People who live in an area that is prone to wildfire would consider roofing materials in building their house or re-roofing it. It is necessary because fire can spread very fast from the house roofs to the inside of the house. Having fire-proof roofing also makes us safe just in case there is any flame ignited from our neighbors. Accidents can happen.
Gas leak, electricity overheating, faulty wiring, improperly thrown cigarettes, are all the typical causes of house fires. Houses in a residential complex that shares walls are very prone to house fires, and if you live there, you should prioritize installing fire-proof materials.
Metal
Metal roofs can withstand fire. And although you might fear the conductive property of metal, metal roofs are designed to halt the heat in case there is fire on the top of your house roofs. Not only heat resistance, but metal roofs are also least likely to crumble when exposed to extreme heat.
Installing it on your house will eliminate the chance of collapsing structure during a fire. There are three types of roofs, Class A, B, and C. Those types are based on their fire-resistance quality. And metal roofing is included as Class A.
There are a lot of options in using metal roofs. You can prefer steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and alloy. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Metal roof comes in many colors, and it is lighter than the other roofing material. During the winter, it will be easier to shed snow and ice from metal than from other materials.
However, metal needs to be retouched with anti-corrosion coating regularly. This roof is not suitable if you live in the coastal area because the moisture in the air contains salt, which can rust your roofs very quickly. Also, you need to know that because of its thinness, metal roofs may not withstand hails, or heavy wood debris during a blizzard or storm.
Clay
Clay roof is made of clay or concrete. This roof is durable, long-lasting, and comes in many styles. And usually, it comes in reddish/orange color, but other colors are also available. Clay roofs are the most flexible roof material that can match most house styles.
However, clay roof is quite heavy, and thus you might need extra roofers to install it. Also, the roof deck should be made of metal. Wood will be dangerous because it may crack and degrade.
Another drawback of clay roof is its price. It is way more expensive than metal or asphalt roofing. But for the maintenance, you do not need to replace the whole panel, but only the broken tile.
Slate
A slate roof is made of stones, and it can last for 150 years or more. It is the most durable roof you that you can expect. Slate roofs also give an exceptional beauty to your house. No other materials can match with the stone-look and earthly-touch of slate roofing. In addition, slate also provides the best protection against noise.
However, the durability, fancy appearance, and noise protection come at an extravagant cost. It is way heavier than clay tiles so that you might spend some more on the worker’s fee. Also, regular maintenance is needed for once in every two years.
