From picking out the bathroom suite to selecting the perfect kitchen island, there are plenty of exciting things to consider when it comes to dreaming up your brand new, custom-designed luxury home – but one aspect that perhaps isn’t so much fun is selecting the right roofing materials for the job.
Roofing might not be very exciting, but it’s certainly important, and will have a significant impact on the overall safety of your home, as well as on the overall aesthetic. A quality roof will keep your home dry and act as a barrier against rain and snow, as well as improving energy efficiency and making your home a little kinder to the environment.
Roofing materials have improved dramatically over the decades, and today there is more choice than ever before – which can be confusing if you don’t quite know where to start. So, before you bring your roofing contractor in, we take a look at some of the top options to have on your radar to act as the icing on the cake of your gorgeous new home.
Asphalt and composite shingle
Asphalt and asphalt composite shingle are two of the most effective roofing materials available, so it perhaps comes as no surprise that they are some of the most popular. Usually made from a fibreglass base topped with asphalt and mineral granules, it’s quick and easy to install, and maintenance and replacement is relatively easy, too. Available in a broad range of colours, lighter shades reflect light to further improve a home’s energy efficiency – and this material also provides excellent protection against fire. However, it’s worth bearing in mind they are a less sustainable choice when compared with some alternatives, often ending up in landfill at the end of their life.
Concrete tiles
Concrete tiles come in several different varieties – some comprising a lightweight concrete blend, and others containing additional wood or clay fibres to strengthen them without increasing weight. A highly durable option that can last for up to 50 years, they are fire resistant, recyclable, and come in a range of textures and colours. Despite being relatively lightweight, they are still heavier than many alternative materials, and framing will need to be added to support them – but overall, they are a durable, long-lasting and environmentally conscious choice.
Synthetic
Synthetic roofing can comprise various different materials including clay, plastic and rubber, and are often designed to look like more traditional slate roofing. Mainly developed for low and flat roofs, they generally come with warranties guaranteeing them for 50 years, and thermo-plastic single ply, which is perfect for flat or low-pitched roofs, enjoys the highest energy star rating of any roofing material – making it the most sustainable choice of the bunch when it comes to energy efficiency, but sadly not so much in the recycling stakes. As synthetic roofing materials are still relatively new, there is limited expertise in installing them amongst building contractors, so if you’re planning on choosing synthetics then be sure to shop around for a contractor who knows them well.
Natural slate
One of the most traditional choices, natural slate roofing has long been the go-to material for home roofing, not least thanks to its impressive durability and longevity that can see it last for many decades when maintained efficiently. Naturally strong and absorbent of water, they are less susceptible to leaking and frost damage in cold weather and fire resistant, too. So it’s perhaps little wonder that slate roofing tiles remain a popular choice today, with various colours and shapes now available for maximum versatility.
The bottom line
When it comes to choosing the right roofing materials for your custom luxury home, it all comes down to personal choice – but fire resistance, energy efficiency and durability should all be key concerns when making your selection. As the pressure on our environment continues to grow, we can also all do our bit by choosing natural and recyclable materials, without the need to compromise on the aesthetics.
