Slate tiles are durable and long-term roof treatments, often lasting more than 100 years – one of the most sustainable roof materials on the market.
Concrete and clay tiles are highly durable roofing options, resistant to fire, rot and insects. If you want the look of traditional tiles on your roof structure, check out Cladco’s Tile Form Metal Sheeting which uses GreenCoat Mica BT color-coated steel in Graphite Grey for the same effect.
1. Slate Tiles
Slate tiles provide an authentic and timeless aesthetic for garden buildings, with long lifespans and resistance against fire, water damage, rot, insect damage, rust and corrosion. Furthermore, slate acts as a great insulator that keeps shed cooler during the summer and warmer during winter. While more costly than alternative roofing materials, slate pays dividends in terms of longevity and durability.
Material created through metamorphosing shale into more resistant rock forms by applying heat and pressure, followed by foliating them using special tools, which then allows expert cutting to yield thin sheets suitable for roof shingles.
Asphalt shingles fade and discolour over time, while slate tiles retain their colour over time. Plus, their natural rainwater repellency lowers leak risk significantly while their fireproof construction means they won’t crack under extreme temperatures.
Natural slate comes in various colors and textures, allowing for endless customization options. Ripped into different widths for an aged effect or laid together in layers to form unique patterns can all create stunning effects – or opt for uniform-width installation for a sleek, modern finish.
Slate’s durability makes it the ideal material for outdoor areas like patios, walkways and pool decks. Its rough, uneven surface offers excellent slip resistance when wet – an attractive feature when used to clad walls or pathways in gardens; additionally Lundgaard & Tranberg Arkitekter has shown how slate adds an impressive rustic charm to homes.
2. Concrete Tiles
Concrete roof tiles are an economical, long-term roofing material suitable for most climates. Available in an array of colors and made to resemble more expensive materials like slate and wood, concrete tiles offer low moisture absorption rates while resisting mold growth and rot; making them less susceptible to water damage and easier to clean than other options. Furthermore, fire retardant and freeze/thaw cycles do not pose issues in their use in cold climates.
At its heart lies this durable roofing material’s greatest appeal: its full recycling. This makes it an excellent option for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking to reduce landfill waste, with any leftover material either recycled back into tile form or used elsewhere like road paving.
Cedar roofing adds an authentic charm that complements rustic and log home designs. Constructed from low-density timber that will not shrink over time, Cedar roofs provide long-term protection and insulation to keep the garden room warm during any season. Their red hue ages into silvery-grey as it weathers over time, offering endless stain options to match the overall color of your home.
Cedar may be more costly than other roofing materials, but it remains an economical solution for those on a tight budget. Cedar roofs are lightweight and require less structural support than other materials – saving installation costs considerably and protecting your investment with fire resistance and rot proof qualities.
3. Clay Tiles
Clay tiles offer a beautiful way to give garden buildings an exclusive and distinct appearance, complementing architectural designs in various shapes, sizes and colors. Their styles come in all kinds of shapes, sizes and hues that fit seamlessly into various architectural styles.
Lighter weight than concrete and slate tiles, asphalt tiles can also be easily installed on shallower slopes with less risk of leaks and improved thermal performance; an especially important consideration in areas with higher wind speeds.
As with concrete tiles, clay tiles offer both water resistance and natural resistance against fire and insects. Furthermore, their insulation properties allow indoor spaces to stay cooler during the summer and warmer during winter.
However, it should be kept in mind that clay tiles can brittle and crack over time due to repeated exposure to freezing and thawing temperatures, or due to large objects falling onto their roofs. Therefore, regular maintenance, including cleaning and sealing with sealants should ensure their long-term durability.
Clay roofs have proven themselves durable over the past century, making them an excellent long-term option for many homes. Furthermore, their aesthetic qualities add value and add lasting curb appeal. To safeguard against potential roof deterioration, annual inspections with an experienced roofer should be scheduled in order to check for damage and address any potential issues as they arise. A qualified contractor should be able to detect signs of wear in your clay tiles and recommend repairs or replacement as required.
4. Wood Shingles
Wood shingles are thin pieces of tapered wood used to cover roofs and walls to protect them from weather conditions. Although any species of timber can be used to craft them, rot-resistant species like cedar and redwood provide better moisture-control than others. Wood shingles are relatively easy to install, while protecting their longevity can be enhanced using preservative treatments that extend lifespan or limit damage by protecting against UV radiation from the sun.
Shakes and shingles come in various forms, each offering unique characteristics that affect their appearance and durability. Some shakes and shingles are constructed from rough-hewn logs while others can be sawn, smoothed, shaped into circles, cusps, or notches to give a uniform finish.
Different kinds of shakes and shingles are available to complement various home architectural styles from rustic to refined. Heavy split shakes work particularly well when placed against natural scenery in mountain or ranch-style settings while resawn shakes pair perfectly with cottages or bungalows.
Wood variety used for shingles and shakes can have an important impact on their performance and lifespan. Cedar shingles, for instance, are highly durable and offer good insulation against colder winter temperatures as well as being fire resistant, resistant to fungus growth and insects. Unfortunately, however, like other materials they require regular upkeep to preserve both appearance and functionality.
5. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are one of the most popular roofing choices among North American homeowners, offering easy installation, low upfront costs and a variety of textures and colors. Asphalt shingles can help lower homeowners insurance premiums as well as provide protection from hailstorms, high winds and tornados.
The two primary asphalt shingle types are strip or three-tab and laminated dimensional. A strip shingle features cutouts or tabs lining its lower edges while laminated dimensional shingles have multiple layers to add texture and dimension, creating texture and dimension for these luxury premium shingles which often have larger exposures, more durability, fire-resistance, energy savings benefits as well as unique aesthetics. While more expensive than standard shingles they also boast distinctive appearances while offering improved durability, fire-resistance, energy cost savings benefits as well.
Corrugated shed roofing is another high-performing option designed to fit garden buildings with flat roofs. Similar to metal/bitumen sheets, but looking more like shingles. Corrugations helps absorb impact damage while reducing risk of blow-off during storms; additionally it comes equipped with a protective granular coating which enhances durability and keeps out elements.
Other durable roof materials to consider are cedar shingles, slate tiles and concrete tiles. The ideal roofing material should combine durability and aesthetic appeal in such a way that complements your property aesthetically. Selecting the appropriate material is an important investment and should last you for decades with proper care and maintenance. If unsure which option would best fit you or require guidance from an expert professional.
