Roofing is one of the most important aspects of any building and if not constructed properly can be disastrous for a project with issues such as leakage, rotting, or collapse. Like most construction projects, when it comes to roofing there are multiple styles and materials that you can choose from, each with its own unique properties, benefits, and downsides.
Different structure types such as commercial, industrial or residential can benefit from various materials and some are better suited depending on the building type. While industrial and commercial may require durability and strength, residential roofing and roof vents has multiple requirements, and some of the best roofing types to choose from include:
- Metal
- PVC
- Asphalt
Metal roofing might sound strange for a residential building but offers many benefits while PVC is durable, cheap, and easy to install and asphalt is a traditional choice as an excellent all-rounder for any project.
Metal Roofing
When looking for something that is tough, durable, and extremely protective the using the sheets of metal roofing ticks all the boxes. Lasting between 40and 70 years, metal roofing offers great protection over other roofing materials and can be adapted for residential use as well as commercial and industrial.
Because it is metal, metal roofing also offers excellent protection from the elements, not least from fire whereby it is impossible to ignite from either an external source of ignition or from a lightning strike. Contrary to the popular myth, a metal roof is less dangerous if hit by lightning rather than increasing the danger as many people believe. When it comes to the gutters, it is important to keep in mind to prevent clogging and with downspout installation from Gutterilla that can be possible.
PVC Roofing
Known for its high durability, PVC is a type of plastic and is used in many products including pipes, wires, and storage bags. PVC roofing is also available and is a very good cost-effective material that provides excellent protection from the elements however at 25 to 40 years doesn’t last as long as metal roofing.
An excellent advantage of PVC roofing however is its protection against water since it can be sealed watertight if installed correctly which will greatly reduce the moisture and humidity of your home, therefore, preventing common structural issues such as mold and dampness that can be the bane of structural integrity and roofing itself and making it more energy efficient.
Asphalt Roofing
A traditional material with which to apply roofing, asphalt is an excellent all-rounder since it provides the required protection, is easy to install, and is more aesthetically pleasing than other roofing types. Because it is a cheaper option, however, asphalt doesn’t last very long at only around 15 to 25 years but can last longer depending on the quality, so they are best used for smaller projects such as sheds, extensions, and garages rather than for roofing the entire family home.
Asphalt is also very lightweight and is therefore susceptible to the adverse effects of extreme weather so is therefore not recommended in climates with varying weather that sees frequent storms of wind or rain since asphalt shingles can be uplifted by winds of over 60mph, making them more suited to mild climates.
