Choosing the Right Roof

When you’re choosing a roof for your property, as well as looking at the aesthetics of the roof and how it will look, you should base your decision on the local of your property, the style of your home and of course your budget.

There are wood or asphalt shingles, concrete or slate tiles – in fact there are so many choices of roofing material available that many property owners might well be daunted when choosing a roof. For example, you can pick slate roofing for a long-lasting solution or a roof made from fibreglass shingles, which are an inexpensive roofing material that will also last for many years.

When you’re investing in a new roof, it’s important to make the right decision. This decision will be based on a number of things, such as the cost, whether it will provide adequate protection from the elements, whether it will save on energy costs and of course, whether your new roof will stay the distance.

When you’re considering which roof to choose, bear in mind where you live. For example, if you live in the outermost reaches of Scotland where there’s more rainfall or more extreme weather conditions, then you need a hardy roof material that will stand up to this kind of climate. For this kind of environment, a slate roof is the best kind of roofing material. If you’re living in the south of the country, a material such as slate tiles will offer you the perfect solution.

If cost is a major factor, fibreglass is a good choice. But remember that your roof is an investment and if you shell out more money on expensive roofing materials then you’re likely to have fewer costs in the long-term from roof repairs.

In terms of durability, clay tiles can last for up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Slate is another choice of roof material that will last for many years. These durable roofs are good in both rainy weather and can also withstand lots of sunshine too.

For energy efficient roofing, tile roofs can help you to keep down your energy costs. Although energy efficient roofs may cost more initially, you’ll see real benefits over time with lower energy costs in the future.

Here’s a rundown of the most common roofing materials available for your property and their benefits:

Tile Roofing
These roofs can be made of clay or concrete. Both materials are durable and should last for the entire life of your home. They are also fireproof. You can get tiles in different colours to suit your property and a range of styles such as shingles or sculptured. Clay tiles can be expensive but with little maintenance required, there will be less expense in the long-term. When choosing tile roofs, a professional roofer will be able to tell you if they will suit your property, as tiles can be very heavy and are more suited to newer properties.

Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular types of roof. They are cheap and easy to repair, and come in a range of colours and textures. These are one of the easiest types of roof to install, but they do come with a few drawbacks. These roofs are not very durable and are not environmentally friendly.

Slate Roofs
Slate roofs are one of the most expensive types of roofing material. Although they can last for many years, it requires a lot of maintenance to get the best out of these roofs and this can push the price up further across the life of the roof. Slate roofing is durable, but they cannot withstand weight so in heavy snowfall, it can crack and cause problems. Installation of these roofs is highly specialised, so it can be costly to have slate roofing installed.

Fibreglass Shingles
Fibreglass shingles offer excellent protection and are easy as well as cheap to install. They come in a range of different colours and textures, so you’re sure to find a style that suits your property. These roofs are very durable and do not tend to rot or corrode.

These are just a few of the most common types of roofs available, there are many more for you to choose from. For professional advice on roofing, whether you need a roof replacement, new flat roof, roof repairs or even roof window fitting, contact G&A Roofing and Building. We are experienced roofers who can deal with a vast range of roofing issues. Call G&A to discuss your requirements today on 0800 626430.