New Roofs: Various Materials You Could Choose
An important aspect of designing the structure of your new home is selecting appropriate roofing materials. However, with the vast assortment of materials that are available, some homeowners simply leave the decision up to their contractors, which is not ideal, as your choice of roofing is not simply about what would be affordable. You also need to consider the different properties the various materials would provide when it comes to providing your home with maximum protection against the elements. Additionally, your roofing materials can also considerably increase or decrease the value of the structure. Here are a just a few of the various materials that you could choose for your new roof.
Asphalt
Undoubtedly, this is one of the most popular roofing materials that homeowners gravitate toward. It offers you a low-cost option making it an affordable choice for new homeowners. The asphalt is made up of a fibreglass mat that promotes resiliency against the elements as well as being easy to install. Moreover, asphalt shingles come in an array of colour choices so you can choose a roof to complement the theme of your home. Asphalt does come with some drawbacks. For instance, it has a low insulation level, so it will not help in enhancing the thermal efficiency of your structure. Also, it is prone to erosion, so it will have to be replaced after some time.
Metal
Metal is another popular roofing material as you have the opportunity to make a selection of different types of metallic options depending on your budget. The most common type of metal roofing is aluminium since it is innately resistant to corrosion. Other types of metal roofing that you could consider are copper and zinc, depending on what your budget can accommodate. Metal roofing is also an ideal option if you are constructing your home in a location that is susceptible to bushfires, as metal roofs tend to be fire retardant. Nevertheless, it is crucial to take note of the fire rating of your individual choice, as the fire-resistance will vary from one metal to another.
Wood
Shingles made from timber used to be commonplace in years past but have gradually become a less popular option. Nonetheless, if you would like a rustic appearance for your home that would make your structure seamlessly blend in with the outdoors, you can choose from a myriad of wood materials include redwood, pine, cedar and more. One thing to note about wood shingles is that they do not provide fire resistance. As such, some building codes could prohibit their use.