A Guide to Choosing the Right Roofing Material for Your Home

It’s no secret, investing in a new roof is a significant expense! Your roof is the most essential part of your home, providing protection and structural support, so it’s vital to keep it well-maintained, we’ve compiled a guide about when to repair your roof here.

However, if your roof has reached the end of its lifespan and requires replacement, there are various materials to choose from and it’s crucial to choose the right roof covering!

With over 40 years serving our clients across Surrey, we know a thing or two about roofing materials!  Here’s our guide to the most popular roof coverings available:

  • Concrete: With a wide range of colours, textures, and finishes, concrete tiles are relatively new innovation in roofing materials. They offer improved waterproofing, secure fixing, and shallower roof pitches. However, they have a shorter lifespan.
  • Slate: Slate roofing is beautiful and long-lasting. However, it requires significant overlap to ensure it is completely waterproof. Additionally, it must be laid on battens over an underlay to achieve maximum effectiveness.
  • Clay Tiles: Highly appealing and long-lasting, clay roof tiles come in various shapes and colours, with special tiles for ridges, valleys, and gulleys. They typically last about 60 years on average, with some exceeding that lifespan. Clay tiles are heavy and may not be suitable for all roof types.
  • Interlocking Tiles: These tiles overlap and interlock at their sides, enabling them to be laid in a single, weather-tight lap. Using interlocking tiles reduces the need for overlapping required by traditional tiles, reducing the number of tiles needed per square metre, bringing down the roof’s weight. With good maintenance, these tiles last around 60 years.
  • Stone: Stone roofing is an expensive option, and it’s only worthwhile in areas where the stone is typical to the region. Sedimentary stone splits naturally, like slate, into thin sheets that make a roofing material. They need a steeper pitch, usually a minimum of 45 degrees, and possibly a specialist fitter.

Other Considerations when Choosing Roofing Materials.

There are a few other considerations to keep in mind when selecting a roofing material:

  • Climate: The roofing material should be able to withstand the weather conditions, whether it’s extreme heat, cold, rain, or wind.
  • Maintenance: Some roofing materials require more maintenance than others. For example, a tile roof may need to be cleaned to prevent moss growth.
  • Installation: The roofing material should be compatible with the roof’s design and structure. Some materials, such as slate tiles, may require a steeper roof pitch to prevent water damage.
  • Aesthetics: While not as important as other factors, the appearance of the roofing material is still a consideration for many building owners. The material should complement the building’s style and architecture while also fitting within the budget.

By taking all these factors into account, you can select a roofing material that will not only meet your needs but also provide long-term value and protection.

Need Help Choosing the Right Roofing Material?

We understand that deciding on the perfect roofing material for your home can be a daunting task. At A P Benson Roofing & Building, our team of experts is here to guide you through the decision-making process. Call us today at 01483 760 444 or click here to speak with one of our highly-trained and experienced roofing team.

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