Ever wondered what roofs are made of? Sure, their names may suggest what materials are in them, but there’s more to that. Each material that composes these roofs contributes to the properties that make them ideal to use for your home. Here are common roofing materials in the Philippines and how their compositions provide you with protection over your head.
Roof Shingles
Roof shingles are overlapping flat, rectangular roofing materials. They can be made from various materials such as wood or stone, but the most popular are those made of asphalt, so we’ll focus on this one. Asphalt shingles are known for their affordability, ease of installation, and durability. It is resistant to fire, strong winds, and other elements brought by various weather conditions. The components that form asphalt shingles—fiberglass, granules, and, of course, asphalt—make the roofing material sturdy.
The asphalt used here is similar to what is used in road asphalt, but roof asphalt is tougher because it goes through a series of processes ensuring that it resists water and fire and holds out against the hot Philippine weather. The material is made stronger by reinforcing it with fiberglass, adding years to the lifespan of the asphalt. The materials that add character to asphalt shingles are the granules. These granules are crushed rocks, whose colors affect the overall look of the asphalt shingles. Aside from adding beauty to the roof shingles, some granules have other functions. For example, some granules resist algae and prevent roof discoloration caused by these algae. Some granules deflect sunlight better, keeping homes cooler.
Roof Tiles
Roof tiles can also be made of different materials, but the three most common are clay, concrete, and slate. These types of roofing materials have been used for centuries, so there’s no question about their longevity. To discuss more about roof tiles, here are the most common variants you should know:
Clay tiles are made by mixing pulverized clay and water and baking the combined materials at high temperatures. Baking ensures the durability and insulating property of clay tile roofs. Aside from natural clay minerals, they also contain kaolin which is another type of clay, and shale which is a sedimentary rock. To give clay tiles their shades, a small amount of manganese umber and barium is added into the mixture.
Slate tiles are made of natural stones, usually metamorphic rocks that transformed from sedimentary rocks. The process that these rocks have to go through makes slate tiles not only strong but also beautiful. This makes them in-demand among homeowners who value aesthetics. However, slate tiles can also be expensive, but they can be a good investment as these roof materials are fire-resistant and known to last for up to 100 years! The insulation they provide to homes can also lower your electricity bills.
Concrete tiles have only been around more recently, compared to their clay and tile counterparts. Their first know usage was in the 1800s in Bavaria, a landlocked state south-east of Germany. What made concrete tiles popular is their affordability. Concrete tiles are made by combining cement, with water, sand, and oxide. The materials are easily available, making concrete tiles easier to produce and thus more affordable. Another thing that sets concrete tiles apart is that they come in various colors. Unlike clay and slate tiles that rely on the natural colors of materials, concrete tiles’ colors can be manipulated by using pigments. They can even mimic the looks of other materials like wood. Concrete tiles, however, are not as durable as the other two types of tiles, but they are easy to replace when damaged.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs come in various types of materials, such as aluminum, copper, stainless steel, tin, and galvanized steel. They are known for being lightweight and easy to install. Metal roofing prices in the Philippines vary depending on the material used. For example, copper roofs are expensive but they can last for up to 200 years! Galvanized steel, aluminum and stainless steel roofs have a shorter lifespan, but they are much affordable. Regardless of which one you choose, metal roofs are guaranteed to resist various elements such as fire, rainwater, and wind.
What’s great about metal is that they are available in different designs. They can even look like other materials. For example, Union Galvasteel Corporation’s Laverne roofing mimics the look of concrete roof tiles, while our Duratile roofs give the impression of clay tiles. Both provide strong panel designs and leak protection. They are also easier to install compared to actual roof tiles, and they are already prepainted in your preferred color. So, if you’re after the appeal of roof tiles in the Philippines but don’t want the expenses and hassles that come with installing them, go for our prepainted metal roofing.
UGC is the market leader in the manufacturing and distribution of pre-painted and other galvanized roofing and galvanized steel building products. If you have questions about prepainted and ordinary roof prices in the Philippines, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We are easy to find as we have the largest and most diversified distribution network in the industry with warehouses and sales offices in strategic locations throughout the country. You can also check our website or call these numbers for assistance: (02) 8520-8822-23; 8520-8831; (049) 545-0084 to 86 or 09175033965 (Globe) and 09190032303 (Smart).
Photo by Christian Paul Del Rosario from Pexels
