Using the best roofing materials is vital. Despsite being one of the most important components of our home, it’s something that’s very often taken for granted. The old adage ‘out of sight, out of mind’ has never been more fitting.
However, when a roof fails, the impact on the whole house can be catastrophic. That’s why it’s vital to carry out regular maintenance and use the best roofing materials you can afford.
It can be very tempting to snap up a bargain, looking only at the cost rather than the quality. However, it is always best to consider a project in the long term.
We take a look at why quality materials are so essential for roofing projects.
Ventilation
Living in a property results in a lot of hot air; heating, bathing; cooking and even breathing creates moist warm air that wants to rise upwards.
This moisture’s natural inclination is either to ascend or else find a cold surface to cling to. This is one of the reasons why insulation and ventilation in a roof is just so vital.
Warm air and moisture rising into the roof, using cheap materials which don’t have proper ventilation can be a disaster.
Underlying Reasons
Most reputable roofing material providers operate in and around the same price range, this is because they use similar sources and materials and the costs are broadly comparable.
If you are offered roofing materials for a much lower price, it’s worth asking yourself how they are managing to provide it so cheaply. Somewhere there has to be a compromise whether it’s a substandard quality, or whether they are suggesting skimping on some of the finishing touches such as the flashing.
Both methods may well save some cash initially, but neither will provide a lasting or effective roof and before too long the chances are you will be paying out for repairs…and ultimately another whole new roof.
Aesthetics matter
When you are purchasing the materials for the roof, there’s a certain amount of wastage which simply can’t be helped.
Just like laying a carpet or tiles in your bathroom, to get the best visual result, there’s only so much you can recut or re-use.
You can reduce the amount you spend by being prepared to use offcuts, or tolerate wonky or crooked lines. The end result will be unappealing, and look like an amateur job, even if it is perfectly functional.
You might be willing to tolerate a house which is aesthetically shocking but if you come to sell it, the chances are you will either struggle to attract a buyer, or you will lose a big chunk of the asking price. To avoid either scenario, you will have to replace the whole roof, simply because you tried to cut corners and save a few pounds in the first instance…
Don’t be a drip
Your roof protects your home; without it you could end up with damp, mould or other kinds of damage in your property.
Poor quality roofing may shrink in warm weather or be unsuitable for the climate you live in. Perpetual leaks can cost more to fix than a good quality roof would have done in the first instance.
Conclusion
There are some things where you can take a chance on quality without jeopardising something important but a roof isn’t one of these things. A roof is a big investment even if you buy cheap and substandard roofing; don’t be tempted to throw away your money on materials which will need to be replaced as soon as bad weather arrives.
