We often say that the roof is the crown of the house, providing protection against the elements and the vagaries of the weather, and of course giving our home an external character as well. The choice of roof can depend on many things; factors influencing the decision may include the climate or the country we live in, current trends, the available budget, and the list goes on. Nowadays we can choose from so many types of roof that it can sometimes be difficult to make the right decision.
What basic formal variations exist for house roofs?
- flat roof
- gable roof,
- mono-pitch (lean-to) roof
- Dutch gable (gablet) roof
- half-hipped roof
- tent roof
- tower roof
- conical roof
- domed roof
- mansard or French roof
- basilica roof
- sawtooth or shed roof
- cross roof
What do we mean by the roof covering?
The roof covering is essentially the outermost layer of the roof, which comes into direct contact with weather effects such as rain, snow, ice, sunshine and wind. This layer ensures the building’s waterproofing, protects the structures beneath it, and also contributes to the building’s thermal insulation. The roof covering must be durable and weather-resistant so that it retains its functionality and aesthetic appearance over the long term.
The roof covering can be:
- slate,
- asphalt shingle,
- onduline,
- tile,
- corrugated fibre-cement sheet.
Modern and minimalist flat roofs
The clean lines of flat roofs are a characteristic of modern architecture and are also very popular for family homes. Due to their low pitch angle, this roof type is often chosen for industrial and commercial buildings as well. Among their advantages are the simple structure and easy maintainability.
The timeless and classic tile roof
Here at home, tile roofs are considered a traditional choice and remain a popular roof covering to this day. Tiles are made from natural material, so they are not only beautiful but also environmentally friendly. They are available in various colours and shapes, so everyone can find one that suits their style.
The popular asphalt shingle roof
The asphalt shingle roof is a popular roofing solution, as it is widely used around the world, in a variety of climatic conditions. These roofs consist of small, individual elements called shingles, which are placed on the roof surface so that they cover and protect each other. During their design, regional weather conditions and the roof pitch must be taken into account so that the appropriate material and installation method are selected, thus guaranteeing long service life and functional suitability. In addition, the asphalt shingle roof is aesthetically significant, as numerous colours, shapes and textures are available, enabling homeowners to harmonise the roof with the rest of the building and the surroundings.
Durable and versatile slate roofs
Slate roofs are made from natural slate and one of their most important properties is their long service life, being particularly resistant to extreme weather conditions. Their popularity is also due to their traditional and aesthetic appearance, as well as the fact that they provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Although their installation cost may be higher compared to other roofing options, the low maintenance requirement and long service life compensate for this expense.
We can see that house roofs can be very diverse, and during design, installation and renovation everyone may make their decision based on different criteria. The most important thing is that the roof fits the building’s style, suits the given climate and weather conditions, and stands the test of time.
Problem with your roof?
After a free on-site survey we give you an itemised quote.