The whole process of building your dream home is incomplete until it is finally roofed. A roof is referred to the outermost layer of a building or property. It is practically impossible to have a building or property without its roof, hence it is regarded as an incomplete building. The importance of a roof cannot be overstressed, there is even an idiom as regarding “having a roof over one’s head”. A roofing material, on the other hand, is the outermost layer on the roof of a building that is sometimes self-supporting or supported by an underlying structure. It is a building’s roofing that provides shelter from the natural elements like sun, rain etc.
It is also important to note that the choice of roofing sometimes most times depending on the type of structure. The roofing also adds to the general aesthetics of a building. There are, however, different types of roofing available. On the list is below are some of the list of commercially available roofing materials.
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Asphalt Shingle
Asphalt Shingle is one of the most common residential roofing material available for sale when making choices for your roofing materials. This is largely due to the fact that they are economical and easy to install. The asphalt shingle also looks good on most architectural styles, especially for traditional suburban styles. The asphalt shingles can be reinforced with either fibreglass or organic materials (cellulose) without affecting the appearance of the material. As earlier mentioned, one of the positives of the asphalt shingle is that it is widely available in the market. On the other hand, it is considered to have a shorter lifespan compared to other roofing materials.
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Wood Shingles and Shake
The idea of choosing a roofing material is not just to cover the building, but also to add to the overall aesthetics of the building. The Wood shingles and shake does not only add the protection needed from external factors but also give your house or property that natural feel.
While the wood shakes look rough than the wood shingles, it is because the wood shakes are handmade and the wood shingles rare usually cut by machine. The positive thing about the wood shingles and shakes is that it offers a natural look and are natural products often made from redwood, cedar and southern pine. It is also a perfect fit for house styles like bungalows, cottages etc.
Tiles (Clay and Concrete)
The Tiles roofing is a traditional type of roofing and has over the years been modernized with stronger and newer materials. There are majorly two types of Tiles; the Clay Tiles and Concrete Tiles. As it is expected of most roofing materials, the Clay and Concrete tiles add texture and elegance to a roof. They are often produced in genuine flat, ribbed or round shapes. The Clay and Concrete tiles last long and are usually energy efficient. The Clay and Concrete tiles last up to 40 – 50 years when managed properly.
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Metal Roofing
The metal roofing is arguably the oldest form of roofing that dates back to decades. It is not uncommon to see it on an old building in most remote areas. It is are often used because of its resistant to extreme weather conditions. In what seems to be available in zinc before, but are now available in aluminium, copper and stainless. The metal roofing is lightweight in nature, last longer and recyclable. The positive thing about the metal roofing is that it is durable, last longer than the asphalt and wood type of roofing. It also offers high solar reflectance. However, they are relatively expensive. They are also fitted for house styles like bungalows, contemporary and cottage style homes.
Slate
Slate is another type of roofing material option available for selection when making choices for your roofing. They are usually in different colours like red, purple, green, grey and black, and also offer a distinct and elegant appearance which improves the overall aesthetics of your home. The slate is one of the common roofing materials house owners often use because they are environmentally friendly, durable, fire-resistant and can also be recycled. However, it is expensive, heavy and requires the service of a professional to install. They are often suited for Colonial structures. If properly maintained, they could last for 50 to 100 years.
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Synthetic Roofing Products
The synthetic roofing products are also one of the different types of roofing materials available for use. These are the kind of roofing that includes rubber, plastic and polymer roofing, developed to give more colour, look and texture of natural materials like slate and wood. They are usually designed to be strong and easy to maintain. The positive thing is that the synthetic roofing is not fragile, heavy or expensive like other roofing materials. However, some of the products usually absorb water and the quality also varies.
The above are some of the available roofing materials that you can use for your roof. Kindly share your experience using roofing materials with fellow PropertyPro.ng readers.
