Nowadays, choosing roof materials is about more than just about looks. Homeowners must remember that the suitable roof material is about safety and comfort. It’s about making sure that the roofing material should also be long-lasting and lightweight.
Just because it looks cool and beautiful in pictures doesn’t make it the proper roofing for your house.
Multiple factors need to be considered before going with any roofing material. Because what you buy now will determine the effect it will have on a hot summer or chilly winter. You certainly want to avoid buying something that you will regret buying.
While making your ‘roofing materials list’, you must consider some factors beforehand. This ensures the durability, reliability, and suitability of the material.
The first factor you need to consider is your location and current weather conditions. Your roof material should withstand the climatic conditions of your region.
If you live in a hot climate, going with wood shingles or thatched roofing is a foolish choice. But if you consider the weather conditions, it would be a win-win situation.
For example, a metal roof would be best if you live in a snowy region like Kashmir (India). Metal roofing is highly durable and can withstand the weight of snow. Additionally, their smooth and flat surface makes it easier to remove snow with a single push. This will reduce the risk of structural damage caused by snow piling.
The second factor that you should be taking into consideration is durability and longevity. Research how long your chosen roof material can last under normal conditions.
It is not worth using if it can’t stand under normal conditions. Different materials react differently in certain weather conditions.
For example, metal roofs have high resistance under extreme conditions. At the same time, asphalt shingles would degrade under extreme conditions.
Cost also plays a prime role in deciding roof materials. Just because something is expensive, it is good.
For example, if you live in an area with mild weather, using asphalt shingles would be an intelligent choice instead of using costly clay tiles. While clay tiles are expensive, this is just a one-time cost.
Clay tiles don’t need maintenance as frequently as Asphalt and can last around a century if installed correctly.
Some roofing materials like wood, concrete, and clay tiles need extra care and specific skills and equipment to install.
So if you decide to go with any of these materials, you also need to include the installation cost and time that would occur during the process.
Another parameter you need to check is the weight of your roofing material. Ensure that your chosen material can hold and support the weight. For example, clay tiles are heavier than asphalt shingles.
Certain materials require frequent maintenance. Sometimes, frequent maintenance also shortens the lifespan of your roofing.
In addition, materials like tiles are complex and heavy, and unique, professionally designed people are needed to install them. If they are installed poorly, they can lead to leakage and shorten their lifespan.
Asphalt Shingles are a popular choice when it comes to roofing. However, you are in big trouble if you opt for low-quality asphalt shingles.
Low-quality asphalt shingles can crack easily. Due to the inferior quality of materials used, they have a shorter lifespan than typical asphalt shingles’ average lifespan.
They will degrade faster, especially under extreme weather conditions like in India. This, in turn, would compromise their ability to prevent leakages.
No doubt, wood is one of the best roofing materials. However, it is only if they are not used in areas with high fire risk.
If you live in areas like Northeast India, Odisha, and Maharashtra prone to wildfires, it’s better not to use wood shingles as wood is made of easily flammable material, even with embers or sparks.
Thatch Roofing is made up of straws, reeds, and sedges (grass-like plants), using branches of palm trees and other natural materials. Well-made thatch roofs typically last up to 50 to 60 years, more than Asphalt. Not only do they provide insulation, but they also keep your indoors cool in summer.
This type of roofing is mainly seen in Northern parts of Europe. Also, they are not prone to catching fire in densely populated areas like rural areas. Thatched roofs are vulnerable to heat and can easily catch fire in dry climate regions like Australia, Southern Europe, California, and South Africa.
Also Read >> Roof Tiles vs Roofing Shingles
One of the affordable roofing materials, Asphalt shingles, is budget-friendly and cost-friendly. They also offer multiple options that you could go with. They are also durable, fire-resistant, and easy to maintain.
Asphalt shingles are also easy to install as they are relatively lightweight compared to tiles. An average asphalt shingle can last around 50 years.
If you want durability, longevity, and low maintenance, metal roofing is for you. Why metal roofing?
On average, metal roofing can last more than 100 years, and surprisingly, they are less expensive than Asphalt. Some standard metal roofing are steel, copper, zinc, etc. Metal roofing is also resistant to erosion and cracking in other roofing materials.
Clay tiles are known for their durability, insulation, and aesthetic appeal. An average clay tile, if installed correctly, can last up to 100 years. With that, they are also resistant to fire and rot.
Although they can be costly compared to other roofing materials, this is just a one-time cost. Their ability to stand against terrible weather conditions and low maintenance outweighs their cost.
As they are made of natural materials, clay tiles are environmentally friendly and can be recycled. If you want to achieve rustic and earthy charm, do not hesitate to go with clay tiles.
Any homeowner would agree with us that Slate roofing is one of the best roofing available out there. One of the reasons behind this is that if the slate is installed correctly and maintained, it can last more than 100 years.
They are also resilient to fire and extreme conditions as they are generally made of stones. The primary material used in slate roofing is natural slate, which provides a luxurious appearance in various styles.
One main reason many homeowners go for wood shingles is its charm and natural rustic appeal. They create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that is well-blended by the surroundings.
The most common wood shingles that are used are cedar and redwood. Wood shingles also help with insulation and keeping the room temperature under control. Comparatively, wood shingles are lightweight, which doesn’t pressure the home structure.
Regular wood can last up to 70 years with proper care and maintenance. The best part of implementing wood shingles is they come with various styles and cuts. They can also be customized according to your preferences.
Bonus:
Modern roofing materials like solar tiles, green roofs, slate, wood, and cement are highly durable. Their sustainability and appeal cater to the diverse needs of homeowners.
Each of the above-mentioned roofing materials has unique advantages that differ from each other.
Choose the one that offers durability and safety depending on your needs, climate conditions, budget, and maintenance.
While asphalt shingles are affordable, they have a short lifespan. Conversely, metal roofing can last up to 100 years without corrosion. While slate roofing offers luxury and durability, some modern roofing materials like green roofs or solar tiles are best for eco-conscious homeowners if they are still insufficient.
Summing up, before choosing a roofing material, one must check the factors that must be considered before purchasing. With that, sure do’s and don’ts must be followed for specific roofing materials. So, it’s better to do a well-detailed study before deciding.
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