Roof coverings

How to choose a suitable roof covering

In order to choose a suitable roof covering, we have to consider various factors in practice, which tell us which roof covering is right for us. We need to know the pitch of the roof, the possible installation of skylights, the climatic conditions and the environment in which the roof will be placed.

Types of roofing we know

Roof coverings are distinguished mainly by types, which determine the choice of individual covering materials.

BRICK ROOF

Brick roofing is the most common roofing used in Slovenia. It is an environmentally friendly material. It is known for its resistance, non-flammability and long life.

CONCRETE FLOOR

Concrete roofs are cheaper and heavier than bricks, which requires a higher load-bearing capacity of the roof and substructure. Due to its weight, it offers good protection against wind and hail and has better sound insulation. It is durable, does not absorb much water and is resistant to frost.

METAL ROOFING

The metal roof is light and extremely resistant to weather influences such as rain, snow and hail. Metal roofing does not absorb moisture, which means that condensation begins to accumulate under the roofing, so installing a ventilation channel is recommended. Metal roofing is easy to install and maintain .

BITUMEN ROOFING OR TEGOLA

It is a light and flexible covering that is suitable for the most demanding roof shapes with different slopes. Tegola is a light and solid covering, but at the same time resistant to mechanical and weather influences.

FIBER CEMENT ROOFING

They are coverings that are environmentally friendly and harmless to health. They are also vapor permeable, non-flammable and resistant to frost and corrosion.

So which roof covering to choose

The choice must be considered. It is necessary to know the environment in which the roofing will be located. Often the correct approach is to consult a roofing specialist. The basic data and features that determine the choice of the appropriate roofing are:

Slope of the roof

It is necessary to choose a roofing material that is suitable for the slope of your roof. Brick roofing is most suitable for roofs with a slope of 35 to 40 degrees . Concrete roofs are suitable for slopes between 20 and 45 degrees . Fiber cement is divided into corrugated and flat roofing. Wavy roofs are used for slopes from 7 degrees onwards, and flat roofs from 15 degrees onwards . Bitumen roofing is used for slopes between 11 and 90 degrees , while metal roofing is used for slopes between 7 and 90 degrees .

Weight and resistance

Climatic conditions and the load-bearing capacity of the roof are also an important factor when choosing a roof covering. Brick roofing can load the roof structure by 40 kilograms or more. Brick roofing tolerates heat and seasonal rainfall well, and is resistant to UV rays and acids. They are mechanically durable and non-combustible, resistant and do not let water through. Light fiber cement roofs are among the lighter roofs, as they weigh about 15 kilograms per square meter. The advantages of fiber-cement roofs are non-flammability, corrosion resistance and high Metal roofs are even lighter than fiber-cement roofs, so they are also suitable for the rehabilitation of older buildings. They also tolerate various weather conditions very well, do not absorb moisture and have a long service life. Bituminous coverings weigh from 10 kilograms onwards, are waterproof, resistant to weather and fire, and are also resistant to mechanical loads. Concrete roofs are one of the heaviest roofs, as a square meter weighs from 40 kilograms onwards. They absorb very little water, which leads to frost resistance, which also gives them a long life.

Prices

Roofing prices are different, roughly:

● Brick roofing: 9-15 EUR/m2

● Concrete covering: 8-13 EUR/m2

● Metal roofing: 10-15 EUR/m2

● Bituminous covering: 7-12 EUR/m2

● Fiber cement roofing: 6-12 EUR/m2

Warranty conditions

Quality roofing can last even more than 30 years. Roofing with a long service life includes metal, brick and concrete roofing. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the warranty on the roof and the work. Some manufacturers' warranties extend up to 50 years, and certain contractors offer 10 years for the work performed.

Stocks and delivery times

Stock and possible delivery times are also important when choosing a roof covering. Most roof coverings are available from suppliers' stock. For specific wishes and requirements, suppliers order roof coverings directly from the manufacturer.

Resistance to mechanical damage

Metal, bituminous and concrete coverings are considered to be well resistant to mechanical damage.

Life span

Each roof has its own lifespan, which can be a big factor when deciding on a new roof. The lifespan of a roof can vary greatly, depending on the type of roof and how much we care for our roof.

Brick and concrete roofs

Brick and roof coverings are considered to have a life span of about 30 years, but this life span can be significantly extended with the care of the roof covering.

Metal roofing

Metal roofs are one of those that have a long lifespan. Their lifespan is around 50 years, as the metal sheet used for metal roof tiles is additionally protected with zinc and quality paints.

Fiber cement roofing

Fiber cement roofs are light but very resistant. With proper installation and maintenance, they can have a lifespan of up to 50 years.

Bituminous roofing

Bituminous roofing has the shortest lifespan of all the roofing materials we know. On average, bitumen roofs have a lifespan of between 15 and 20 years.