The roof of a property is usually one of the most important and expensive parts of the construction of any property, and naturally different options will come with a different price tag depending on the one your choose. It is worth taking time to consider the different options available for the type of roof that you are dealing with.

For a sloping roof, which is the more traditional type of construction for properties in this country, there are several different types of materials that you can use to weather-proof the roof.

Tiles And Shingles

Probably the most common approach to covering the roof is the use of shingles or tiles, where hundreds of overlaying individual pieces of material are used to keep the rain, snow and weather out of the property. These can be made from several different types of material, each with their own advantages and features.

Asphalt Composite

Probably the most common roofing material to be found in North America, these tiles are made from a base of fiberglass that are shaped into individual shingles, and these are then covered with a layer of asphalt and mineral granules. These shingles come with a good warranty, are widely used by almost every roofing company and can be easily repaired should there be any storm damage. However, these shingles will generally have a lifespan of up to 30 years, depending on the quality of the shingles used.

Metal

These shingles will generally be made from either steel or aluminum, and each shingle will have a matte coating of mineral granules, and while offering the durability benefits of a metal construction, will actually look much the same as other shingles with an attractive uniform appearance. The cost of using metal shingles is usually greater than the asphalt composite options, but they also have a greater durability often lasting for over 50 years.

Clay

Where durability is the most important feature required from your roofing material, then clay tiles with their distinctive reddish-orange color is one good option, which is particularly common in the southern states. These clay tiles can either be flat or curved and lock together to make a barrier to the outside world, and these clay tile roofs can last for over a hundred years.

Slate

Another extremely durable roofing material, slate roofs can survive for well over a century, and are seen on many historic homes where only the occasional repair for damage is required to this tough material. Slate naturally separates into thin layers, and these are shaped into shaped tiles that are then put together to cover the roof. This material can be more expensive, but installing slate roofs is a more specialized skill that can mean you’ll have to look a little further afield to find a qualified installer.

Standing Seam Metal Roofing

While most roofing materials are made with tiles or shingles, another alternative that can be used is metal roofing where each piece has a seam that links with the adjacent strip of metal to make for a weather proof material. This type of roofing is good in areas where there are heavy snowfalls or also areas where wildfires can be a threat, as the metal is fully fireproof. These roofs also require specialized installers, but are very durable and can commonly last around 50 years.

Roofing Options For Flat Roof Or Shallow Slope Roofs

If you are looking at materials that are used for flat or low pitched roofs, the needs of these roofs are quite different than those required for sloping roofs, so naturally the materials are a little bit different too. When it comes to the most durable options for these materials, they are naturally more expensive as well. One option is to use EPDM membrane roofing, also known as rubber roofing, which is applied in a large sheet with few seams, meaning there are fewer weak spots for the weather to penetrate. Another option for flat roofing is ‘Built-up Roofing’ (BUR), which is made with several layers of roofing felt that is then covered with a layer of fine stone embedded into hot tar to make for a durable option.

The other material option that is often used for out-buildings is rolled roofing, which is a thick material impregnated with asphalt or mineral granules, and comes in rolls that are then applied with a tar or roofing nails. These options are generally a more cost effective option, but will usually last around a decade before needing to be replaced.