When it comes to roofing a home in Nottingham or replacing an old roof, there is a staggering array of materials on offer compared with the past. Considering a roof on a new build or a renovation is often one of the costliest aspects of a project; it’s hardly surprising that cheap materials are the primary choice. Yet, longevity matters too, as a 7-year-old roof in need of replacement is not cheap in any sense of the word. Therefore, buyers need to balance affordability with quality.
Here are some of the best options currently available.
Asphalt Roofing
Asphalt roll roofing is best suited to roofs with a relatively flat peak. It is easy to install and can be done without professional training. It’s likely to last 5 to 10 years, but at an average cost of $2.25 per square foot, it can prove extremely costly with 10-20 replacements being required in a hundred years.
The answer is to use asphalt shingles. Each shingle is made of either an organic or fibreglass base that is then saturated with asphalt and impregnated with small chips of slate, quartz, schist or ceramic granules. These shingles can last 15 to 40 years. Though it costs around $5 per square foot to install, over a hundred years it saves thousands.
Wooden Shingles
Generally made from cedar or yellow pine, wooden shingle roofs are beautiful to behold. The roof can last 25 to 30 years, though if well maintained 50 years is not unheard of. Over a century, it will need to be replaced three or four times. With an average cost of about $9 per square foot, a 2,000 square foot house can cost $60,000 to $80,000 over 100 years.
There is some concern with the environmental changes, that wooden shingle roofs are increasingly at risk from wildfire. So, be cautious, depending on your location.
Slate Roof
Slate roofs are a classic of Europe, mainly the UK. Historically, slate was the material of choice, as naturally, it splits into flat slabs. A slat roof, as with everything of quality, has a hefty price tag, costing anywhere between $10 to $75 per square foot. However, with a lifespan of over a century, it can work out as much more cost-effective. With slate roofs being known to last 300 years or more, it might be the cheapest option on the list, depending on your perspective.
Metal Roof
Increasingly popular with a cost-effective price tag and lifespan of 30 to 50 years. Standing-seam metal roofs are the most common variety, with large panels laid on the roof deck, overlaid with raised ridges. Steel and aluminium have proved most popular, with zinc and copper proving more attractive but costly investments. Expect prices of $10 per square foot for steel/aluminium, and $13-18 per square foot for zinc or copper.
Also, these roofs are virtually maintenance-free.
Clay Tile Roof
A classic of the Mediterranean, clay tile roofs can last longer than 100 years. Plus, at $15-20 they’re still on average cheaper than slate. The main issue with clay tiles is that they are prone to cracking.
Therefore, they are not suitable for roofs which are walked on, and the frame of the building must be able to handle their enormous weight.
