The two most common roofing materials in the business, tile and slate, offer style and safety in abundance to homeowners across the United Kingdom. However, buyers often don’t understand the difference between the two other than how they appear. The assumption is that slate offers a classic look, but tiles, as they are more modern, will prove to be more secure and cost-effective…
That’s where this short article comes in. Here are several other things to know about the most popular options in modern roofing systems.
Expense and maintenance
Another assumption is that slate, being the older material and widely used in roofing systems for hundreds of years, is subsequently the cheapest. When people find out that it is actually the other way around, slate is often instantly dismissed as an option. After all, given that it’s the older material, it will surely cost more to maintain over time, and be more prone to damage, right?
Not quite. Slate is indeed more expensive, at least when it comes to installing entire new roofs, but is actually easier to maintain. Repairs usually only involve individual tiles, which can be sourced and professionally fitted quickly – so, over time, a slate roof turns out to be a straightforward system to maintain.
Unfortunately, however, choosing slate for any home isn’t possible. As it is a far denser material, many modern homes simply aren’t built to accommodate a slate roof – no matter how good it might look in situ. There is the possibility of reinforcing a roof, but this comes with the significant expense of doing so, and you may also need to have the building structurally inspected, with no guarantee of the result you’re hoping to achieve.
Choice and appearance
Typically, modern homes are made for tiled roofs. Not only structurally but also in the choice of brickwork and overall aesthetic of the property. However, this does open you up to a vast abundance of choices when it comes to roofing materials. Both concrete and clay tiles are available in a spectrum of natural and rich colours and also come in flat and curved designs. Clay, in particular, has an incredible potential lifespan, with individual slates lasting for up to 100 years!
Alongside the cheaper cost of having an entire new roof installed, tiles offer far more choice to every homeowner. Homeowners in new-build developments sometimes choose a striking roof tile to add individuality and visual appeal to their property. When combined with new fixtures, such as doors and windows, such tiling allows people to add character to an otherwise near-identical building.
Finally, the most important aspect of any roofing system, of course, is its durability. Modern tiles now match slate for weather resistance, and the most modern systems are also just as simple to maintain as slate roofs. Both the classic and contemporary options always need to be installed by professionals, so always look for the most reputable roofers in your region.
In the North East of England, Sunderland roofing contractors Findley are renowned for the quality of their work and variety of roofing and building services.
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