How to choose the right roofing material for your property? Installing a roof is a long-term investment and therefore choosing the right roofing materials require careful consideration. Typically, a roof will last for decades, so you want to be sure you’re getting the right kind of roofing system for your home or commercial building. According to Industry Today, steel and aluminium are the most popular roofing materials though other elements like copper and alloy can still be utilised. Of course, functionality, performance, and style are important, but others are often overlooked. With that in mind here are 7 key factors to consider before you choose a roofing material to use.

1. Home or Building Style

The style of the future structure precedes the choice of materials. First, you should analyse and decide on the concept of the building. At this stage, the construction budget is calculated (including the construction of the roof), and the characteristics of roofing materials are studied and comprehensively assessed. 

• The shape of the roof should also be taken into account because a structure with a complex configuration and a large number of transitions will not allow the use of roofing sheets. Moreover, it is not cost-effective because a lot of material will go to waste.
• It will be inappropriate to use metal tiles or other type of metal coating in conditions where corrosive substances are present in the air, or the roof will be operated under heavy loads. In this case, soft tiles are better suited.

2. Application of Roofing Materials

It makes a big difference in roofing material choices, both in applying a new roof or a replacement of the roof. You have more choices with the new roof because you are not limited to the existing style or components. On the other hand, adding an addition to a building or a house limits the choice of materials for the roof because its function must blend with the existing one. 

3. Purpose of the Building

The purpose of the building also determines the types of roofing material. Before building a roof, it is important to reliably determine what kind of building is being built in terms of functionality. In the case of a residential building, cottage, or summer cottage, the focus is on durability and safety. When erecting secondary buildings (garage, bathhouse), a more affordable analog can be selected. In the process of construction of outbuildings and other buildings, as a rule, saving is a priority.

4. Durability and Fire Resistance

Depending on the roof’s operating conditions, the durability and fire resistance of the roof should be selected. After all, it makes no sense to make a roof “for centuries” for a utility shed and is spent on supernovae and technological materials. In rooms where fire risk is possible, only those materials are allowed for installation with a low degree of flammability and do not spread flame.

5. Roof Configuration

Choosing the right roofing materials is directly related to the roofing design and the form of a complex geometric shape. Not all of them are universal and suitable for technically complex structures. At the design stage, the dimensions, configuration features of the roof, and the material must be taken into account. So, for example, when choosing ceramic tiles, a prerequisite is compliance with a slope of at least 20 degrees. Therefore, this option is not suitable for creating a flat roof.

6. Characteristics and Cost of Roofing Materials

Each of the materials is distinguished by its inherent properties. Some are easier to install, while others are stronger and more durable. Some of them are suitable for flat roofs; others are better for a pitched roof. There are plenty of options. At the same time, it is essential to consider the optimal operating parameters, which correlate with the points important to the buyer. 

Often people who are inexperienced in this matter calculate the cost of purchasing roofing material, laying in the estimate only square meters. Simultaneously, the complexity of installation, the specifics of the rafter system, and the amount of so-called auxiliary materials are not taken into account. All this ultimately affects the final estimate. 

7. Roof Design or Appearance

The roof completes the compositional part of the building. When developing a design project, the features and appearance of roofing materials should be considered. Harmony and correlation of the structure with the roof are important. In addition, the landscape and features of the area around the building are comprehensively taken into account. 

In relation to the house, some may like a complex and attractive project with original architectural solutions such as towers, ridges, slopes and other elements. For its implementation, the most optimal solution is the use of flexible bituminous tiles. 

Need help with how to choose the right roofing material?

The construction of a reliable, durable, and comfortable residential building is directly related to the construction and arrangement of the roof. The design, selection of materials, and the performance of related roofing work should be approached responsibly and deliberately. Most often, this is handled by professional roofers who has a wealth of experience dealing with a variety of roofing materials such as shapes, appearance, and reliability.

Do get in touch with us for a free consultation call to learn more about how to choose the right roofing material for your property…