The roof is arguably the most important part of the fabric of any building. It plays a critical role in excluding rainwater, and keeping everyone inside comfortable.
In the modern age, there are many different kinds of roofing material available, each one with strengths and weaknesses. If you’ve got a roofing project coming up, then you’ll want to make sure that you pick out the right materials. In many cases, you’ll use a combination of several different materials. With that in mind, let’s look at a few of the more important ones.
Lead Alternative
Lead has been favoured by the industry for decades. It’s flexible, workable, and robust enough to fit around chimneys and windows in the form of ‘flashing’. Nowadays, roofers have alternative materials available that fulfil the same core function. You can find lead-free roof flashing online from reputable vendors.
Felt Roll
You’ll find this kind of material on flat garage roofs, sheds and other outbuildings. It’s easy to maintain and install. You’ll want to keep it clear of debris in order to keep it in good shape for as long as possible. Standing water can deform the material over time, which will cause leaks to develop that little bit more quickly.
Slate
Slate tiles have the advantage of being entirely natural. This kind of rock is built up in layers, meaning that it’s easily split into slabs, which make for great roofing materials. You can expect to pay a great deal for a slate roof, but it offers a look that can’t typically be replicated through other means.
Composite Asphalt Shingle
This kind of tile aims to replicate the look of natural stone through the use of fibreglass sheets, which are covered in a powdered mineral that’s held in place with tar. This material is extremely affordable, but it’s not quite as long-lasting as a natural stone or ceramic roof. When you’re shopping for this kind of a roof, look at the length of the warrantee as an indicator of the quality you’re paying for.
Clay or Cement Tile
Most of the roof tiles you’ll find in the UK are made from clay, but you might also find ceramic and concrete ones. You’ll can lay them out in overlapping layers, and they need a decent roof frame supporting them if they’re going to stay in place. If you get all that right, however, you can expect a tiled roof to last for a hundred years or more if it’s well maintained. You should be inspecting your tiles regularly for damage, and replacing them where necessary. A cracked tile can cause knock-on effects, including leaks and damage to the internal structure of the building.