Are you trying to decide Which roofing material is best for your home? There are a wide variety of roofing products available. If you’re working with roofing contractors to install a new roof on your home, you may be wondering which is the best option. Let’s go through a few questions that may help you choose the right material.
DO YOU HAVE A SLOPED ROOF?
WESTERN RED CEDAR SHINGLES
This can help determine which roofing material is right for you. Some types of roof, like a slate roof, require a minimum pitch of about 20° for installation. If your roof is not pitched, or has only a very slight pitch, it may not be a good choice.
For flat roofs or roofs with very low pitches, metal standing seam roofing is a good option, as it can typically be installed on roofs with a pitch of 4° or less – or a concrete flat roof may be used instead.
ARE YOU ON A TIGHT BUDGET?
Asphalt shingles tend to be the least expensive type of roofing material, so they’re a good choice if you’re on a tight budget. Wood and metal roofs are usually in the intermediate price range, while natural slate and clay (terra cotta) tiles tend to be more expensive. Bear this in mind when you plan your roofing project.
WHAT KIND OF STYLE DO YOU LIKE?
Choosing a new roof can really change the style of your home. If you prefer a more modern look, you may want to go with a metal roof or synthetic roofing like concrete tile, which offers a very uniform appearance.
For a more “heritage” look, wood shingles and shakes are a good option. Made of durable natural wood like cedar, these shingles tend to change their colour and take on a “weathered” appearance that is very unique, particularly when combined with natural wood siding. There are many different types of wood shingle available in a variety of finishes & colours.
Slate tile and clay tiles are also a great option. Slate has a more streamlined and modern look, while terra-cotta clay tiles have a very unique style due to their shape, and are also growing in popularity in the Sydney area.
HOW LONG DO YOU WANT YOUR ROOF TO LAST?
Asphalt shingles tend to last 20-30 years. Wood shingles can last 30-40 years, while metal roofs usually last 50 years. Some types of clay and concrete tiles can last up to 75 years. But slate lasts longer than any other roofing material, with a lifespan exceeding 100 years. In addition, slate is very resistant to moisture, microbes, high wind, and inclement weather, making it the longest-lasting overall option.
Can Your Roof Handle Heavy Tiles?
Even when properly installed, tiles like slate, concrete, and clay roofing tiles are really heavy. Your roof may need to be reinforced to accommodate them properly if it’s not already strong enough, so keep this in mind when planning your budget and your project.
DO YOU NEED TO MEET FIRE RESISTANCE REQUIREMENTS?
If you’re in a bushfire rated area in NSW, your roof may need to meet certain fire resistance requirements – so wood roofs are likely not an option, and you may wish to choose a material like clay tiles, slate, metal, or synthetic concrete tiles.
Of these, slate is one of the best choices. It’s completely non-combustible, so it has a Class A fire rating and can help keep your home safe from stray embers and wildfires, while ensuring it meets all code requirements.
FIND OUT IF SLATE ROOFING IS RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME!
As expert slate roofing contractors, NSW Slate Roofing can help you determine if slate is the best choice for your home. In addition, if you may be better off with a different type of roofing material. We offer free, no-commitment consultation for all customers, so just contact us online to get the help you need right away. So if you are trying to decide which roofing material is best for your home, CONTACT US we are here to help.