As a home owner, roofing materials and terminology can be quite daunting! We hope to alleviate that stress by providing you the below information which should hopefully, make your decision that much easier.

Torch on Felt

Roof Types

 

Two or three layers of bitumen sheet are applied by gas torch to form the roof coating. This is a very cost-effective option. There are different grades available to provide better quality but are at a higher cost.

A great advantage of felt is its ability to perform under pressure and due to multi layering, stands up well to foot traffic. It should not be pierced or damaged by falling debris. Felt is more susceptible to blistering in hot climates and cracking in the cold.

Torch on felt, if well maintained, can last 30 years +

 

GRP Fibreglass

 

GRP fibreglass has become one of the most popular forms of flat roofing systems because it is not only a strong material but doesn’t add too much extra weight to the structure.

GRP Fibreglass can only be laid in dry, mild conditions.

As the material is in liquid form it means there are no joins or seams left on the roof surface after installation. This creates a smooth finish that other forms of roofing systems struggle to match. GRP fibreglass comes in a wide range of colours which provides a great level of choice for property owners. If you have a specific colour scheme on the property you’re looking to match against, this is far more likely to be possible with GRP.

GRP Fibreglass, if well maintained, can last 25+ years

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EPDM Rubber

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EPDM is one of the most durable forms of roofing systems used for flat roof surfaces. It’s also used as a weatherproofing solution.

While rubberised roofing is extremely durable and damage resistant, over time it will require cleaning and occasional repairs.

EPDM is a  durable material in comparison to felt and can withstand the more extreme weather across the years.

EPDM Rubber, if well maintained, can last 50+ years

Metal Roofing

 

Metal roofs can be made from a variety of metals and alloys including Galvanized steel , Galvalume steel , stone-coated steel, aluminum, copper, zinc, terne (zinc-tin alloy), and stainless steel.

Unlike many other roofing materials, a metal roof can easily be installed in the winter. Generally metal roofs require none or minimal maintenance.

Metal roofing is generally more expensive compared to other roofing meterials because installing metal roofing requires specialized training, knowledge, tools and equipment.

Metal roofs will last 50+ years

Roof Types

Slate Roofing

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Slate roofing tiles are established as one of the most high-quality and long-lasting roofing tiles around, yet durability is just one of the many benefits a slate roof may bring to your project.

Naturally strong, and absorbing little water, slate roofs are less susceptible to leaking and frost damage than other, less durable materials.

While slate is a very durable material, it can break if stepped on. You should not walk on slate tiles unless you know what you are doing, otherwise you will most likely damage some of them.

Once a slate tile is broken, replacing it is a complicated task. Slate runs by lots and each lot is different, which makes it nearly impossible to find replacement tiles that are a perfect match.

Slate comes in many different colours and can be cut into a variety of shapes for more decorative designs.

Slate, if well maintained can last 100+ years

Tiled Roofing

Clay Roof Tiles

This attractive tile comes in a number of shapes and patterns.

The maintenance required for clay roof tiles is low but they are brittle and can be prone to breakage. They are also heavy and may require additional structure reinforcement. Clay roof tiles are environmentally friendly and energy efficient

Clay roof tiles, if well maintained, can last 100+ years

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete roof tiles are significally cheaper than clay tiles and therefore, cost effective. They are easy to install and come in a large range of shapes and colours.

Concrete tiles age faster than clay roof tiles and are senstitive to moss formation.

Concrete tiles, if well maintained, can last 50+ years.

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Green Roofs

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A vapour barrier, insulation and single ply EDPM are covered in gravel, then finished with plants and vegetation.

Not only does a green roof insulate noise, it also keeps warmth inside or outside in winter and summer. Green roofs contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions. Green roofs absorb rain water very well and give it off slowly.

Green roofs attract attention from birds and other animals that look for food and weeds often appear.

Green Roofs, if well maintained, can last 30+ years

Thatched Roofs

There’s no denying that a thatched roof adds a lot of character to a property.

Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, meaning your home will stay warm when it’s cold outside and keep it cool during the summer. Thatch is highly environmentally friendly, and is one of the best eco roof types around.

To keep thatched roofs at their best, regular maintenance is required. If you’ve never owned a thatched property before then they can be at greater risk of fire if you don’t take the proper precautions.

Thatched roofs, if well maintained, can last 30+ years

Roof Types