The roof is the most important part of your home. There are several roof styles to choose from. You have the option of designing a roof made from tile or tin. You could choose to have it built flat or pitched. No matter what material or design you choose a good roof should have all of the following qualities:
- It should be able to prevent your home from being exposed to harsh weather. It should serve its purpose regardless of wind, rain, hale and heat.
- Your home should be warm during winter and cool during summer
- Improve its aesthetic appeal and add to the value of your home
- Protect your home from leaks
It is crucial to have the right kind of roof design so that you can rest assured that all of the above mentioned things are taken care of. It is important to choose the right material for the roof or you may risk loosing a whole lot of cash due to exorbitant electricity bills because of poor insulation.
Do consider the following things when designing a new roof
The material of the roof
The most common materials for building a roof are concrete, iron and terracotta. Each of these have their own pros and cons and are suited for specific locations and styles. Tiled roof are a great option. These are available in variety of shapes and patterns and help you achieve a look that you want whether it is classic or contemporary. Not only are these classy and elegant but also protect your home from high wind.
Concrete is also a great option because of the affordability that it offers. On the other hand terracotta while expensive is much sought-after by buyers who want to achieve a classic, provincial style. Colour bond roofing styles are also an attractive option because these offer flexibility and can form different shapes and designs. These are used on homes with angular ropes which do not allow tiles to be placed because of its design.
The design and shape of the roof
The design and the shape of your roof would have an impact on the material that you might want to use for building it. For example if you have a flat roof then you might need to go with corrugated metal. Anything with less than an eighteen degree incline requires the use of colorbond on roofs.
The following is a list of different roof architectural styles
The gable roof
It is also known as a pitched roof, the gable roof is one of the most commonly used designs that you would see. It is made from two sections that meet at the top. These comprise of dormers on the sides which allow light to enter your home.
The hip roof
This is somewhat similar in design to the gable roof however it has more than two surfaces which slope towards the wall. A perfectly shaped hip roof top makes a pyramid shape.
The flat roof
As the name suggests a flat roof is actually completely flat. Although some of these might have a slight slope to allow for water runoff. This is common in modern and contemporary homes.
The skillion roof
This roof has a single flat sloping surface instead of the two or more slopes. It is a surface that is pitched unlike a flat roof which is only a single surface.
There are other kind of roof styles like the butterfly roof or the shed roof, a curved roof or a saw tooth design but these are not that common.
Installation of a roof
Different styles and designs can have an impact on the installation time. Since tiles are heavier than metal these can take a longer time to install. You should also consider the engineering factors which need to be taken into account especially during the planning stage. However this is something which you really shouldn’t be worried about because once you have been through the selection process you just need to get the drawings altered to accommodate the additional weight.
Colours for the roof
If there is a specific colour which you would like you might need to consider the material that is being used to build the roof. If you are designing a roof from concrete you would have a limited colour palette to work with because concrete predominantly comes in grey only. Although you also have an option of having the roof spray painted or coloured according to your preference.
However one disadvantage of spray painting the roof means that it gets faded over time. However with colorbond roofs you have an option of going for a range of different colours and these last longer because these are powder-coated. Terracotta tiles come in a variety of colours ranging from burnt Orange to even browns and metallic.
The cost of building a roof
Colorbond was once one of the most expensive options but however things had changed a great deal. These days concrete tiles and colour bond come down to the same price. In fact the price of the colour on roof has come down considerably therefore making them a viable option for homeowners who want to go for a modern or a sleek design.
Terracotta tends to be more expensive than the above mentioned because it is a high end option. However it offers better durability and easy maintenance.
Energy efficiency
Concrete and terracotta tiles have insulating properties. This is why these are ideal to be used in homes in a colder region. However colorbond roofs have a reflective element and come in light colours therefore making them an ideal choice for hotter areas.
If you are considering the installation of solar panels on the roof you may want to check out a tiled roof because these can be easily integrated into the tile for a smooth and seamless look. This way you have the option of installing solar panels without having to worry about how they would look. Adding a skylight is also great option for people who are looking to design a Green roof. It would allow natural light to enter your home during the day.
Go for a roof which is low maintenance
Usually going for a roof which is low maintenance is a better idea. Terracotta and colorbond roof have the longest lifespan. Concrete tiles on the roof might require being spray painted every 10 years or so. Make sure that you take an informed decision when choosing the material for the roof.
The style and design
One of the most important factors for homeowners to consider is a style and the design of the roof. Colorbond roof work well in coastal areas. On the other hand tiles are a classier option and are preferable for people who want an European style facade for their home.
Do keep all of the above mentioned things in mind when designing a roof for your home.