How to choose the right roof material for your house

Truth be told some types of roof materials may be better suited for your house than others. Factors such as the slope of the roof and the strength of the framing could limit your choices.

The right roof material for your house is the one that serves your needs. A roof can potentially make up 40% of the exterior, often playing a huge role in its overall look and appeal yet it is highly overlooked. There are various roofing materials in the market today all thanks to technology.

This gives any project, a variety of options to choose from. Deciding which one to use entirely depends on the house plan, the vision that you have for your home, and the various purposes that you intend to use the roof for eg. Water collection, aesthetics or simply making a statement in your town. The roofing materials for your construction should withstand all the expected natural and artificial elements over a prolonged period of time.

The roofing material, that you ultimately install should not only satisfy your construction project’s economic requirements, but also the technical specifications. You will want to consider the weight, texture, color, and durability of your alternatives, as well as what has traditionally been used on a house like yours.

Here are the most common factors to Consider When Choosing Your Roofing Materials

• Slope of your roof – The pitch or slope ratio determines not only the amount of roofing material required, but also the overall weight, structure, and drainage of the roof. A roof with a low slop, or even one that is flat will likely require a different surface material from one with a steeper pitch. Most shingles, tiles, and slate-like materials are approved for use on roofs with a 4-in-12 or steeper slope. Low- or flat-pitched roofs must be topped with materials that are seamless, such as built-up tar-and-gravel or sprayed polyurethane foam. If they’re not, they’ll leak when water pools on the surface.
• Weight of the materials – The weight of the roofing materials you select should not exceed the maximum structural load your building can support.
• Durability of the roofing material – Roofing materials react differently to various environmental factors. So, ensure what you choose is designed to hold out against your area’s solar and rainfalllevels over a prolonged period of time.
• Color of your roof – Roofing materials with reflective colors are suitable for buildings in hot climate zones. The dull-colored materials, are perfectly suited for cold climates because of their solar absorption capabilities.
• Installation and Maintenance – Pick roofing materials that are easy to install and maintain over a long period of time. Consider not only the buying price of your roofing materials, but also the subsequent cost of installation plus their projected future maintenance costs.
• Warranty – Always check whether your manufacturer comes with a warranty. Settle for roofing materials that come with warranties.
• Appearance – Roofing materials should be compatible with the corresponding roofing designs and the overall architecture of their buildings. The color, texture, and type of material of a roof material will often dramatically affect the look of a home.
• Functionality – While most roofs only serve as protection against weather elements, some double up as rainwater plus solar energy collection resources. All these affect the type of materials you ultimately choose for your roofing.

Still on the fence? Click here <<Roofing Materials In Kenya>>to learn more about the various roofing materials that exist in Kenya and their advantages.