Different Types of Roofs
The shape of your roof and the materials it’s built from should be chosen carefully, with consideration to the climate and environment in your area. A poorly designed roof risks being vulnerable to weather, and allowing leaks which can damage your possessions and cause all sorts of structural nightmares. So what different types of roofs are there?
Basic Roof Types
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most popular roof type as they are both durable and relatively inexpensive. Available in a wide variety of colours and styles, they are known for easy installation and suitability for a wide range of temperatures, providing reliable waterproofing. Asphalt shingle roofs should last about 20 years on average, depending on whether you live in an area with intense sunlight or temperature extremes, which can reduce life span. Disadvantages of asphalt shingles include a shorter life than many heavier tiles, especially if walked on. Dark asphalt shingles are prone to fading and tend to exhibit inconsistencies in colour.
Slate Shingle Roofs
Slate shingles provide a sophisticated roofing material for an upscale home. Advantages to slate include its natural appearance, fire resistance, invulnerability to rot, ease of maintenance and an expected life of around 100 years. Slate is also available in a variety of colours and styles to suit all homes. Disadvantages of slate tiles include their weight and cost, and the high degree of expertise needed for installation. Slate tiles are easily broken underfoot, complicating gutter cleaning and rooftop maintenance.
Metal Roofs
Metal shingles are low maintenance, lightweight and more environmentally friendly. However, installation can be tricky and requires an experienced contractor. Metal shingles are also typically more expensive than other shingles. Still, maintenance during the winter months is especially agreeable to metal. Metal roofs feature a design that resists the build-up of water and ice, which can prevent potentially devastating damage. It usually costs less to repaint a metal roof than to replace it when the shine goes.
Flat Roofs
Flat roofs can require a great deal of maintenance, as you are responsible for ensuring it stays watertight. The roof must be cleaned regularly to prevent leaves and debris from clogging the drain. The sun will also gradually cause the roof to degrade. Flat roofs are typically less expensive to install than sloped roofs. They are usually easy to access and can allow you to achieve a certain visual appearance. However, the coatings are not durable and the replacement cost of a flat roof can be high.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic roofing tiles give a house unique character and are generally quite durable. Advances in manufacturing make the tiles resistant to fading as well as fireproof. Quality ceramic roof tiles should last 50 to 70 years. Disadvantages to ceramic roofing tiles include their unsuitability for climates with fluctuating weather, as they are prone to erosion under these conditions. While the tiles are durable, they are also fragile. High winds and walking on the tiles will cause damage
Need advice on choosing a roof type for a new or replacement roofing project? Contact Black Cat Commercial Roofing in Sydney for an appointment or a quote today.