Roof: which roofing material to choose?
The main purpose of roofing is to protect the building and its inhabitants from the elements and to regulate the temperature of the building. For this reason, it is of utmost importance to use high quality materials, while taking care to respect the current urban planning regulations which aim to maintain a certain visual harmony and generally concern the material, its color and the slope of the roof. But beware, not all materials are suitable for all types of roofs!
For sloped roofs
• Tiles
To make the choice of the roof tiles, it is to have at your disposal a large number of colors, formats (according to the molds used) and finishes (varnished, enamelled ...).
Made of concrete: composed of a mixture of gray cement and stained sand, they are particularly resistant to frost. Less expensive, they are also heavier and larger than terracotta tiles. They should be adapted to the frame before laying them.
Terracotta: They come in a variety of shades, shapes and sizes, and withstand temperature fluctuations and inclement weather.
The little plus is the diversity of finishing accessories that can complete complex shapes of roofing.
• Slates
Natural: made of natural stone, they will give character to your roof. Each slate has a hue of its own. It is a durable material that is resistant to temperature differences. In view of the low availability of the product, however, they represent a significant financial investment.
Artificial: composed of a mixture of cement, reinforcing fibers and minerals (fibrocement), they are available in various formats. Easy to maintain and less expensive than natural slates, they also have a shorter life.
There are also bitumen slates that mimic natural stone through their cutting. They are ideal for all architectural styles, but their longevity is quite limited (around 30 years).
• Metal roofs
Generally, they are chosen for their longer service life, their ease of implementation and their high resistance to damage. Their cost and their impact on the environment are, however, the main drawbacks.
Most often zinc, metal roofs, combined with a good insulation, will offer a contemporary look to your "home sweet home". Similarly, the aluminum used for industrial buildings is now entering the roofs of our cottages, for sustainable construction and resolutely design.
For flat roofs
• Bitumen
There are two types: UV-resistant plastomers, which require no protective weight layer, and elastomeric compounds, which are more flexible and adhere better. Bitumen offers a very good seal, but its environmental record is unfavorable.
• The EPM
The EPM is a synthetic rubber, environmentally friendly, but also very resistant to thermal shock. It is very often used to support green roofs.
• PVC
Halfway, PVC is a synthetic material more durable than bitumen, but less resistant than the EPM.
Stay warm: everything is in the attic
To improve the overall comfort of your home, but also to save in your heating costs, properly isolate the roof is essential. It is known that hot air does not escape only through walls and windows, but also largely through the roof.
For example, insulation in an unheated attic saves 30% energy. If it is heated, the benefits are even higher.