Installing slate tiles on a roof – Photo Courtesy: Groton School
So, you’re thinking of putting a new roof on your house – are you? Well, you are very brave! While reroofing a house is not for the faint-hearted, it can also be very satisfying and save you a lot of money. So it pays to get it right really, doesn’t it?! There are experts out there who can do it for you but if you think you know a thing or two about DIY then you may be contemplating doing the job yourself.
Before you get stuck in, it’s important that you really think it through. And it all starts with deciding which material to opt for. There are many ways to reroof a house – make sure you choose a way that will suit your house. In this article we’ll list the common types of roofing material so you can start to consider which will be best for you:
Tiles
Tiles cost a lot more than other sorts of roof material but they last a lot longer, so take this into account when you are looking at costs. Roof tiles look stylish and are in keeping with older looking houses. Tile is extremely economical in other ways too as it is so efficient at insulating. They are weather-proof and waterproof but they are not for walking on! It’s an expensive choice but one that will keep your house looking beautiful for many years to come.
Flat Roofing
Used more for garages and industrial units, flat roofs are a cheap and easy option to keep your unit weatherproof. They are layers of molten asphalt and covered with a membrane of plastic or rubber. They’re not beautiful, and they do have a reputation for leaking more often than other materials, but they are relatively cheap and easy to fit. But you’ll need an expert.
Thatch
Look at this BEAUTIFUL ‘Pencil Cottage’ with a thatched roof – One of the many thatched houses in Shanklin Old Village on the Isle of Wight, England. The old village of Shanklin is famous for its thatched houses. Photo Courtesy: Garry Knight
Thatched roofs set off any house beautifully, but they come at a price! They are very expensive to install (and have to be done by an expert). There’s no doubt that they add charm to any house; however, the main drawback apart from the price seems to be that they are very flammable, therefore increasing your risk of a house fire. Those with thatched roofs have to make sure they have a robust evacuation procedure in case of fire.
Aluminium
Aluminium roofs are durable and weather resistant and are becoming a more and more popular choice. Aluminium doesn’t warp, rust or crack and it is not flammable, meaning it is very safe. If you live in an area which is prone to hailstorms then it’s a great choice and if you live on the coast then the aluminium won’t be corroded by the salty air. It’s a very lightweight material and quite cheap to install.
Whichever method of roofing you employ, it’s vital that you get it right the first time unless you want years of repair works and bills ahead of you. So spend some time researching and deciding on which material is right for you and then only get roofing!
Jenny Anderson, a roofing expert, works with a premier roof repairs firm O’Boyles Roof Plumbing. A swimming enthusiast, Jenny enjoys reading novels and baking cakes in her free time.
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