Pitched Roof Covering.
A pitched / sloped roof has various components: the structure, the insulating elements, the ventilation of the roof space, the covering, the water drainage and apertures.
What is the roof covering?
The cover or covering is the top layer of the roof. It is the part of the roof which is in direct contact with external elements. It is the first line of defense protecting the house against the rain, sun, snow, wind, hail, cold, heat and all types of weather.
The covering must meet several requirements in order to protect the house and the other components forming the roof:
- Waterproof
- Windproof (roofing material should not rise or move with strong wind)
- Able to support the weight of a person when required (for maintenance and repair)
- Shockproof (resistant to hail, branches and other debris carried by the wind, passage of small animals, etc.)
Roof Covering: the aesthetic touch
The cover is the top layer of the roof. It is the part everybody sees from the outside. In addition to its protective qualities, it is one of the aesthetic details of the exterior of the house and its shape, material and color can add to the aesthetic value of a property.
Indeed, the range of roofing materials has expanded in recent years, thanks to the technical progress in this field.
The exterior design of the house including the roof is often governed by state or local building regulations or codes. These can normally be checked at the local authority planning office.
Different Types of Roof Covering
Roofing materials have evolved over time. Today, there is a wide range of the most classic and traditional to the most technologically advanced materials. Whether a traditional style, in line with regional architecture, designed for energy efficiency, or environmental qualities, there's something for all tastes and needs.
MATERIAL |
DETAIL |
BENEFITS |
DISADVANTAGES |
TERRACOTTA TILE |
Clay tile, flat or half-cylinder (roof tile), or nesting. |
Resistant to frost. Solid. Durable (about 50 years). Washable. Ecological (made from natural materials) available in many forms and colors. Adapts to regional architectural style. |
Poor resistance to shocks. Clay is not a renewable resource. Heavy material (between 10 and 19 pounds per square foot). The price: it takes between 12 and 100 tiles to cover approx 12 square feet depending on the type of tile. |
SLATE |
Natural stone color, black or blue. Cover can be natural or cement. |
Very durable. Very good longevity from 75 to 150 years). Aesthetics. No foam. Retains its color. |
Can rust (presence of iron inside). Some slates are brittle. Non-renewable material. High price. |
ZINC |
White metal type usually used as cover in sheet form. |
Easy to work with metal. Aesthetic thanks to bluish tinge. Resistant. Waterproof. No foam. Easy to maintain. Good life: between 30 and 100 years, depending on the environment (pollution sulfur cause its degradation). |
Requires considerable technical and installation experience. Tendency to tarnish. |
CONCRETE ROOF TILE |
Tile created from mortar and surface treated. |
Cheaper than conventional tile. May be colored by adding pigment. |
Unsustainable. Fade under the action of UV and rain. Unattractive. |
ASPHALT SHINGLES (SHINGLE) |
Rigid plate formed of a glass fiber reinforcement and a bitumen coating, and finally a surface protection. |
Most commonly used material in the USA and second roofing material most used in the world after the tile. Several aesthetic styles available. Fits all types of roofing. Waterproof. Fireproof. |
The aesthetic is altered with aging. Weak sustainability. |
PHOTOVOLTAIC TILE |
System to convert solar energy into electricity. |
Replaces bulky solar panels. Aesthetically integrated into the roof. Allows you to save money. Ecological. Possibility of receiving financial aid. |
The high purchase cost. Energy production may vary depending on the season. Unattractive, although more discreet than traditional solar panels. |
CORRUGATED |
Steel covering material, in the form of corrugated plate. |
Resistant. Available in several colors. Lower cost. Durability (between 10 and 30 years). |
Poor thermal capacity. Poor noise insulation. Aesthetics. |
WOOD |
Tile solid wood. |
Aesthetics. Thermal and sound insulation. Resistant to insects. |
Regular maintenance (UV treatment). Discolors with time. Requires more work. |