Every home needs a roof, but there are so many designs and materials to
choose from that it can be difficult to select the right options. What works
for one person won’t for another, so it’s a very personal decision to make as
you begin your building journey.
Perhaps the most crucial thing is to make sure you select the correct
people to build your home when you start roofing. The roof is an important part
of the structure and a professional roofer is a must. However, whether you’re
building a residential, commercial, or industrial property, any roofing
decisions will ultimately come from you. That means you need to educate
yourself and this guide is here to help.
Flat Roof Design vs. Pitched Roof Design
Do you want your roof to be flat or pitched? It’s an age old decision
that can be difficult. However, you need to consider a few things that might
make the whole situation easier.
Snow and Inclement Weather: How much heavy weather do you get in the area
you’re building in? If it’s cold outside and you get heavy snowfalls, it’s a
good idea to consider how you plan to get the snow off a flat roof, if you buy
that way. A pitched roof that is steep enough won’t need to be cleared of snow,
since it will just slide off. However, a flat roof offers easier access for shovelling,
if it comes to that.
Flat
roofs
aren’t completely flat, either. They do have a slope so water will
drain off of them, which helps considerably.
Pricing and Economy: If you want the cheaper roof, a flat roof is the
best option. It’s not going to cost you as much as a pitched roof. This is due
in part to the simpler structure required and partly because there is less area
to cover. Materials may also be cheaper at times for a flat roof.
Durability: How long will your roof last before it needs replacing? This
is one area where pitched roofs excel, mostly because no one is walking on
them. Flat roofs do tend to require replacement sooner rather than later, but
even so, they can last 10-25 years, depending on the materials used.
Access and Ease of Maintenance: For a flat roof, it’s relatively simple
to clean it off and you’ll have quick and simple access to gutters, solar
panels, and anything else that may require maintenance. However, it’s important
to note that you will have more maintenance with a flat roof simply because
debris and such tends to accumulate quicker. A pitched roof tends to let that
slide off, but does offer more danger when you’re trying to get up to maintain
the roof.
Types of Roofing Materials
The type of roofing material you select will be partially dependant on
the type of roof you have decided on. However, there are certain materials that
are most common and should be looked at.
Concrete: This is generally used on commercial or industrial buildings
and can be left alone for the most part. It’s durable, though needs to be
sealed, and works for flat roofs. The concrete can either be poured or it can
be assembled from tiles of porous concrete.
Solar Tiles: These are a fairly modern option, where roofing tiles are
built right into the shingles and provide energy. They are a little more
expensive than the regular solar panels, but look like roofing tiles, so the
aesthetic is considerable more pleasing. These are best used on a pitched roof
in a warm area. If you don’t get much sun, then you’ll want to use regular
roofing materials instead.
Asphalt: Asphalt or bitumen can come in two forms. It can be laid down
on a flat roof or it can be found in shingles so you can lay a pitched roof. In
both cases, this type of roofing tends to need replacing more often than other
types. Flat roof installation requires laying down the asphalt and topping it
with gravel, whereas shingles come ready made.
Metal roofing: Metal is a very useful material for roofing and can be
considerably cheaper than some types of roofing material. It is fire-resistant
and tends to shed rain and snow very well, so it’s useful in areas that receive
inclement weather. The metal is also lightweight and fairly easy to install,
but it can be prone to corrosion, depending on which type you choose.
Slate: When it comes to long lasting roofing, slate is the go-to. It
cannot burn and will last for decades, if not a century. It’s heavy and can
break fairly easily if you walk on it, but for many people, the classic look of
slate is worth its downsides.
Clay tiles: Another classic is the clay tile. These tend to break
easily, but they look beautiful and work best in drier climates with plenty of
sun. You’ll also find that this type of roofing may require a little extra
support, since the tiles can be somewhat heavy compared to regular shingles.
Tar and gravel: Specifically for flat roofs, both residential and
commercial, this type of roofing uses layers of tar or another adhesive topped
with gravel or a similar item. While the roof can be sticky in the heat of
summer, it is very resistant to foot traffic and works well if you plan to
spend a lot of time on your roof. They’re also fairly long lasting, up to a
quarter of a decade.
Green roofs: A fairly popular option these days is to plant your roof.
It does require some special preparation though, since the greenery and soil
can be quite heavy. You´ll need a vapour barrier and multiple other layers to
keep everything separate and to prevent leaks. This type of roofing can
sometimes be walked on, depending on the plants used and it lasts decades.
Which roofing option is right for you? That’s your decision, but one
your architect can help you decide on. Then the next step is to find a roofer
that can handle the installation.
Roof Tiles vs. Shingles
Generally speaking, roof tiles tend to be the number one choice for
roofing around the world, but it’s all dependent on the look you’re after. Tiles
are usually heavier than shingles and set over each other, made of slate or
terracotta. There are shaped metal options, however. Some tiles will last for a
full century and warranties may be up to 50 years.
Shingles are cheaper than tiles, but they do need to be maintained
regularly. They are available in a wide range of colours and textures so you
can select the best ones for the look you want. They’re also likely to
accumulate odds and ends and debris, so they need to be cleaned frequently.
Shingles tend to reflect sunlight well, so they’re ideal for warmer
areas and snow tends to slide right off. Tiles are great for cold areas, since
they insulate a little and can handle quite a bit of snow.
Both tiles and shingles are heavy, but tiles definitely win in this
case. You’ll need to ensure the structure of your roof can handle the weight
and even more weight if it snows. Unless you opt for the lightweight versions
of the tiles or metal tiles, you’ll find yourself working with shingles if you
need a lighter roof.
It is up to you which type of roofing you opt for. They’re both very
good and sturdy, so the choice is yours.
Finding Great Roofing Contractors
Just searching “roofing contractors near me” will give you a number of
results, so how do you choose just one? The simplest way is to talk to other
people who have had their roofs done. They can give you the pros and cons of
the various roofing contractors.
Another option is to do a little digging online, read some reviews and
take a look at the photos of roofs that are already done. You can get a fairly
good idea of what is on offer this way. Then you just need to hire a contractor
to start the drawing.
Your roof will be with you for a very long time, so you need to make
sure it’s going to last. Plan ahead and choose the roofing type that best works
for your area and weather, as well as your personal preference. If you like
dark roofs, for example, then you should be able to have that. Likewise, if you
want solar power without the actual panels, solar shingles might be your best
choice. Make your roof what you want it to be.
Ready to start
roofing?
Give us a call
and we can provide you with a quote for the type of roof you need.
