Types of roofings to consider for your home

One would wonder what the essence of a building without a roof is. Sleeping in a building without a roof is no different from being in the open space, exposed to anything dangerous. It is very easy for one to sway into the assumption that early humans slept out in the open. However, findings from archaeologists provide evidence to the fact that early humans made roofs out of many substances. House roofing has evolved over centuries in response to periodic demands especially caused by weather conditions. In effect it is very common to move within a particular town and see buildings with various types of roofs. Also, given the periodic changes in roofing types, there is the opportunity in this present century for building and construction workers to have wide variety from which they select their roofs.

People during ancient times relied solely on any natural means from which they could have afforded roofing. Click here to find examples of how nature existed with humanity and basic needs such as nutrition and shelter.

That is to mention that roofing materials during primitive stages of civilization were made from palm fronds, skins of some animals, mud and straws, wood mixed with mud or woven fibers and many others. Factors such as lightweight, durability and decorations have catalyzed the evolution of new types of house roofing materials. This article focuses on the types of roofs that have stood the test of time as well as house roofing in the modern era.

                          TILED AND THATCHED ROOFS

Anytime tiled roofing is mentioned, China is spoken of since it had been the major type of roof patronized by the Chinese as far back as 3,000 BC. Indeed, they have a long history of advanced architectural techniques and until the Ancient Greeks and Roman civilizations, tiles were never common in Europe.

Thatch gained popularity in Britain by 735 AD whereas it was used in several equatorial countries such as; Bali, Hawaii and Fiji. The composition of Thatch may differ according to geographical locations in that a particular location may have materials that another location may not have. For instance, in Kenya, Thatch is made from sugarcane leaf. Compared to tiles, thatch is cheaper, not only that but much more resistant to fire. It remained popular and the most sought-after roofing type in the 18th and 19th centuries among the American pioneers since the materials were easily found. However, towards the end of the 19th century, thatched roofs had become rare because of the rapid development of places of green environment into urban areas and consequently, availability of the materials for making thatched roofs had dwindled, although it could be argued also that people turned to lose interest because some thatched roofs risked frequent leaking and collapse during heavy rain.

By the early 1900s, concrete tiles which normally were painted red and were less expensive had become common. Over a long period of time, tiles have spread over countries given that the number of styles and colors evolved and many house owners had learnt of its weather resistant characteristics and durability. In Ghana, Thatched roofs are ideal for buildings because of the country’s hot climate and for the fact that Thatched roofs are high heat resistant. One could be disadvantaged by using a thatched roof if it is not well laid and as a result birds could stripe them. When well laid, thatched roofs are maintenance free.

Asphalt shingles surfaced in the 1920s in America. Their qualities such as; heat and cold resistance, waterproofing, durability as well as their inexpensiveness in their manufacturing and installation made them quickly the most demanded for house roofing in America. In spite of these qualities, asphalt shingles can be damaged by strong winds, they are not the most durable roofing types and they are not the most-energy efficient alternative.

METAL ROOFS

Metal roofing also has been in use throughout history mainly since it is highly durable. Until recent times, metal roofing had been very expensive and as result they were the types that we reserved for the wealthy class because more often only such class of citizens could afford them.  The best heat wire for roof may be in the form of Zinc, Aluminum or Copper. These elements can be bent to fit into any shape needed. In effect, usually, metal roofs were used for temples and museums or generally dome shaped buildings. In Ghana, metal roofs, especially, Aluminum has become the very common house roofing method because it is easily accessible and a little less expensive. The frequency of the use of it is retarding because of the discovery of many other modern and decorative ways of roofing. Also in Ancient Egypt, aluminum and alum were a means of strengthening their roofing. Elsewhere in America and Europe, Copper had been the predominant choice for metal roofing most especially in roofing castle buildings. Metal roofs are the best option for house roofing in areas with high winds and they last between 15 to 30 years, so they are great Roof Response.

MODERN ROOFING

Though ancient ways of roofing may have faded, nevertheless house roofing today see the incorporation of materials that stood the test of time in the past. These materials are combined with technologies of today to provide the best quality while considering factors such as local climate, availability of materials and cultural preferences. In effect buyers or homeowners have a wide range of varieties from which they can choose, ranging from shades and styles of ceramic or concrete tiles. Also, buyers can select stately slate roofing, choose a less expensive and quick asphalt roofing solution. As a result of today’s green building trend, metal roofing such as zinc and copper which are versatile, much durable and decorative, energy efficient and recyclable make a great choice. There are also fewer worries for any moving company when it comes to moving into a home with such modern roofing.

In the wake of adverse weather conditions and the quest to be energy efficient in present days, building and construction experts are seeking to provide much more innovative ways of roofing. It is becoming more frequent to see flat roofing methods for building and the use of solar panels on top of roofs. Flat roof, apart from it providing shelter and serving as a small field for planting, also serves as recreational areas in homes and subsequently, homeowners may want to hold short events on them. One might be wondering if it is possible that soon many buildings could be roofed fully with solar panels without prior roofing beneath. It may become even more necessary to use solar roofs to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels. The prices for solar roofs have almost halved since 2014, a situation auguring well as far as prospect of depending on renewable sources of energy is concerned in that a lot of people turn to find it affordable. Well, the future provides more opportunities, and we might just be seeing the beginning of a dawn of great modern house roofing.