As well as protecting a home or a building from the effects of weather, roofing systems are also a key architectural element to its design. From long-run steel or shingles, to clay tiles or copper roofing, there are many choices of roofing products. Alternatives to consider are green roofing or insulated systems. Details such as spouting and gutters, cappings, cornices and fascias add an attractive finishing touch.

Roofing

The roof is an important part of the house, capping its features and contributing to the overall architectural style and offers a unique profile from higher vantage points. The right roofing material can offer added insulation, pull together the materiality of the exterior cladding, and define the home’s vernacular. But roofing products vary greatly in quality, and not all are suitable for all environmental conditions and structures. A poor quality roof will need regular maintenance and repair, while a high-quality roof can outlast the building itself.

What is the best way to choose a roofing material?

The first step in choosing the best roofing product for a house is to understand the options - and there are many - from one of the oldest roofing materials, slate, to modern options such as a plastic polymer. Discussing the options with an architect, designer or builder will often narrow down the materials that are suitable for a particular project. In many situations, not all roofing materials are appropriate or fit for purpose. For example, a house located in an area where snow loads are expected might be unsuitable for certain roofing products, while a house on an exposed coastal site where salt spray is likely to be a factor may be suitable only for those products that will not corrode or be impacted by the environmental conditions. Options for roofing materials can be narrowed down further by budget, architectural style, and how long the roof will need to last. Other factors can come into play such as whether the preference is to use an environmentally friendly material.

What are the most popular roofing products?

In New Zealand, there are numerous roofing materials that are used frequently for residential properties. Many of these products can be specified into the majority of projects, irrelevant of the type of structure and frame, whether there are roof lights or other features such as operable skylights that make up the design. The most common requirement for roofing materials is the pitch or slope of the roof - some roofing systems are only suitable for roofs with a certain pitch while others are designed primarily for flat roofs. Green and living roofs, depending on the design and style, may only be suitable for some properties, and in some cases cannot be installed on roofs with a higher pitch without extensive engineering and additional structural elements incorporated to hold the extra weight.

Natural slate

Slate is one of the oldest roofing materials, and is sought after for its durability, impermeability and ultimately, its versatility. Slate naturally has a high fire rating, and is one of the most durable natural building materials available, outperforming the majority of other roofing products. Slate also has a natural texture. When slate tiles are combined they create a textural, sculptural form and a unique roofing feature.

Wood shingles and shakes

Timber roofing shingles and shakes have been around a long time, and they’re still a valid contemporary roofing material. Often specified for homes with steeper pitched roofs, wood shingles create a textured, natural feature. In damp conditions, wood shingle roofs may have a limited lifespan, while they generally perform better in drier areas. Wood shingles and shakes are generally made from western red cedar.

Metal roofing

Steel, aluminium and copper are the main types of metal roofing and are generally utilised in the form of sheeting or shingles. Sheeting is known as standing seam roofing and is made with panels that incorporate a vertical flange at the point where the panels meet. Metal roofing is often chosen because it is durable, generally has a high fire rating, and works with various architectural styles. However, metal roofing may not be suitable in corrosive environments such as coastal sites as it can degrade and rust.

Clay and concrete roofing tiles

Clay or concrete roof tiling is a durable option for roofing and is relatively maintenance free across the roof’s lifetime. Tile roofing is generally a more expensive option at the outset; it often takes longer to install and clay and concrete tiles are heavy and may require additional structural elements incorporated into the roof design. Roof tiles are available in many colours, styles and textures and work well with many residential architectural styles and external cladding materials.  

Membrane roofing

Membrane roofing is generally only suitable for flat and curved roofs. As a material, membrane roofing is lightweight, easy and quick to install and resistant to UV rays and degradation due to other environmental factors such as weather.

Copper roofing

Like slate, the use of copper for roofing dates back hundreds of years. A copper roof can withstand temperature extremes and is extremely durable - often outlasting the building itself. As a natural material, it is recyclable at the end of the building’s lifetime and is a natural inhibitor to algae and bacterial growth. Copper is one of the highest quality roofing materials available.

Commercial roofing

The roofs of commercial buildings are generally very different from residential properties. More often than not, commercial buildings have flat roofs, which require a different type of specialised roofing material. Membrane roofing is one of the most popular materials for commercial buildings.