The Factors depend on selection of Roof Materials

An outermost exterior covering part of a building is known as roof. Roof is supported by the beneath layer of structure, Roofing materials commonly provide shelter from natural resources like sun heat and light, air, rain, animals and etc.  When choosing roofing materials, there are some important things we need to consider. They are as follows,

1. Duration and ability of roofing material to withstand 
2. Properties of the material such as weight, thickness, durability, slope and shape
3. Whether the material eco-friendly or not / recyclable or not
4. Cost of the material.

Type of Roofing Materials 

• Thatch is roofing made of plant stalks in overlapping layers
• Shingle is the generic term for a roofing material that is in many overlapping sections, regardless of the nature of the material
• Ceramic tile. High cost, life of more than 100 years
• Membrane roofing. Membrane roofing is in large sheets, generally fused in some way at the joints to form a continuous surface (PVC - roofs)
• Concrete or fibre cement, usually reinforced with fibres of some sort.
• Structural concrete can also be used for flat roof constructions. There are three main categories, precast/prestressed, cast-in-place and shell.

1. Clay & Concrete Tiles

Clay tiles are very heavy, requiring additional roof framing, but they are non-combustible and extremely durable. Clay roofing tiles can come in lighter colors, which adhere to the cool roof standards and can reflect well over 50% of the sun's solar energy. Concrete roofing tiles offer elegant, enduring aesthetics for your home's design and added value. Concrete tiles are very versatile and provide greater protection to the homeowner. These flexible tiles come in so many different hues, shapes, textures and styles that they don't even look like tiles at all. Shingle, shake and slate are just some of the varieties of tile. 

2. PVC roofing material

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) roofing material exist as leading roofing material at present. Comparatively PVC roofing material is a better one, for its quality, durability, resistant to UV rays, availability of different colours, flexibility, a good heat stabilizer and also for its cost.  A German company produced the PVC roofing material for the first time in 1966. It is a single ply, thermoplastic roofing material which popularized in a short period of time.

3. Asphalt roofing material

A mixture of aggregates, binder and filler are used to form the Asphalt. Asphalt is used as asphalt shingles and asphalt roll in roof construction works.

3.1 Asphalt shingles

The asphalt shingles roofing material is commonly used roofing material which is a good waterproofing material. Strip asphalt roofing shingles, dimensional asphalt roofing shingles and premium asphalt roofing shingles are the three main asphalt shingles roofing material available.

3.2 Asphalt roll roofing

Easiest way of roofing is using roll roofing material. Th same materials used in the production of asphalt roll roofing as in asphalt shingles. Easiest and cheap way of roofing but not suitable for high slope roofing construction.

4. Metal Roofing (Steel, Aluminium )

Metal roofs are some of the coolest roofs around, both in temperature and style for new homes. Metal roofs are available in copper, aluminum, and stainless steel, and often have a high percentage of recycled content. They offer high insulation solar reflectance, and durability, often lasting twice as long as wood or asphalt. Metal shingles typically simulate traditional roof coverings, such as wood shakes, shingles, slate and tile. Aside from its longevity, metal shingles are much lighter than most materials and very resistance to adverse weather.

5. Eco roofing or green roofing material

A best way to reduce global warming is eco roofing. A layer of plants grown above the primary cement layer of a building with necessary barriers and medium ( Root barrier, water proof layer and soil)  is known as eco roofing. Large trees and plants or light plants like mosses are the materials of eco roofing. A good way to reduce heat within the building and provides natural, fresh air. Low cost and environmental friendly way of roofing material.