The roof is one of the most important features of any building; apart from protecting against the sun and the rain, it dramatically influences the beauty and aesthetic of the structure. But choosing the best roofing material can be a tough task, there are several factors you need to take into consideration. Roofing materials not only play an important part in enhancing the look of the building but also in its functionality, hence choosing the right material requires superfluous attention to detail.

Factors To Consider When Selecting A Roof

There are several factors which can influence your choice, let’s list them down:

• Building Style
• Longevity
• Power to survive extreme weather conditions
• Reflectivity and Emissivity
• Eco-friendly and recyclable materials
• Maintenance
• Cost

Different Types of Roofing Materials

There are number different roofing materials commercially available and it would be wise to know about them. Listed below, are a few of the most popular types of roofing materials.

Asphalt is one of the most common and economical types of roofing materials. These come in a variety of different colors and textures and go well with almost any type of exterior.

• Materials – Made of either an organic paper fiber mat or fiberglass.
• Eco-Friendly – these are petroleum based product hence they are environmentally unfriendly.
• Durability – Not very durable, they have a relatively short lifespan.
• Weight – Moderate
• Slope – Suitable for fairly low to steeper sloped roofs.
• Fire & Wind – Good fire resistance and fair wind resistance.
• Installation – Easy to install.
• Cost – Cheap on the budget.

Metal roofing over the time has been gaining a lot of popularity for its rustic curb entreaty and durability. More commonly these are used for warehouses, but with technological advancements, these are now available in attractive styles for houses as well.

• Materials – Composed of steel, copper, aluminum, or zinc alloy.
• Eco-Friendly: Can be recycled and reused.
• Durability: Extremely durable, has a long life span of at least 50 years.
• Weight – Lightweight
• Slope – Suitable for low or steep sloped roofs.
• Fire & Wind – Both fire and wind resistant.
• Installation – Comparatively difficult to install.
• Cost: Depends on the material, like steel is moderate but copper can be an expensive option.

This is one of the best options for those who are looking for a more “natural” look and want to make their home environmentally-friendly. Wood shingles work quite well in nearly any climate.

• Materials – Generally made of cedar, but can also be made from redwood which is rot resistant.
• Eco-Friendly – 100% natural materials.
• Durability – Shorter life spans and requires periodic maintenance.
• Weight – Moderate.
• Slope – Suitable for moderate to steep sloped roofs.
• Fire & Wind: Good wind resistance but poor fire resistance if not treated with a fire retardant.
• Installation – Requires professional installation.
• Cost – Moderate.

Concrete tiles somewhat imitate the clay and slate when it comes to appearance and durability. These are heavy and can last for a long time. Usually come in flat or curved pieces and also in a number of styles and colors.

• Materials – Made from a mix of sand and cement.
• Eco-Friendly – Requires a lot of energy to manufacture
• Durability – Long lasting and requires low maintenance but are extremely fragile hence can break easily.
• Weight – Heavy.
• Slope – Suitable for moderate to steeper sloped roofs.
• Fire & Wind – fair to low wind resistance but excellent fire resistance.
• Installation – installation and repairs are tricky
• Cost – Moderate.

Clay as a roofing material is one of the most durable options, it is resistant to fire, rain, decay, and mould. Clay roofing is one of the popular choices when it comes to roofing materials.

• Materials – Made from natural clay which is fired.
• Eco-Friendly – Made from natural sources and are energy-efficient.
• Durability – Long lasting and requires very low maintenance.
• Weight – Heavy.
• Slope – Suitable for moderate to steeper sloped roofs.
• Fire & Wind – Excellent fire resistance and wind resistance.
• Installation– Requires professional installation.
• Cost – Slightly expensive.

Wrapping Up

Roof construction is an extremely important part of any construction. From natural options like clay and wood to man-made options like asphalt and metal; there are more types and styles of roofing available to select from today than ever before.The idea is that before you make your choice, consider the life-cycle, cost, maintenance, environmental and other factors and very carefully.

Authored by a Building Expert from Wienerberger India

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Additional resource: To know more about Koramic clay roof tiles. See this short video-