What’s the Best Roofing for Your House? All You Need To Know

History has shown us that people, no matter the materials they have available, will build a shelter. From simple mud huts to grand castles, houses around the world have always differed immensely, but they were all constructed for two reasons: shelter and protection. While aesthetics may be top of your agenda the role of the roof hasn’t changed, so choosing the right roof shape is still relevant and should be a priority in your design decisions.

The dimensions and shape of the home you’re building will dictate the form of the roof. However, you can still flex your design muscles and explore creative options. Aaron from www.rooflines.com.au shares some advice for homeowners that might be considering different roofing options.

Roof Shape Options

The Pyramid Roof

Just as the ancient Egyptians constructed their grand and angular monuments, the pyramid-shaped roof is a classic. It works well on a small house or on structures like sheds and garages on the periphery of dwellings. 

The hip roof may look similar to a pyramid roof, but they differ. A pyramid roof merges at a single point. A hip roof merges at a ridge. The difference is that the four roof sides don’t merge at a single point, but instead they merge at a ridge, which is considered to be architecturally better.

The Bonnet Roof

A bonnet roof is not much different to a hip or pyramid roof, but the two sides of the roof have a sudden or gentle slope. They are commonly seen on houses with porches. The slopes typically cover the porch.

The Flat Roof

There’s no beating the simplicity of a flat roof. It looks stylish and is easy to build.  It’s also safe to walk on, which is a bonus for maintenance. However, it does pose some maintenance challenges because a flat roof tends to form puddles and collects fallen debris.

Roof Material Options

The roof shape you choose is an important one, but so is the material you opt for. There are many factors to consider before you make a choice because each one has negative and positive features.

Cost

Cost is the most obvious one, but you should also investigate the durability of the material, whether or not it is made from sustainable materials or have eco-friendly attributes and how much it weighs. Here are some of the options on offer.

Clay Tiles

These are versatile and are commonly used for building roofs. They may seem eco-friendly as they’re made from a natural material, but they actually use a lot of energy in their production. Because they’re brittle, they tend to shatter and can get damaged by wind. They’re also heavy and will require reinforcing in your roof structure for added support. They are fire resistant, which is a bonus.

Metal Roof​

There's a vast range in price when it comes to metal roofing. On the expensive side? Copper. Steel, on the other hand, is very affordable. Metal roof constructions can be melted after use, so they’re considered to be sustainable.

They may seem to be heavy but are actually lightweight and require little maintenance. Copper roofs will form a protective layer naturally over time, while steel roofs only need to be painted.

Shake or Wood Shingle Roofs

The natural and rustic look of wood shingle looks fabulous, and they are eco-friendly. There’s a range of products on the market to suit the weight constraints of your roof.  As well as your budget. They are wind resistant but are vulnerable to fire.

Ensuring they’re coated with a fire retardant will mitigate this risk. Consider the shorter life span before you invest in this option, as they’ll need to be cleaned and well maintained to retain their integrity.

Conclusion

Consider your budget and how much time you have to invest in the maintenance of your roof. Once you’ve balanced out the benefits and drawbacks of your choices, you’ll quickly decide on the shape of the roof and materials you use.