Which Roofing Sheet Is The Best?
Roofing materials often provide the final touch to a beautiful home. There are many types of roofing sheets available for different budget ranges, a decent roofing service or company will be able to advise you. The most commonly used roofing materials are asphalt shingles, metal, slate or concrete tiles, and wood shakes. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages. It’s important that you choose the right one based on your needs and preferences.
In general bitumen roof sheets are considered to be the best choice if you want long-lasting protection against weather conditions. They can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance. However, they require regular replacement due to their low durability. Asphalt shingle roofs have become popular in recent times because of their affordability and ease of installation. But these also need frequentv roof repairs as well. Slate and tile roofs offer excellent insulation properties but may not be suitable for all climates. Wood shake roofs provide an attractive appearance but do not protect from extreme temperatures.
Types of Roofing Sheets
There are many types of roof sheet profiles available on the market today. The most common and popular styles include:
Box Profile Roofing Sheets
Boxes have an attractive appearance that can be used in both commercial and domestic applications. They come as single or double skinned roofs, which offer excellent insulation properties. These boxes also feature ventilation slots at the top of the roof, allowing airflow through the roof when it’s hot outside. This helps keep the building cool during the summer months.
Tile effect roofing sheets
Since ancient times, tiles have been used in construction, but they’re becoming more common due to their aesthetic appeal and durability. They come in various shapes and sizes, including square tiles that look like slate or hexagonal ones which resemble ceramic. Tiles offer an attractive finish with no need for painting, so you don’t have to worry about them peeling off over time. The downside? You’ll need to spend extra money when installing your new roof because tiles require specialised tools and skills.
Corrugated roofing sheets
A classic style that will never go out of fashion, corrugated roof sheets offer an attractive finish with minimal maintenance requirements. They come in various sizes and shapes, including square, hexagonal and octagon profiles. Corrugation allows rainwater to run off quickly without pooling or leaking into your property. However, they require a high-pitched roof, which may not suit all properties.
Bitumen sheets
These are typically made out of bituminous asphalt or tar that provides excellent protection against water damage. Bitumen roof sheets come with an average life span of around 20 years, which makes them ideal for residential properties. However, they do require regular maintenance and should not be used outdoors due to high levels of UV radiation.
Polymer roof sheets
Made from PVC, polymer roof sheets provide long-lasting waterproofing and insulation qualities.
They are easy to install and maintain, making them popular among DIY enthusiasts. Polymers are flexible and durable, meaning they won’t crack under heavy winds or snow loads. They also resist fading and discolouration, making them suitable for use indoors and outdoors.
Metal roof sheets
Metal roofing sheets have been around since the 1950s and are still widely used today. Made with galvanised steel or aluminium, these sheets provide excellent protection against corrosion and rusting. Metal roof sheets are typically heavier than bitumen roof sheets, making them ideal for larger areas such as barns and warehouses.
Polycarbonate sheets
A relatively new addition to the market, polycarbonate roofing sheets have become a popular choice due to their low weight and high strength. Polycarbonates are highly resistant to damage caused by wind or rain, meaning that your roof will stay looking fresh for longer. However, this comes at an increased price tag compared to bitumen roof sheets.
PVC roof sheets
This type of roof sheet has been on the market for decades and remains one of the most affordable options available. It’s lightweight and offers good resistance to weather conditions. PVC roof sheets are often found in garden sheds and garages where there isn’t much traffic.
Corrugated sheets
A classic style that will never go out of fashion, a corrugated roofing sheet offers an attractive finish with minimal maintenance requirements. They come in various sizes and shapes, including square, rectangular or triangular profiles. Corrugation allows water to run off easily, so they work well for homes and gardens alike. However, if your project requires a high-pitched roof, then this may not be ideal.
Galvanised Steel Sheets
Steel roofs can last up to 50 years before needing replacement. This means you’ll save money over time when it comes to replacing your roof. Galvanising protects the metal from rusting and ensures its longevity. The only downside is that it does make the roof more expensive.
Aluminium Roof Sheet
The material is strong enough to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments. Aluminium roof sheets are great for commercial buildings because they’re very lightweight and cost-effective.
Fibre Cement Roof Sheets
Cement fibre cement roofing sheets are mainly used in warehouses and agricultural buildings. They are also known as fibre cement boards and are known for their durability.
Plastic Roofing Sheet
A plastic roofing sheet is another option when it comes to choosing between different types of roofing materials. Plastic roofs can last up to 30 years before needing replacement. This means you’ll save money over time because you don’t need to replace your roof every few years like other roofing products. The downside is that plastic roofing does not look great, but it doesn’t cost much either.
Roof Sheets For Sheds And Garages
If you’re building a shed or garage, then metal roof sheets might be the right choice for you. These sheets are strong enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions without cracking or warping. If you want something more stylish, however, then consider using vinyl roof sheets instead. Vinyl roof sheets are usually lighter than traditional metal roof sheets, allowing you to build smaller structures while maintaining durability.
Most of the sheets as mentioned above come in a range of colours to suit your home’s aesthetic needs. The type of roofing sheet you choose will depend on your budget and requirements.
Roofing Materials
The materials you choose can make a big difference when it comes to how effective your roof is. For example, metal roofs tend to last longer but cost more per unit than other types of material. If you’re planning on installing a large roofing area, consider investing in a thicker membrane-like EPDM or TPO. These membranes are strong enough to withstand extreme temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
If you want something cheaper and easier to apply, try using felt paper instead. This is usually applied over existing shingle roofs and works just fine. You’ll need to ensure that any gaps between tiles aren’t too wide, though; otherwise, moisture could seep through.
How To Install A Roof Sheet
Installing a roof sheet involves cutting the required shape from the roll and applying it to the surface of your home. The process varies depending on what kind of roof sheet you’ve chosen. Here we outline some common methods:
Rolled roofing is probably the easiest way to apply a roof sheet because all you do is unroll the sheet onto the desired location. Once installed, rolled roofing should remain flat until it starts to deteriorate.
Flat roofing – Flat roofing is similar to rolled roofing, except it doesn’t require any special tools. Instead, you simply cut the sheet into sections and lay each section down individually. After installation, the roof sheet should sit flush with the surrounding surfaces.
Self-adhesive roofing – With self-adhesive roofing, you don’t even need to use nails or screws. Simply peel back the protective film and press the adhesive strip directly onto the surface of your house. When dry, remove the backing tape and leave the roof sheet alone
Roof Sheets: Which One Should I Choose?
The choice between different types of roof sheets depends mainly on what kind of material you want to protect your home from.
If you live in a region prone to adverse weather, metal roof sheets would probably be the best option. These can withstand strong winds and hail while providing superior thermal performance. If you plan to build a garage or shed, then metal roof sheets make sense too.
However, if you prefer something lighter-weight and less expensive, then consider using plastic roof sheets instead. Plastic roofs are usually cheaper than other materials and are easier to handle during installation.