Different Types of Roofs and Their Pros & Cons In Singapore

10 Nov Different Types of Roofs and Their Pros & Cons In Singapore

There are many types of roofs available in the market today and each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. In this article, we will be discussing the different types of roofs in Singapore so that you can make an informed decision when choosing a roof for your home.

Flat Roofs

Advantages:

Flat roofs are the most common type of roof in Singapore and are often seen in commercial and industrial buildings. They are easy to construct and maintain, and can be built using a variety of materials such as concrete, metal, or asphalt.

Disadvantages:

However, flat roofs are not very good at shedding water and can be susceptible to leaks. They also tend to collect heat, which can make the building inside hotter.

Shingle Roofs

Advantages:

Shingle roofs are made up of overlapping strips of material, usually asphalt or fiberglass. They are easy to install and relatively inexpensive.

Disadvantages:

However, shingle roofs are not very durable and can be damaged by strong winds or flying debris. They also do not last as long as other types of roofs.

Metal Roofs

Advantages:

Metal roofs are extremely durable and can last for decades with proper maintenance. They are also fire-resistant and good at shedding water.

Disadvantages:

Metal roofs can be very loud during rainstorms or when hail hits them. They are also more expensive than most other types of roofs.

Tile Roofs

Advantages:

Tile roofs are made of individual tiles that are placed in rows on the roof. They are very durable and can last for many years. Tile roofs are also fire-resistant and good at shedding water.

Disadvantages:

Tile roofs can be expensive to install and repair. They are also heavy, which can put strain on the roof support structure.

Asphalt Shingle Roofs

Advantages:

Asphalt shingle roofs are one of the most popular types of roofing materials. They are made of asphalt-coated paper or fiberglass. Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Higher-quality asphalt shingles are known for their durability and fire-resistant properties. They can last up to 50 years, although not as much as metal roofing provides.

Disadvantages:

Asphalt shingles, while they have many capabilities, are more vulnerable to strong winds and heat than other roofing materials. In a warm and humid country like Singapore, their lifespan might be shortened to 20-30 years of life.

In addition, they are not considered environmentally friendly as their production process emits harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Homeowners might be discouraged from this option because of this fact.

Wooden Roofs

Advantages:

Wooden roofs have a classic and rustic look that can add charm to any home. They are also environmentally friendly as they are made from a renewable resource.

Disadvantages:

Wooden roofs require more maintenance than other types of roofs. They are susceptible to fire and rot, so homeowners need to be vigilant.

Although wooden roofs give a certain aesthetic appeal, they come at a higher cost than other roofing materials. Furthermore, you must be vigilant about fire protection and regularly maintaining the roof to prevent damage. Pest infestation is also something you will have to watch out for with a wood roof.

Concrete and Slate Roofs

Advantages:

Concrete and slate roofs are two of the most durable roofing materials available. They are also eco-friendly, as they are made from natural materials.

Slate is a luxurious roofing material that looks great on historic homes. Unlike most tiles and sheets, slate is overlapped to keep water out of your house.

Disadvantages:

Because concrete and slate roofing tiles are so heavy, they put an intense strain on a home’s structure. This would not be possible without prior evaluation and preventive measures. Therefore, you or your roofing contractor should consult a structural engineer.

Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) Rubber Roofing

Advantages:

EPDM rubber roofing is one of the most popular commercial roofing materials because it is durable, easy to install, and affordable. It also has a long lifespan.

Not only is it perfect for flat roofs, but this system also requires far less waterproofing materials than a conventional gravity-assisted water pipe system.

Disadvantages:

Although EPDM rubber roofing is very durable, it can be punctured by sharp objects and it is not recommended for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.

It is also important to note that this roofing system should be installed by a professional roofing contractor because it requires special tools and equipment.

PVC Roofing

Advantages:

PVC roofing is another popular choice for flat roofs because it is lightweight, durable, and easy to install. PVC roofing is also fire resistant and comes in a variety of colours.

PVC roofing is made from two layers of PVC material that are bonded together with heat and pressure. The top layer is UV-resistant and the bottom layer provides protection from the elements.

Disadvantages:

PVC roofing can be more expensive than other types of flat roofing systems.

Polycarbonate Roof

Advantages:

It is certainly true that glass and fiberglass are the materials of choice for fashion-forward skylights and lobby shades. However, polycarbonate roofing allows an equal amount sunlight into a building but made with a virtually unbreakable material.

Polycarbonate roofs can block up to 100% of harmful UV rays and reflect them away, but still allow for 90% of natural light to enter the structure- providing natural lighting for offices or commercial properties.

It also has high temperature resistance. Polycarbonate roofs will hold up in extreme temperatures and will not break or bend. They are also made of reinforced plastic, so they will not be damaged by ponding.

Disadvantages:

The con is that they are expensive to install.

They also would require a special cleaning solution as they are vulnerable to scratches and any other abrasive cleaning solution can damage this roof material.

With many roofing options on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for your needs. However, if you are looking for a roofing solution for your home, consult us – Waffen Waterproofing – roofing contractor in Singapore.