Alternative roofing materials

Making a roof over your head is not so easy as you might think. Construction engineers work hard to find lightweight, durable and efficient materials to cover our roofs and last a lifetime. Keep reading to find out about some of the new ideas engineers have.

Asphalt shingles

These are very popular because they are cheap and very easy to set up, you do not need skilled workers. They come in many colors and work very well with different types of buildings, from single-family homes to business premises.

Built-up roofing

Excellent for roofs with low slopes, the built-up technology relies on applying a top coat of several layers of bitumen. This gives you excellent hydro insulation. The most common way of constructing these roofs is a layer of tar covered with a layer of aggregate (gravel). Builders also use asphalt instead of tar.

Solar shingles

solarThis is a new idea which attracts more and more people every year. It combines the best of two worlds: the durability of shingles with the energy efficiency of solar panels. You will not only have a durable roof over your head, but it will also generate electricity, basically for free.

Single-ply roofing

Another great answer for your roofing needs are single-ply roofs, and they come in two forms: Thermoplastics and Thermosets. These roofs are very durable, flexible and resistant to UV radiation. The technology behind these roofs is cheap, but effective because it involves plastic materials.

Standing seam roofs

Designer love these roofs because they can let their imagination run wild. These metal roofs are made up of vertical panels with vertically positioned seams. They are quick to install and practical to maintain, but also offer excellent durability. Another good thing about this technology is that it is reasonably cheap.