Guide to Choosing the Best Roofing Materials

Choosing the right materials for your roof build, repair or renovation can be the big difference between a strong roof that will last many years, and a disaster waiting to happen. In this article we’ll give some advice on what to look for when selecting the best roofing materials for your project.

Before starting your roofing project, answer a few questions for yourself first:

• How long should this roof last, ideally?
• Considering your local weather conditions, will this roof hold up during natural disasters and heavy weather?
• Is the material you are looking at too heavy for the existing roof framing?
• Does the roof have enough of a slope?
• Will the look complement the style of the house?
• How much does it cost?
• Will wind and wildfire be an issue?
• Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable?

TYPES OF ROOFS

There are two main types of roofs, namely pitched/gabled roofs and flat roofs. Each type of roof has its own specific set of best materials for use, so let’s start by taking a look at each.

PITCHED/GABLED ROOFING

There are quite a few types and variations of pitched/gabled roofs, including mono-pitched roof, M-type roof, Hip & Half-hip roof etc.  See the below infographic for a more complete  overview:

MATERIALS AVAILABLE FOR PITCHED/GABLED ROOFS:

1. Clay & Concrete tiles

A modern favourite of an ancient classic.

Clay Tiles

Natural clay tiles are fired in a kiln when they are made. This requires a lot of energy in production, which means they can land up being a more expensive option. When used in the right conditions, clay tiles can be long-lasting and low maintenance, but they are often prone to breaking or becoming brittle.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are less expensive than clay tiles, and can last much longer. They are made from natural materials, but they also require a lot of energy to be manufactured, so they can also land up being a pricier option.

PROS of Concrete Tiles

• They can offer over 50 years of durability.
• They are fire and insect-resistant.
• They can increase the street appeal of your house.
• They are produced in a wide range of colours, styles & textures.
• A light-coloured tile reflects the sunlight, so it reduces the heat penetration & cooling requirements for a room.
• Concrete tiles are recyclable.

CONS of Concrete Tiles

• These tiles are heavier than most roofing materials. Some types even require extra framing support, driving up the project costs.
• Concrete tiles are more expensive than asphalt, metal and wood options.
• They may break if walked or stepped on, so repairing chimneys and other roofing issues becomes trickier.

2. Metal

The once low-value option that is now becoming more common.

Metal roofing is sometimes manufactured in rolls and sometimes available in rigid sheets, with variety of appearance options available. This roofing material offers the best all-round protection against unexpected weather conditions and decay. They are mainly made of steel, aluminium, copper or zinc and are recyclable and replaceable. If it is a quality forged metal product, it can be extremely durable.

PROS of Metal Roofing:

• New styles of metal roofing can emulate shingles and are available in a range of colours and styles.
• It has a long warranty period and can last over 50 years.
• It reflects radiant solar heat, so metal roofing can keep your home cooler & control energy costs in hot weather, when compared with asphalt options.
• They can be installed quickly and at low cost.
• Metal sheds rain better than most other roof materials.
• Most metal roofs are made from recycled materials, and the roofing panels are 100% recyclable at the end of their service life.
• Modern metal roofing options are lightweight, yet offer high resistance to impact.
• These roofs can look great on wood-sided homes, cabins, cottages and those with a simple, rustic design.

CONS of Metal Roofing:

• Metal roofs installed directly over the framing, without an attic or ceiling, can be extremely noisy, especially during loud weather.
• Replacing a dented sheet of metal is a larger job than simply replacing a roof tile or shingle.

3. Asphalt Composition Shingles:

Internationally, one of the most common roofing option today. These shingles are either made from organic paper fibre mat, or fibreglass that has been injected with asphalt and coated with mineral granules. These shingles are lightweight and usually quite tear-resistant.

Organic asphalt shingles are becoming less common, as they have a tendency to dry out and become less waterproof over time.

PROS of Asphalt Composition Shingles: 

• They often offer good fire protection.
• They look good on most home styles.
• More affordable than other roofing options.
• They can offer up to 30 years of service in more moderate climates.
• Many colours and styles are available.
• DIY installation and repairing is simpler and cheaper with these shingles.

CONS of Asphalt Composition Shingles:

• They require more frequent replacement than other roofing options, making the long term maintenance costs higher.
• Cheaper options only last up to about 10 years or so in hotter climates.
• They can crack due to rapid temperature changes across the seasons.
• Few, if any, recycling facilities take asphalt shingles, and they are among the least eco-friendly roofing options.
• After the second layer of shingles needs replacing, all layers must be torn off the roof, creating extra expense and a lot of potential landfill waste.
• In shady areas mould or algae can become a problem, unless treated with anti-algae/anti-stain treatments.
• A poorly ventilated attic will trap heat and significantly shorten asphalt shingle lifespan by cupping or cracking them

For tips on how to maintain your attic & roof, read our article on DIY roofing maintenance HERE.

4. Natural Slate

The most tried and tested roofing option. This is one of the oldest roofing materials, and has stood the test of time. It is extremely impermeable, durable and versatile. Quality slate roofing will perform better than any other roofing option available. They offer protection against fire and are immune to insect attacks or fungus. Best of all it is a natural roofing option, lending a beautiful aesthetic to any home.

PROS of Natural Slate

• Slate requires very little to no maintenance.
• This is an eco-friendly roofing option, because of its durability, the fairly low impact of manufacturing and that it can be reused and recycled. 

CONS of Natural Slate

• It is one of the heaviest roofing materials and requires a stronger roofing structure to rest upon.
• An improperly installed slate roof can easily be prone to moisture issues and even leaking.
• Slate roofs require expert installation by contractors that specialise in slate.
• Slate might break if walked or stepped on, so roof and chimney repairs are more difficult to make.

5. Thatched Roofing

One of the oldest roofing systems, with a natural aesthetic.

This versatile roofing option fits most size and shape roofs, from large houses to gazebos. The durability of your thatched roof depends on the weather conditions in your area, as well as the type of thatching you choose. There are two main types of thatching you can use:

1. Cape Reed – A heavy thatch that is strong at its core. However, in its natural environment, it doesn’t grow often in areas with hot humid summers and dry winters. That means when you use it as thatching, it will rot within a few years and need constant maintenance, if you live nearer to the coast. It is best suited for more inland areas, where it can last up to 30 years with regular maintenance.
2. Hyparrhenia Hirta – A lightweight thatch grass that has a hollow core. It is more suited to climates with hot humid summers and dry winters, and is therefore perfectly suited for thatching projects closer to the coast.

PROS of Thatched Roofing:

• Well maintained thatched roofs can last up to 50 years.
• Excellent insulating qualities eliminate the need for added insulating materials.
• Naturally waterproof & UV-resistant.
• Eco-friendly roofing option.

CONS of Thatched Roofing:

• More expensive than other roofing options.
• Will eventually need replacing.
• Requires specialised knowledge of installation.
• A thatched roof can significantly raise the insurance premiums of the building, due to lightning and fire hazards.
• By law, it requires the added space and installation of a lightning rod.

NEED ROOF TRUSSES YOU CAN TRUST? GET A QUOTE FROM BUCO HERE

FLAT ROOFS:

What makes a flat roof so different from slanted roofs? Why can`t you use the same materials? The main reason is structural and the issues you can face when trying this are varied, most often leading to roof structure damage or serious leaks.

When selecting the perfect flat roofing material, you are making two decisions:

1. Acquire a roofing material that will look nice and not cost too much
2. Select an option that will last through all kinds of weather and conditions

On slanted roofs the tiles are installed so that they overlap, creating a stronger and more leak-proof roof surface, and assisting any water to simply roll off the roof. Since flat roofs have no pitch/slant, the water would work itself underneath the shingles or tiles, and eventually they would rot away and cause leaks.

Most often covering a flat roof is a back-breaking process that requires specialist skills, so it’s best to consult a pro when doing this kind of project. The main issue with covering a flat roof is making sure you are sealing everything up as tightly as possible, leaving no loose or open seams anywhere. The main goal is to create a barrier that can’t be penetrated by water.

Installation costs can be just as high for a flat roof as they would be for a steeper roof.

MATERIALS FOR FLAT ROOFS

1. PVC Membrane

PVC (Vinyl) is a single-ply thermoplastic roofing membrane that is extremely durable, long-lasting & energy efficient. It can last over 30 years if installed decently. The seams of PVC membrane are hot air welded, creating a permanent bond. The seams are stronger than the membrane itself. Before the membrane layer is installed, an insulation board must first be installed to provide a suitable substrate, helping with the energy efficiency of the roof.

PROS of PVC membrane:

• Waterproof
• Energy efficient

CONS of PVC membrane:

• Sharp objects or collisions can rip through the membrane and cause a leak or even greater damage to the roof structure.

2. EPDM Membrane 

This rubber roofing membrane is commonly installed on residential & commercial roofs. It’s considered a low-cost alternative to PVC membranes. It can offer up to 15 years of service before replacing is required. Similar to PVC, it also requires a layer of insulation to be placed as a substrate before the membrane is applied. They install like a giant sticker, but this must be done slowly and with expert precision, to avoid any air bubbles.

PROS of EPDM membrane:

• Lower costing option.
• Very popular.

CONS of EPDM membrane:

• Darker EPDM membrane also has a tendency to absorb heat, which can drive up electricity costs heavily.

3. Modified bitumen

A modern take on built-up roofing. Modified Bitumen is an asphalt-based roofing system that is manufactured in multi-ply. It can serve a roof for up to 20 years if maintained properly. It is installed in layers and is a very labour intensive process that can and should only be performed by a professional. It is now also available in a cold-roll option, but involves a lot of application of roofing tar, which can be dangerously messy and tricky to work with.

Luckily, BUCO has all the best roofing options you need, with quality, insightful advice guaranteed! Visit us in-store today and ask about the best roofing materials for your next project, or SHOP QUALITY roofing materials online TODAY!

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