When constructing a new house, or planning the layout of your commercial building, choosing the right type of roof is of paramount importance.

Roofs offer more than just protection against weather elements. The shape and material you choose for your roof determines the lifespan of your property, the efficiency of energy usage, the availability of additional space, and of course, the overall look and feel of your house.
 

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Roof

• Expected life span
• Type of building(residential or commercial)
• Nature of roof (water-resistant, energy saving, sloping or flat)
• Financial Plan
• Insurance and warranty
• A reliable roofing contractor

Roofs for Residential Properties

Understand that the roof of a residential property is very different from that of a commercial space, both in their functionality and the process by which they are laid out.

The material, shape and design also play a pivotal role in optimizing the roof to the maximum. First and foremost, you must decide what shape you want your roof to be. Here is a list of the most common designs.

Roofs Shapes and Construction Types

1. Gable: Two sloping sides come together to form a ridge in this type of roof. Depending on the floor plan of the house, gabled roofs can be of various types:

• L-shaped: suitable for T-shaped houses
• Saltbox: one slope is shorter than the other due to differences in height of the walls
• False front: a pitched slope only added to front of the house to give it a unique look

2. Hip: This is similar to a gable type shape, except that here the roofs slope back from all four sides, creating a sort of pyramidal roof shape.

3. Gambrel: Another variation of the gable, here each slope is divided into two parts–the one close to the ridge is relatively flat while the one near the eaves slopes down steeply.

4. Shed: Here, a single roof slants in one direction only. You can think of it as one half of a gable. 

5. Combination roofs: A roof can be designed while incorporating different shapes. The part where two roofs join creates what is known as a valley. A poorly constructed valley can lead to leaks and weather damage.

Residential Roofing Material

Whether you’re constructing a new roof or repairing an existing one, choosing the right roofing tile and design is the first step.

Here are some of the most common roofing materials picked by homeowners, in order of preference.

1. 1. Asphalt Shingles: The most common roofing material used in the United States, asphalt shingles are inexpensive and can last up to 25 years. They come in a wide variety of textures and colors, allowing the ultimate flexibility in creatively designing your home. Additionally, they are highly resistant to hail and wind, and can be easily repaired in case of damage.
   2. Slate Shingles: One of the most durable and sturdy of all roofing materials, these are thin sheets carved out from the sedimentary slate rock. Due to its nature, they are not the easiest to install and require a very strong foundation to support their weight. However, once in place, they will see you through for 75 or more years. 
   3. Wood Shakes: Wood shingles are expensive and involve a time-consuming laying out process. A damaged wood shingle needs to be taken care of immediately as they tend to spread the fault. That said, these are one of the most aesthetically appealing roofing materials. So, if you have the money and wish to indulge your home go ahead and choose this option.
   4. Metal Roofing: In the last ten years, metal has seen a growing trend in the construction industry. They are lightweight, low maintenance and eco-friendly with a lifespan of 40-50 years. They are slightly tricky to install, so make sure you hire a roofing contractor with adequate experience in metal roof installation. 

Roofs for Commercial Properties

Depending on the requirements of the building and the financial capacity of the owner, there are several options for commercial roofs.

Common Shapes and designs 

1. Flat Roofs: The most preferred roof type for commercial spaces, flat roofs are easy to install and, therefore, a cheaper option. It gives the added advantage of space, wherein air conditioners and other units can be installed on the flat surface of the roof with ease.
2. Low-sloped Roofs: These are mostly used in factories and warehouses, where dry interior conditions are very important. The low sloping surface allows water to easily flow away, even in the absence of high performing gutters.
3. Pitched Roofs: These are more commonly seen in residential homes than commercial buildings. The steep slopes ensure effective water runoff and keeps the surface dry at all times. As such, they require less maintenance than flat or low-sloped roofs.  

Materials Used in Commercial Roofing

When choosing the roofing material for your commercial space, consider the climate and weather conditions very carefully. Is the area prone to frequent storms, snowfall or constant rain? The unique weather resistant capacity of the material will determine the longevity of your roof. 

1. Single-ply Membrane: One of the most popular materials for flat roofs, single-ply membranes are lightweight, cost-effective, highly resistant to water and fire, and protects against UV radiation as well. They are made from sheets of rubber and other synthetics that can be chemically treated to provide maximum protection for your commercial facility. Single-ply membrane come in three types:
   • EPDM Rubber: Ethylene propylene diene terpolymer, commonly known as rubber roofing, is the most cost-effective roofing option for commercial buildings. While it is highly effective in preventing water damage, it is unsuitable for places with high average temperatures. 
   • TPO: This is an upgraded version of EPDM in that it is combined with polypropylene rubber to increase its durability. The sheets are joined using heat-welding instead of adhesive, and are therefore less prone to seam leaks and damages.
   • PVC: Polyvinyl chloride or PVC roofing is highly recommended by contractors for its durability. It comprises two layers of PVC sheets, with a polyester layer in the middle. They are laid out with heat welding, which reinforces the strength and sturdiness of the material.
2. Built-up Roof: Commonly known as BUR roofs, they are your standard tar-and-gravel roofs. They are constructed with alternating layers of bitumen (gravel made of asphalt or coal-tar) and reinforcing felts. This roof type is flexible as the number of layers can vary depending on budget and durability requirements. This is perfect for low-slope roof type and is one of the most cost-effective roofing materials in the market today.
3. Modified Bitumen: Primarily an asphalt-based roofing, modified bitumen is similar to the BUR, and is ideal for low-sloped or flat roofed structures. They are designed to withstand extreme environmental elements, be it heat, water or cold. This roof type consists of five layers, beginning with an insulation sheet, followed by a base sheet, modified bitumen sheets, adhesive or water-proofing material and lastly, a protective surfacing to prevent weather damage. 
4. Metal: Metal roofs are increasing in popularity with every passing year. Installed properly, a metal roof can last up to 50 years. Some advantages of this roof type are that it’s lightweight, low maintenance, fire resistant, and energy efficient.
   

That comes to end of our article. If you want more info on roofing and assistance call 678-543-0566