There are many things to take into consideration when it comes to choosing a roof for your home. Your roof is exposed to all that mother nature can throw at it, for example, fallen trees and storm damage (loose tiles).
Tavan Contractors can help you with all things roof related. We specialise in general roof maintenance, new and extension roofs. Making the wrong choice can lead to a complicated and expensive error.
What to look for in a roof?
When choosing your roof there are many factors to take into consideration.
How long will it last?
Will hold its own under extreme weather conditions7?
Do you want a pitched or flat roof?
What will be cost be?
Will the final look compliment not only the house but also the surrounding environment?
Pitches roof options
Slate roofing tiles have their upsides, mostly the fact that it’s a natural source of the highest
quality and is long-lasting and gives a beautiful finish to any home.
Pros of slate are:
It is fire resistant
It has a long life if fitted correctly
It can come in a wide range of colours including grey, purple and black
It is environmentally friendly – made from natural materials
It is long-lasting and durable
Cons of slate are:
Cost – it is one of the more expensive materials to be used and needs specialist fitters to install
They are heavier than your normal roof tile so a good, strong structure is a must
Can only be used on sloped roofs
There are various types of slate:
Naturally sourced
Fibre cement which made from cement and other elements
Man-made which is mostly made from reconstituted slate
Tile roofs are beautiful and very durable. Traditionally most roofs were made out of slate, fired clay or terra cotta but today’s modern rooftrees are made out of moulded concrete which can be tinted.
Pro of tiles are:
Long lasting for up to 100 years
Impervious to rot and insect damage
Environmentally friendly material
Energy efficient
Low maintenance
Plenty of style and colour choice
The cons of tiles are:
Can be expensive
Has to be installed by professional roofing contractors
Heavyweight so your need a good structure to support the weight
Not suitable for slopes of roofs
Flat roof
This is created from a very strong and flexible material made from a synthetic polymer. A flat roof is in fact, not completely flat; it has a very low slope which helps with draining water.
The pros of a flat roof:
Repair costs are relatively low (they take up less space so use fewer materials)
They can be versatile – why not turn yours into a roof garden?
They are energy efficient. Less overhead space for stagnates air.
The material used (normally rubber) is reliable and durable and sustainable
The cons of a flat roof:
Higher chance of early replacement – life expectancy 6of a flat roof is around 10 years
Unreliable in cold weather; water is more likely to accumulate.
Felt flat roof
Felt roofing is normally used on sheds, garages and extensions. The felt material is often integrated with 2 – 3 layers forming a water-resistant finish.
The pros of felt roofing:
It is one of the cheapest materials to use therefore easy on your pocket
It is very versatile and can be used on most properties
It is very easy to repair and this will not affect the aesthetics of it
The cons of felt:
Not great when used in an area with heavy foot traffic
Any small area of damage can be disastrous. Ensure items like ladders have padding when using on felt roofing
Felt can last around 15 years and can be recycled so makes this a great eco-friendly material to use.
Fibreglass flat roofing
Fibreglass roof is a combination of materials mixed together to form a laminate.
The pros of fibreglass:
It is an incredibly strong material
It is lightweight and so will not add too much weight to your structure
They are very durable and can last up to 25 years
Very easy to repair
The cons of fibreglass:
Fibreglass is not the cheapest flat roof option
It is not suitable for very large areas
It’s a fussy material. You cannot install it in any weather, you have to wait for the right conditions
Rubber flat roofing
Rubber roofing is made from material combining recycled tyres, slate and sawdust. It can come either in a roil where it is overlapped or it is available in shingle that has the look of slate tiles.
The pros of rubber:
It is one of the cheaper materials to use
It is lightweight and very easy to install
It has a long life and can last over 30 years
Is fire resistant so gives you added peace of mind
The cons of rubber:
The colour can fade over time therefore not as attractive as other materials
It is another fussy material and can only be installed in dry conditions
It is rather delicate and therefore more prone to damage from falling branches etc
Finishing off your roof
Subtle finishes to your roof can make all the difference and really compliment your new roof.
These are essential to finish your roof and helps protect the roofline and loft area from the elements.
There are 3 types of fascia boards available. The materials used are vinyl, aluminium and timber. Each one has its own quality and each should be considered before choosing.
Timber – gives an eye-pleasing finish, is affordable and is mostly water-resistant
Aluminium – easy to install and complements other materials but is slightly more expensive
uPVC – very cost-effective, easy to clean and maintain, very durable against the elements and quick to install
As with facias, there are a small selection of soffits available. It is best to consider certain things before investing, for example, your local climate and budget.
Again there are various materials used; timber, steel, fibre cement, uPVC and aluminium.
Timber – gives a natural and timeless finish, is recyclable and therefore eco-friendly.
Steel – is a long-lasting and durable material, stands up to the elements and can come in a range of colours
Fibre cement – is a lightweight material, withstands all the elements and is very affordable
uPVC – easy to install and very cost-effective, rot and water-resistant
Aluminium – low maintenance, easy installation, can withstand high levels of moisture and does not crack or chip
Loft conversions are a great way to add another room to your property without having to move. There are various types of loft conversion style windows.
Velux (roof light) – these can be used in your loft space without having to change the original shape. Velux windows are designed to fit flush with the roof. Great if you do not want to spend a fortune.
Casement windows - A more traditional hinged loft extension window like those you probably have in the rest of your house. These loft conversion windows are ideal for dormer conversions and hip to gable conversions where there is a straight wall on at least one part of the roof.
Juliet balcony – perfect for a dormer or gable. This is a tall window with a metal or glass barrier across the front of it. Great if the conversion is overlooking the garden or offers beautiful views and gives plenty of fresh air.
Velux Cabrio balcony – when closed on a pitched roof this looks like a skylight but when opened up in transformers into a small balcony you can step out onto. Great for smaller, compact conversions.
Comments