Choosing the right material for your roof

The right roofing could last
you a lifetime

Choosing the right roofing material and keeping up with any repairs is key to ensuring that your home stays warm, dry and energy efficient. So if you are planning to replace your roof then here are some things to consider.

Roofs are an area often overlooked by homeowners but if there’s a problem with yours then it can cause chaos in your home. Julian Taylor, of Taylor Roofing Contractors Ltd in Wiltshire, says: “The roof is the most important part of your house - if you are doing a refurbishment you go in and start with the roof and work down. It needs to be in good shape.”

A well maintained, sturdy roof will keep you comfortable and appeal to potential buyers if you are selling your home, so choosing a good material is important. A durable, long lasting roof will keep your home warm and dry as well as making sure it looks great. Here are some of the options:

Common roofing materials

Slate roofing – slate is a dense, natural product which could last as long as 100 years and requires very little maintenance. Slate is very durable; it can cope with extreme hot and cold weather and is water, chemical and fire resistant. The downside is that slate roofing can be expensive and is a heavy material, so your roof structure must be able to cope with the weight.

Clay tiles – clay tiles are popular because they look great and perform well. They are fire and water resistant and come in a variety of colours and styles. Clay tiles can break easily, so you need to inspect them regularly.

Concrete tiles – concrete roof tiles are a cheaper alternative to clay tiles but might not give such a nice finish. Concrete tiles are durable though and require minimum upkeep. There are different style and colour options available.

Metal, zinc or copper roofing – Metal roofing is often used on industrial units but is also suitable for the home. Metal roofing is a durable, fire resistant and maintenance-free solution. You can also get metal tiles which can be made to look like clay or concrete by placing an outer skin on them.

Flat roofs

Flat roofs can be more prone to problems than pitched roofs, but if you choose a good material and have it installed correctly they will work just as well. Traditionally, materials like tar and gravel were used on flat roofs. These materials were layered onto the roof and covered with gravel; this method is known as built up roofing or multi-ply roofing. Other multi-ply materials include felt, bitumen and rolled asphalt.

Single-ply membranes (waterproof sheets which cover the roof) have become a more popular and some say, more reliable, option for flat roofs. The most common single-ply materials are EPDM rubber, PVC and TPO (thermo plastic).

Julian explains why he uses EPDM Rubbergard on flat roofs: “Felt membrane, for example, may start breaking down after five years, but rubber lasts longer. We guarantee it for 20 years and it gives a higher performance, expanding and contracting with the temperature.”

Roof repairs and Maintenance

Slate roofing

If there’s a problem with your roof, then your whole home will suffer. To prevent that from happening, roofing expert Julian advises: “Go outside every now and again and give your roof a glance over. If anything looks wrong then get it looked at, look at your tiling, cement work, verges and chimney.”

If your roof does need repairing, then be sure to get the work done sooner rather than later. Overdue roof repairs can lead to damage from damp and make your home structurally unsound. If you have a leak in your roof then you will also be losing heat through it, which will harm the environment and your bank balance.

How to find a roofing contractor

Installing, replacing or repairing a roof is a task best left to a professional. Roofing work can be dangerous and if carried out incorrectly, can cause further problems in the long run. Always ensure that when you hire a roofing contractor you check their references, qualifications and insurance. Julian, from Taylor Roofing suggests: “Follow recommendations, we have been around for 40 years and get a lot of our work from word of mouth recommendations.”

You could choose to hire a contractor who is a member of a trade association like the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) the Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CRC) or the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). Members of these associations will have been vetted and have agreed to abide by a strict code of conduct, so you should get the best quality service.

Roofing costs

Cost will largely depend on the roofing material you want to use and the scale of the project. Contact a roofing specialist to get a quote for your roofing needs.