If you need to have your roof replaced, you'll know there are a lot of decisions to make at the planning stage. When deciding on the material for your new roof you'll need to take the style of your property, the pitch of your roof, your budget and any maintenance requirements into consideration. There are a wide range of roofing materials to choose from, and if you're unsure about the right choice for your property, your roofer can provide guidance. Here's a comparison of four popular roofing materials:
Slate
Slate is a traditional roofing material that's loved for its natural appearance and durability. There's no need for ongoing maintenance with a slate roof and slate can last for decades. If a single slate comes loose or gets damaged, it can easily be replaced without disturbing the rest of the roof, and it can help prevent heat loss in the colder months and keep internal temperatures down in the warmer months. Slate is an expensive option, but its longevity and classic feel makes it the preferred choice of many homeowners.
Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are a low cost roofing option that can be used on any pitched roof. They are composed of bitumen and fibreglass with a top layer of finely crushed ceramic granules. Asphalt shingle roofs do require some maintenance in the form of checking the seals every few years and resealing any that appear to be damaged. Additionally, debris can cause a tear in this type of roofing material, but the damaged section can easily be replaced.
Aluminium Tiles
Aluminium tiles are a budget-friendly roofing option that are durable and don't require ongoing maintenance. They are usually coated to prevent light reflecting off them, so they don't tend to stand out. There are a few colours of coating, so these tiles can often blend in with your home and the surrounding properties in your neighbourhood. The main disadvantage with aluminium tiles is that they cannot be walked on. They bevel easily, so they may not be the best choice for properties with a mix of pitched and flat roof surfaces. If your roofer has to walk on your pitched roof to carry out maintenance on your flat roof, there's a good chance these tiles will become damaged.
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are attractive and come in a range of colours. They are ideal for older properties with poor insulation, as they are thick, which makes them great insulators. However, their thickness makes them heavy, which makes the installation process more labour-intensive. Their weight can put too much pressure on your roof beams, particularly on low-pitched roofs, so it's best to discuss their suitability with your roofer before making your mind up about clay tiles.
These are just a few of the options available to you when having your roof replaced. If you're struggling to make your mind up, get some samples from a roof replacement service and compare a few different options side-by-side.