Since the dawn of time man has sought the best way to keep their home warm and dry. Having a decent roof is essential to any building, whether it is a dwelling house or a place of work, public building or place for leisure. As a result, many materials have been deemed to be suitable as roofing options. They range from natural alternatives such as slate, stone, turf and thatch to man-made materials such as concrete, metal, composites and plastics. Each of these has their own distinct merits and will be regarded as being suitable in specific locations and for particular uses. The following describes a number of favourable materials and their properties.
Slate
Slate is an excellent material for roofs. It naturally cleaves into thin sheets which can be cut into smaller, more manageable pieces that we know as ‘slates’. Slate is extremely weather resistant and non-porous, meaning that water will run-off it. It can be quite heavy though, meaning that strong support must be in place before it can be laid. Slate can also be quite expensive, but with a lifespan of approximately 100 years, it will be a cost effective option in the longer term.
Thatch
Thatched roofs can be made from straw, reeds, sedges, rushes and even heather. Thatched roofs are very popular in certain areas of the country and a good quality thatched roof can last well in excess of 45 years, so it can work out to be a sensible option when installed by a skilled thatcher. Thatching can be a great way to insulate the property. It is naturally weather resistant and will not become saturated if it is laid at the correct pitch and density. A thatched roof will not need more frequent maintenance than a regular pitched roof.
Turf and Planted Roofs
Gaining in popularity, this is often termed a ‘green roof’. It may be laid on a pitched or flat roof, but vegetation will differ in each situation with sedum being the most popular choice. They offer excellent insulation and are good at keeping a constant temperature in the property. This system is also useful for making a building blend into a natural environment and is helpful for wildlife. They do, however, require a level of care and maintenance to ensure the health of the plant life and two checks a year minimum is recommended. This type of roof can be quite heavy, so the foundations of the build will need to take this into consideration as well as the roof support system.
Clay
Natural clay can be used to form tiles for a roof. Certain areas will make use of clay as part of a local style or vernacular architecture which can lend a unique charm to a place. Clay tiles can be quite costly, but they are durable and can last a long time. They are resistant to insects and rot and are particularly favoured in warmer climates as they have a cooling effect. Clay can be very heavy though and will require a strong support system. The tiles can also be easily broken if walked on, so maintenance could be an issue.
Wood
Wood is less widely used in the UK as the main roof covering material due to it not having a long enough lifespan in that type of situation. It is possible to use roof ‘shakers’ as a roof covering but they will require regular on-going maintenance and regard must be given to fire prevention.
Concrete Tiles
This type of tile is manufactured to create a uniform overall shape that can be interlocked with each other. Because they do not need any extra cleaving, they are quick to fit and result in a cheaper outlay. This type of tile is now extremely popular, especially for new-builds. They are very durable and have a long lifespan. Concrete can be tinted so that the finished tile can blend in with prevailing hues within the local area. This type of roofing material also benefits from being extremely fire retardant and resistant to insect attack and rot.
Artificial Slates
As with concrete coverings, simulated slate can be a very good option if cost is an issue as they are cheaper that natural slate, especially if the property is within a conservation area and only a slate-type covering is acceptable. Some slates can be pre-treated with weather resistant coatings, or be strengthened with fibres making them very practical and requiring little maintenance during their lifespan.
Metal
Metal roofing surfaces tend to be used in industrial settings and are rarely seen on domestic buildings. Pre fabricated metal sheets, quite often corrugated, are extremely quick to affix to a building, making it wind and water tight in a matter of hours. Metal has the benefits of being extremely durable, fire retardant and requires very little maintenance. With many sheets of metal roofing making use of recycled material, it can also be viewed as being an environmentally friendly option.
Felt and Bituminous Coverings
This type of roofing material is found on flat roofs or roofs that incline only very slightly. Felt material alone would not be strong enough to withstand the extremes in temperature and weather outside, so it is treated with bitumen or asphalt to create a tough, long lasting material that is wind and water tight. The process of laying such a roof can be quite hazardous as the asphalt releases undesirable fumes into the environment and great care must be taken to observe all safety regulations when using such material. If laid correctly, a flat roof can last many years, especially if it has a protective covering of shingle or chippings over it. Regular checks and maintenance must be carried out over the lifetime of this type of roof covering and drainage channels must never be allowed to become blocked.
Polycarbonates
This type of material mainly appears in the construction of conservatories. There are various types of conservatory roofing that use different grades of polycarbonate, offering better sunlight deflection and insulation. High quality polycarbonate is reasonably energy efficient in comparison to glass and has the benefit of being considerably lighter that a glass roof. Requiring less maintenance and less prone to shattering, polycarbonate represents a sensible option for a quick construction.