The basis for an excellent roof is the same with other consumer products that we use like clothing, food, and other basic necessities. It has to look good, feel comfortable, and last for a long time. However, we should take more careful consideration in choosing our roofing material because investing on your roof is also investing in the family’s safety and protection all year round.
The balance of several factors will help you determine the quality of your roof. These are:
- Visual Appearance
When you look at your roof, not only should it display functionality, but also visual appeal. It should complement and work best with the design style of the home, from the material used, the color, down to its texture. The good thing is, there is a variety of materials available today which will help you decide easier and better. Because of this, there is no need to compromise one over the other. Although the material you choose greatly determines the look of your roof, great visual appearance also relies on the quality craftsmanship applied to the roof when it was being installed. It lies in the seamless look of the roof, the right alignment and placement of the roofing sheets, and the keen attention to detail, down to its accessories.
- Durability
A durable roof is able to withstand temperature fluctuations and weather conditions for a long period of time with proper care and maintenance of the roof. These materials usually last for 20-50 years, depending on the climate conditions and quality. Like visual appearance, quality workmanship also affects the durability of the roof. With proper installation techniques, the roof can be the robust part of the home.
- Functionality
The modern trend has now transitioned to customization to emphasize uniqueness and personalized appearance. However, without careful consideration of the roof components and understanding of the climate and characteristics of the geographical area, the functionality of the roof may suffer. The key is in balancing aesthetics and functionality with the compliance to the local building codes, adherence to the safety standards to preserve the structural integrity of the building, and other practical decisions like the slope and pitch required, and the layout of the roof, including its critical points (gaps, discontinuities, roof edges, etc).
For example, people in tropical climates maximize the sun all year round by putting a green space atop the home, or even installing skylight roofs to improve energy efficiency. Others opt for traditional looking roofs because they believe that the design stands the test of time and durability. Others reduce their carbon footprint by installing solar panels that offer a renewable option for energy.
Different roofing materials in the market offer both functionality and aesthetics needed in the modern roof. The usual difference lies in your budget constraints, priorities, and climate. In the Philippines, skylight roofs using polycarbonate and stone coated roofing are examples of modern materials that combine functionality and aesthetics in one. With multiple colors and profiles available, choosing one that suits your home is easy peasy. You can buy polycarbonate sheets and stone coated metal roofing in Polylite stores nationwide, one of the trusted polycarbonate sheet suppliers in the Philippines. Message us for more information.
