26 Nov 2021
Let’s Take A Look At Different Types Of Roofing
Find out what different Roofing and Materials are available for your home
Which One Is The Best For Your Home?
Roofing has come a long way since the early days of thatched roofs which were simply laid over the top of branches. It has gone from being something associated with keeping out rain to an essential part of home decoration. And while most modern roofs are designed to be as efficient at keeping water out as much possible, their primary purpose is to protect our homes.
There are several different types of roofing you can choose from when designing or renovating your home. Each one serves a particular function and while some are more common than others, it’s important to know what suits your own personal needs best.
Types Of Roofing
The type of roof you have on your home can make a world of difference when it comes to how well air moves through the structure, insulates against heat or cold and prevents water penetration. Lets take a look at the most popular types of roofing.
Gable Roof
Gable roofs are characterised by their distinctive triangular shape and can be found in various styles. They’re known for versatility, ease of installation/removal and repair options that make them a popular choice among homeowners everywhere. Gable roofs are the simplest and most common type of roof. Their triangular shape gives them excellent head height, creating extra space for rooms below, whilst their design makes them more stable than other types of roofing.
Mansard Roof (aka Pyramid Roof)
In the early 19th century, a new type of roof was developed that would change how roofs were designed forever.
The mansard roof is an adaptation from its French origins and features much steeper slopes at both ends. This may have been due to it being used on buildings where space wasn’t as limited.
The most famous example for this design comes from Paris but they can also be seen in London with some spectacular examples found within St Paul’s cathedral.
In recent times, Mansard roofs have been prevalent in urban design. In Britain they’ve been popular for decades – especially within the 60s and 70s as a way to include more space or head height into homes, without requiring a true loft conversion.
Hip Roof
The hip roof is another variation of the gable roof. Similar to the gable roof, it has two slopes on each side of an attic, however they meet in the centre creating four sections.
Hip roofs are great for adding head height to lower lying homes and are excellent for fitting solar panels to.
Skylight Roof
These type of roofs create a small space where either a skylight or porthole window can be fitted. They’re popular for giving homes extra natural light and saving money on electricity bills as they allow sunlight to shine directly onto rooms throughout the day, without requiring costly solar panels or inverters.
Flat Roof
Flat roofs are another basic and common type of roofing. They’re simple to build on and easy to maintain, however they don’t offer the same level of insulation as other types of roofs and if damaged, the repair costs can be high.
Flat roofs can often be used for extra living space. Some homeowners choose to decorate them with astroturf or even plants to make them more attractive. For other designs, it’s possible to hire professional installers to build various levels of roofing on top of the flat design, which includes everything from concrete tiles, wood shingles to grass.
Roofing Materials
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most common types of roofing material, and make up for over fifty percent of all residential roof installations. They can be made from a fiberglass base with an asphalt core, or a high-density mineral surface, that may be coated with an acrylic or elastomeric material. They come in several different styles including traditional three tab shingles, architectural, dimensional and specialty types.
Asphalt shingles are available in various colours for added curb appeal. They can be installed on steep roofs or flat roofs, but are most common on the latter. This type of roof is generally cost-effective and relatively easy to install.
Metal Roofing
Metal roofing can last a lifetime and requires very little maintenance. It is extremely durable and secure. The most popular types of metal roofing on the market today include steel, copper, zinc or aluminium.
Aluminium is one of the least expensive kinds of metal roofing and weighs almost nothing compared to its more traditional counterparts, which makes it perfect for older homes that may need extra support, in order to carry the weight of the roof.
Steel roofing is generally more expensive than aluminium, but because it’s made from a combination of recycled steel and zinc and does not require any additional insulation under the shingles. It provides excellent durability and security due to its strength and ability to resist rust.
Ceramic Roof Tiles
Ceramic roof tiles are a great investment for your home. Not only do they last about 70 years, but the quality of material is also unmatched, in comparison with other types of roofs. Ceramic has been proven to stand up better against changes in weather patterns and will not crack or peel like zinc does over time. This makes it an excellent choice if you live somewhere that experiences high levels of seasonal variation and where winter temperatures drop below freezing. To ensure structural integrity there must be overlap between each tile, which means any gaps between tiles should be filled with mortar prior to installation.
Ceramic roof tiles are high maintenance, however, they’re extremely durable and easy to clean. They can also be made into a variety of shapes, colours and patterns, which means they look fantastic on your home when installed correctly by professionals.
Slate Roof Tiles
For homeowners who love the look of a classic tile roof, slate tiles are probably your best style choice. They range in colour from blue-grey to green-grey, and have a natural appearance that is both rustic and sophisticated.
Slate tiles can last anywhere from 50 years up to 100 years due to their incredible durability. They’re extremely resistant to changes in weather and can even withstand high winds. They’re also a great investment because they do not need to be replaced often, however slate tiles must be laid in an overlapping pattern, which means that any spaces between each tile should be filled with mortar before installation.
Concrete Roof Tiles
One of the newest types of roofing materials on the market today is concrete roof tiles. They are similar to clay or ceramic tiles, but are made from a special foam that is formulated for durability, then covered with a lightweight cement coating that can be moulded into just about any shape or size.
Concrete roof tiles come in various colours and textures, which means they have more flexibility than some other types of roofing materials. You can also add special coatings to the tiles for extra protection, which means they are perfect for homes that are exposed to high levels of rainfall or snow. They’re low maintenance and easy to clean, however concrete roof tiles must be laid in an overlapping pattern onto any existing roof structure, just like clay tiles.
Before Getting A Roof Replacement
If you are thinking about getting your roof replaced, don’t hire just any roofing contractor. Find someone reputable who can ensure that the job is done correctly and to code. As with most services, it pays to do thorough research before hiring someone, especially when expensive roofing materials are being used.
The first step is to get quotes from various roofing contractors in your area. Make sure that you gather at least two or three estimates, and be sure to ask questions about the contractor’s qualifications and their experience installing the type of roofing material you want.
If possible, visit previous job sites and talk to homeowners who have used the company.
Here are some examples of different roof types and roof shapes, that a roofing company can install:
- Curved Roof
- Shed roof
- Combination roof
- Dutch Gable Roof
- Butterfly Roof
- Bonnet Roof
- Dome Roof
- Green Roof
- Pitched Roof
- Gabled roof
- Open Gable Roof
- Skillion Roof
- M Shaped Roof
- Gambrel Roof
- Saltbox roof
As you can see there are a number of roofing options available to help you create a stylish roof made from natural materials including mineral granules, synthetic slate, natural slate and other roofing materials such as clay tiles and composite shingles, that will allow thermal insulation with the option of living space underneath.
If you are looking for a new roof or combination roofs, talk to one of our experts today. Contact us via telephone or email and we will talk you through the different types of roofing materials and roof designs in further detail, that will make a stunning addition to your home.