Roof
Metal Roof
One of the most common types of roofing in Latvia. Available in different colors and shapes (corrugated, profiled and rolled tin sheets), therefore their installation may also differ. Metal profiles have a long service life, high color fastness and good corrosion resistance. Metal roof installation costs are lower compared to bitumen or ceramic tiles.
Bitumen sheet roof
Bitumen corrugated sheets are a popular choice in the economic segment of roofing. They are made of organic fiber composite material (cardboard), impregnated with paint and bitumen. The sheets are easy to lay, visually look as good as more expensive roofing, but bitumen sheets have a shorter service life.
Bitumen shingles roof
Bitumen shingles are made of fiberglass base coated with a mixture of polymer bitumen. Bitumen shingles are thin and flexible, so they can be laid on intricately shaped roofs. When the shingles are heated in the sun, they create a double layer of waterproofing, which ensures the airtightness of the roof. Laying bitumen shingles is simple but labor-intensive, as the number of nails can reach up to 40 nails per square meter.
Clay and concrete tile roof
One of the most valuable advantages of clay tiles is resistance to environmental influences – humidity, ultraviolet radiation, temperature fluctuations. The average lifespan of a tile is 50 – 100 years, moreover, over the years, the tile roof only becomes more beautiful and interesting. Tiles have a higher weight compared to other roof coverings, so it is important to pay attention to roof structures.
Bituminous fusible roof
Modified bitumen roofing materials are used for flat roofs and waterproofing works. They are melted to the roof using a gas burner. The advantage of a rolled roof is its quick and easy installation, as well as the relatively low cost of the cover. To make the roof last longer and to avoid the risk of water leakage, it is laid in two layers.
Unobstructed slate roof
Bitumen shingles are made of fiberglass base coated with a mixture of polymer bitumen. Bitumen shingles are thin and flexible, so they can be laid on intricately shaped roofs. When the shingles are heated in the sun, they create a double layer of waterproofing, which ensures the airtightness of the roof. Laying bitumen shingles is simple but labor-intensive, as the number of nails can reach up to 40 nails per square meter.
What to consider when choosing a roofing material?
Fire resistance
One of the most important factors. Different roof coverings stand out with different levels of fire safety, and this aspect must always be taken into account when choosing a safe and durable material. It is also important that the area damaged by the fire can be easily repaired.
Climate compliance
In Northern Europe, we experience both heat and frost, heavy rain, snow and even storms, so we need to see which types of roofing are the most suitable and durable in the long run and in very different weather conditions.
Sound insulation efficiency
Loud raindrops hitting the roof or wind noise reduce the level of comfort in the home, so it is worth researching which roof coverings provide effective sound insulation.
Nature conservation
Today, it is not only the cost of roofing that is important to buyers, but also its impact on nature, namely the composition of the material, sustainability and the impact on people and nature.
Specifics of installation
If you plan to do the roof installation yourself, look for a cover that is easy and convenient to install. Attention should also be paid to installation costs, as cheap roofing does not always provide cost-effective and easy installation.
Service life
Each material has a different lifespan. There are more expensive coverings that will be able to last even longer than 100 years, while the cheapest roofing will cause additional worries and costs after 10 years or even less.
Popular roof insulation solutions
Nowadays, various materials for roof insulation are available. The specific material must be adapted to the specifics of the building and premises, as well as to the use of the object and the construction of the structure.
Foam polystyrene or EPS
Mineral wool
Termo wool
Foam polystyrene and graphite granules
Foam glass
Hemp and wood fiber wool
Fibrolite slabs
Magnesite sheets
Wood fiber boards
Eco wool
What thickness of thermal insulation for the roof to choose?
The thickness of the roof insulation depends to a large extent on the material used, the desired level of energy efficiency, the amount of heat leakage and the insulation method. For example, when using mineral wool, the insulation is covered to a thickness of 150 to 200 mm. Isoplaat wood fiber panels are available in different thicknesses, up to 250 mm.
The main differences between roof rafters and busbars
When choosing to install roof trusses or rafters for the building, it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of which they stand out.
Roof rafters
Roof trusses
Advantages of different types of roof construction
Gable roof
The classic choice most often used for buildings. The gable roof construction ensures efficient rainfall drainage, it is suitable for almost any type of pavement, including tiled, corrugated or trapezoidal.
Single pitched roof
Compared to other types, it is very simple, so the structure is more often used for farm buildings.
Four-sloped roof
A complex type, which also has a variety of roof construction elements, so the cost and installation will require both more time and resources.
Flat roof
Often used in apartment houses, because it can be installed quickly and roofing is also relatively affordable.
Asymmetrical roof
A less common choice is a combination of different shapes and inclinations. More complicated installation and maintenance.
