Roofing materials explained

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The selection of the roofing materials will also depend on whether the roof is pitched or flat and the type of building. The roof is the protection for the whole property and must be weatherproof. Roofing materials must be durable to withstand the elements of rain, wind, snow, ice and excessive heat, depending on the location of the building. Roofing materials can deteriorate over time and require maintenance and repair. General maintenance of the roof is an ongoing process and roofing materials should be checked on a regular basis for signs of drying out, cracking and lifting, which will leave gaps enabling water to enter.

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If the building is in an industrial area, the roof may be corrugated, asphalt or metal. In rural areas, agricultural buildings may have solar panels installed in the roof to provide an income for the owner. Some companies will lease the roofs of large agricultural buildings in order to earn the Feed in Tariffs (FiTs) which are earned when electricity generated from renewable sources is fed back to the National Grid.

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For residential property, there is a wide range of roofing materials, from modern solar tiles to old fashioned quarry tiles. The planning offices of local councils may insist that the builder uses local materials during the construction process. If the building is in Wales, for example, they may insist in using Welsh slate when constructing the roof. In urban areas, especially in terraced streets, the roofing materials must be sympathetic with other properties in the street and not detract too much from the colours and styles of neighbouring properties. In rural areas also, the style and type of roofing materials proposed are a big factor in whether planning permission will be granted.

The energy efficiency of a building is high on the agenda nowadays and some of the traditional roofing materials such as slate and quarry tiles are not good heat conductors. That is not to say that they should not be used, but they can be used with renewable energy products such as solar panels, solar tiles and wind generators mounted on the roof alongside the more traditional materials. Planning regulations also take into account landscaping and the visual impact of a building under construction, and roof lines and roofing materials used must fulfil the requirements of the local planning office and building standards.

Wherever the property is and whatever the style, it is essential that the roof is watertight and this will depend largely on the type of roofing materials used. The roof must be lined with insulation products to prevent heat loss from the roof. Roofing contractors must comply with building regulations relating to the energy efficiency of a property, and this includes the roofing materials used inside as well as outside the roof. By using quality roofing materials and a reputable roofing contractor, the risks of a leaky roof are minimised, ensuring a dry property free from deterioration due to the vagaries of the weather.