Roofing

If you thought roofing was as simple as "having a roof over your head" think again, there are a number of options and products when it comes to the perfect roof over your head.

Types of Roofing

Whether you're looking at roofing solutions for your new home or your existing roof needs to be replaced, there are a few basic types of roofing options including; concrete and clay tiles, fibre cement, metal (steel, aluminium, tin), thatch, slate and eco-roofs.

Concrete and clay tiles are the most popular roofing solution; around 80% of homes in SA use this attractive option. These tiles are fireproof and extremely durable. Concrete and clay tiles come in a wide variety of colours and styles and are easy to maintain. They are relatively expensive, but last a long time.

Fibre cement roof slates and tiles come in many colours and styles. They are relatively lightweight, low maintenance and extremely durable. Fibre cement is fire and insect resistant, but can be expensive.

Metal roofs can be made from steel, aluminium or tin and are available in a variety of colours. They are lightweight and durable, with a long life span. They may require periodic painting after a few years, so they can become expensive. Metal roofs are also noisy during storms and if not installed correctly can leave the homeowner with many problems.

A thatch roof looks very natural as it blends in with the environment and offers some insulating properties. Is does however require professional installation and requires a lot of maintenance. Thatch is easily flammable and if in a wet environment can get mouldy.

Slate roof tiles are very expensive, but have an elegant distinctive appearance. Slate is fireproof and has a long life span. It requires specialised installation as it is heavy and fragile.

Eco-roofs can be constructed using recycled materials, it can also be a roof fitted with solar panels or it can be a roof garden - where the entire roof is made up of soil and plantation. These roofs will work well on flat moderately sloped waterproofed roofs, where rainwater is filtered through to the soil to feed the vegetation. It is very attractive and provides your home with insulation, i.e. keeps the house cool in summer. Initially it is expensive and is not yet popular is South Africa, but is extensively used in Europe, even on the walls of commercial buildings.

Before making your choice, be sure to consider the life-cycle of your roofing material. The material may be expensive now, but requires less maintenance and has a longer life expectancy than cheaper options.

Repair or Replace

If your roof has bare spots, cracks, warping and curls, gaps or even missing tiles, do-it-yourself repairs are possible as long a you're comfortable with heights, ladders and your local hardware store. If that's not for you, then consider hiring a qualified contractor. A roof may sustain visible damage from a heavy storm, but hail or wind can cause problems that are not immediately noticeable. A roof is relatively durable for a long time, but long-term exposure to the elements can take its toll. So, if your roof is older than 20 years, consult a professional to discuss whether your roof requires replacement.

Inspect your roof at least once a year.

Your roof protects you against the elements and a leaking roof can cause enormous damage in a short period of time. Unfortunately, once you have a leak it’s difficult to contain it and may require repeat repairs. This is when you need to replace at least a section in your roof to avoid further damage.

Roofing Contractors

Roofing contractors work outside, so they don't need access to your home, which in this day and age is better for your family's security. Roof maintenance should not take longer than a couple of days as tearing down and replacing a roof doesn't take longer than a week, depending on the skills of the labourers.

Roof replacement should be done in the dryer season, i.e. winter in Gauteng and summer in the Cape.