The right roof can make or break a home or commercial building. These impact not only how a building looks, but also the longevity of your property. In the UK, where rain is especially common, it’s important to understand the various roofing options available to you.
Whether you’re looking to add a roof to your property or want help with a roof replacement, there’s a lot to consider. Read on for a comprehensive guide that will outline each type of roof and why you might want to choose it for your construction project.
Pitched roofs
Let’s begin with the simplest type. Pitched roofs are one of the most common and traditional types of roofing in the UK. You will find them in a range of domestic properties as well as many commercial buildings.
They can be easily recognised by their sloping design, which directs rainwater off the roof, reducing the risk of water damage or leaks. Pitched roofs are also simple to maintain and fix if any issues arise. There are a few variations of pitched roofs you should be aware of, including:
Gable roof
The gable roof is a classic design, comprised of two sloping sides that meet at a ridge. This design is popular because it is simple, cost-effective and allows for additional attic space.
Hip roof
A hip roof has slopes on all four sides, which meet at the top to form a ridge. This design is good for wind resistance compared to a gable roof, making it a better choice for regions prone to severe weather. Hip roofs also offer extra living space.
French roof
Sometimes called a Mansard roof, this type features four sides each with two slopes – one steep and one shallow. The idea of this design is to maximise the use of the upper storey, providing additional living or storage space.
Flat roofs
You can think of flat roofs as modern, minimalist options that can be found on many contemporary homes or commercial buildings. Despite their name, you should know that flat roofs are designed with a slight pitch to allow for water drainage.
They offer several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, ease of installation, and the potential for creating roof gardens. Flat roofs are also a favourite for installing solar panels.
Slate roofs
Slate roofs are well known for their classic look and exceptional durability. Slate has been used in construction for centuries due to its strength and style.
Natural slate roofs are made from quarried slate stone, which is split into thin, flat pieces. When used as a roofing material, you’ll find slate to be extremely durable, lasting up to 100 years and naturally resistant to fire, water and extreme weather conditions.
You can also get composite slate roofs, which mimic the look of natural slate. These roofs are made from a blend of polymers and other synthetic materials, making them lightweight, durable and resistant to UK weather. However, they don’t match its longevity.
Tile roofs
Tile roofs can look incredible. This is one of the more popular types of roofs you’ll see in the UK. Known for their durability and striking appearance, tile roofs have a couple of different options for materials.
Clay tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials and continue to be popular due to their aesthetic appearance and long lifespan. Made from natural clay shaped at high temperatures, clay tiles are durable and resistant to fire.
You can also choose concrete tiles, which are a more affordable alternative to clay. Concrete tiles are durable, resistant to both wind and fire, and can last several decades with proper maintenance. Concrete tiles are available in a wider range of colours and finishes than clay and provide good thermal insulation.
Metal roofs
Metal roofs are growing in popularity in the UK. This is because they are long-lasting, energy efficient, and look great. They are available in various styles and finishes, most commonly used on industrial buildings.
Standing seam metal roof
A standing seam metal roof is comprised of vertical metal panels with raised seams. These interlock to create a continuous, watertight surface. This kind of roof is highly durable, resistant to extreme weather, and requires minimal maintenance.
Corrugated metal roof
Corrugated metal roofs are recognisable by their wavy pattern, which provides additional strength and durability. They are lightweight and easy to install, typically found on agricultural and industrial properties.
Thatched roofs
If you’ve ever been to a small village, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a thatched roof. This is a traditional roofing method that uses natural materials such as straw, reed or heather.
While you won’t see them very often in urban areas, there are still many thatched roofs in rural settings. Thatched roofs offer great insulation, but they require additional maintenance and skilled craftsmanship to ensure they are safe and stand the test of time.
Find the perfect roof for you with DPR Roofing
Finding the right roof for your home or commercial property doesn’t have to be stressful. DPR Roofing can guide you to select the perfect roof for your property.
Contact us today on 0113 335 0043 to learn more about our expert roofing services – including roof inspections, repairs and new roof installations.