice, but it’s also got to work really, really well – you don’t want any sort of rainwater sneaking in, do you? This guide we’ve prepared will help you choose the right type of roof for your household.
WHAT TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS ARE THERE?
- Terracotta roofs are built with clay tiles – it’s one of the most traditional processes out there, as clay-tiled roofs have been around for decades and decades. Most terracotta has a pleasant orange colour, but more and more are becoming available in neutral gray. The only problem with terracotta is the clay tiles break rather easily.
- Slate is another traditional roofing material, and it’s actually stronger than terracotta. Slate also offers a wider variety of colours, and is now available in manufactured varieties.
- Concrete tiles resemble terracotta tiles, but offer a lot more insulation and are available in a much wider range of colours.
- Steel roofing has grown in popularity since its introduction. There is a range of colours available when you work with steel, but the material offers a few different drawbacks; it’s a poor insulator and can get very loud during a rainstorm. However, there are a few added options you can get with steel roofs that can help combat its drawbacks.
- Asphalt shingles are very popular around the world. They’re incredibly easy to put in, very tough, and stand up well against the elements and fire.
WHAT TYPE OF ROOF SHOULD I BUILD?
So, which one of these elements should you choose? Your first – and primary – concern needs to be protection from the weather. A roof is only as good as what it keeps out. Take into consideration what kind of weather elements you have to deal with. If you’re in an area that faces frequent fires, make sure the roof is fireproof; if you’re in a rainy or windy area, ensure the roof can stand up to those. Also, take into account how long you want your roof to last – after all, the cheaper materials now might end up costing you more in replacement over a long period of time.