Since the beginning of human civilisation, a wide variety of materials have been used to cover our roofs and protect our homes. Currently, there are a multitude of different roofing options for residential, commercial and public buildings. But not all materials have the same properties. Some are fragile compared to others. Some might be less ideal for certain weather conditions. That is why the choice of material is quite important for any property owner. On that note, let us look at some of the different widely used options today.
Some of the most popular roofing materials used today are:
Asphalt shingles
Asphalt is a popular choice for residential and commercial roofing. Many homeowners tend to prefer it due to its affordability and ease of installation. The raw materials used in creating asphalt shingles are – fiberglass or organic paper fiber mat. This material offers good resistance to winds and fire, but is not highly durable.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are created through mixing cement and sand. They are quite long lasting and do not require much maintenance. If your roof has a steep slope, concrete is a good choice. This roofing material has a high fire resistance. It is possible to find tiles in a wide variety of colors and styles. Concrete tiles are not that easy to install or repair, but they are relatively low cost. Also, these tiles can be quite heavy. So make sure your roof can support them.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiles are known for their durable nature. They are one of the most popular roofing choices throughout Australia. Some popular varieties of slate include – Welsh slate, Canadian Glendyne slate, Spanish del Carmen slate etc. Slate is considered to be the most durable roofing material available today. These tiles can last for decades, or even a century, without much maintenance. Since natural slate is metamorphic rock, and thus has great insulation properties.
Metal Tiles Metal tiles roofing is generally used for industrial buildings, but residential property owners are also opting for this material nowadays. Some of the most common materials used for creating metal tiles are – copper, zinc alloy, aluminum and steel. Metal roofing materials are quite durable, and ideal for reuse. Metal tiles are generally quite lightweight. The expenses involved in this type of roofing depend on the metal that is used. These type of roofs are quite resistant to fire and wind.
Clay tiles Clay roofing involves the use of clay tiles which have been exposed to fire. These tiles are quite durable, and have high resistance to the elements of nature i.e. rain, mould and decay. They are also quite resistant to fire and wind. However, clay roofing can be quite expensive for some homeowners. Like natural slate, clay is also a natural material which is energy-efficient.
The above-mentioned roofing options are credible choices for residential and commercial buildings. Getting in touch with a reputed roofing company can help you determine the best option for your property.
