Planning a construction or remodel and don’t know which types of roofing are best suited to your project? It is quite common to have this doubt, especially with the numerous models of tiles on the market. Therefore, to choose the best roof for your property, it is necessary to understand the main characteristics of each product in order to make the right choice.
Thus, you will be sure that you have made the best decision for your roof, enabling you to enjoy the best benefits suited to your needs. For this reason, we have separated in this text 10 types of roofs for you to know and understand which one is the best solution for your project!
1. white tile
A white roof, also known as a cool roof, has as its main advantage to favor the cooling of the building, since it reflects almost all of the sun’s rays. As the environments become less hot, appliances such as fans and air-conditioners will be used less, generating a significant reduction in energy bills.
An additional benefit of the white roof concerns its effects on urban heat islands. Houses with traditional, dark-colored roofs absorb heat and increase the air temperature, especially during the summer months. This effect is most pronounced in densely populated urban areas.
Simply installing a white-colored roof on a home can have a profound impact on an urban space. A study conducted in New York City showed that white-colored roofs are, on average, 5º C cooler than those using dark-colored roofing materials.
Thus, promoting the use of green roofs can significantly reduce a city’s greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs.
2. Green roofing
Energy efficient and environmentally friendly, this is one of the types of roofing that makes best use of an area that is often neglected in an architectural design – the roof. They are roofs that, instead of tiles, use natural vegetation, bringing a number of benefits to a building. Such benefits as efficient protection against wind, rain, and fluctuating temperatures.
In addition, green roofs help to improve air quality and acts to reduce pollution. The plants on the roof filter the air and convert carbon dioxide into oxygen, making the air cleaner. These green roofs also help reduce gaseous pollutants and dust particles.
One study pointed out that green roofs can help reduce up to:
- 0.2 kg of dust particles per square meter each year;
- 37% sulfur dioxide;
- 21% nitrous acid.
Check out our complete guide on everything you need to know about green roof.
3. Ecological Tile
Ecological tile is a reflective roofing material – the roof of a property must reflect and not absorb heat to be energy efficient. To improve the sustainability of the roof, ecological tile is treated with a special resin that protects it against UV rays.
This is one of the types of roofing that is made from recycled raw materials, such as cellulose fiber and vegetable fibers. The reduction of waste during the manufacturing process of this type of tile, as well as the reduction of the need to process new raw materials, results in less pollution and generates greater energy savings.
The ecological roof tile is not only advantageous in “green” projects. It is also a great option for those who want to invest in an economical covering. Durable, the ecological tile resists well to any kind of climate and allows the construction of roofs with an elegant design, light and of easy conservation.
4. Solar tile
Taking the concept of environmentally friendly roofing to the next level, roofing material options designed to provide thermal insulation aim to reduce building energy costs. In this scenario, there are even roofs that use solar tiles to generate energy through photovoltaic solar cells.
Solar tiles provide clean, green energy. What’s more, during the generation of electricity by means of these tiles, there are no greenhouse gas emissions, so the energy generated is environmentally friendly.
We often associate solar energy only with electricity, which is obtained through photovoltaic cells, but it is also possible to use the energy generated by sunlight to heat an environment. This process is accomplished by implementing solar thermal systems that convert sunlight into heating solutions.
The new generation of solar roof types has a more modern design than traditional photovoltaic roof tiles. It aims to not interfere with the architecture of a house. Because this tile is relatively small, it can be used to generate energy in smaller spaces than traditional solar panels.
5. Thermoacoustic Tile
This type of roof is the ideal solution for those who want greater comfort in their home. This way, it is possible to count on reduced expenses with electric energy and refrigeration, since they provide much cooler environments for the properties.
This type of product is formed by metal tiles with thermal insulators and polyurethane. For this reason, thermoacoustic roof tiles are more suitable for projects that demand greater care with thermal sealing. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the requirements of your project before choosing this type of roof for your property.
6. Perforated tile
Perforated tiles are the best option to provide greater sound privacy in internal environments. They are applied on the sandwich tile with rock wool, making acoustic reverberation impossible and, consequently, contributing to better comfort.
This model is available for several applications in other products, and is made of galvanized steel, galvalume steel, and zincalume steel. It is possible to work on this tile with several colors in the post-painting system. Therefore, it fits very well in any project that aims for a bolder design.
7. Trapezoidal tile
This is one of the types of roofing that is most practical to install and simpler to handle because of the shape of the roof structure. This model has a low installation resistance, since its maximum size is 32 feet.
However, this variety stands out for its lightness, its differentiated visual aspect, and its adaptation to many different types of projects.
8. Translucent tile
This tile model is more indicated for projects that want to value natural lighting in the building’s internal environments. Because of its transparency, it is possible to bring outside light into the rooms, improving the quality of life for all residents.
In addition, this is one of the types of roofs that make it possible to save on electricity costs. Because of its main characteristic, it is possible to eliminate the need for artificial light during the day, maximizing savings in this aspect.
Another important point is that this material is extremely resistant, especially when compared to glass. It is also very flexible, allowing for a more practical and efficient installation.
9. Ceramic tile
One of the most common types of roofing in the country, ceramic tiles are a traditional model and one of the best sellers. They are able to reduce the incidence of solar rays, providing thermal comfort superior to most of the other materials found in the market. Ceramic tiles are affordable and can be found in many different models and colors. This opens up countless design possibilities for the projects, making it easier when it comes time to plan the building of your dreams.
In addition, they are highly durable, since they are very resistant to bad weather. Because of their great resistance, they require very little maintenance, so just an annual check-up is enough to make sure there are no problems.
10. Fiber-cement roof tiles
This model is one of the types of roofing along with the most popular ceramic tiles. They appeared as a substitute for asbestos, since its commercialization caused a high risk to human health.
Although its traditional format is wavy, there are models that imitate the pattern of ceramic tiles. Fiber-cement is very light, durable and cheap, and is a good option for those who want to save money on construction work. Another important aspect of this type of roof is that it can be built with a minimum 15% inclination.
In addition, because of their weight, fiber cement tiles do not require a robust structure to support them. However, they are not recommended for projects that value thermal comfort, since they absorb too much heat, making the property hotter.
That’s it! Now that you know the main types of roofs on the market, your choice will be easier when it comes time to plan the construction or renovation of your roof! Understanding the main characteristics of the models is the most effective way for you to identify which ones are more suitable to your needs, making a successful project for your property possible.