While the foundation of a house is truly that, a foundation to build on, the roof is the finishing touch that brings the building together and seals the inside from the elements. The strength of roof is integral to the strength of the house and its protection through all means of weather and temperatures.

If the roof is damaged, it's only a matter of time before the damage will get worse or before the walls and internal housing space will also be affected as a result.

Replacing a roof can be costly, but if it's damaged, you'll potentially be required to spend a lot more money in the long run. Read on for some information about roof replacement.

Roof Replacement Considerations

Ventilation and insulation will contribute to the long life of the roof. Ensuring this is part of your replacement will also result in modulated temperatures in the attic during the summer and reduce moisture buildup in winter.

An entire roof repair and replacement will also require repairing the underlying wood below the tiles or shingles. This is a financial factor to be considered and factored into your roofing budget. You want to be prepared for the money it will cost to ensure your roof is safe and sturdy as opposed to being shocked by the required costs and settling for a cheaper but not as stable option. 

Roofing Material Options

Concrete tiles: Concrete tiles would be the most ideal for extreme weather conditions. They can be designed to mimic wooden shingles for a different look and are an alternative to traditional terracotta tiles. 

Terracotta tiles: A clay-based ceramic is used to make terracotta tiles. They can be used either glazed or unglazed and provide a tough waterproof and fireproof roofing material.

Roof shingles: Layed out in an overlapping pattern, traditional roof shingles work to keep moisture and rain out of the building, Shingles may be made from materials such as wood, slate, fibre cement sheeting (asbestos) or a fibreglass/asphalt composite.

Thatched roofing: A thatched roofing system isn't as common as some of its more obvious counterparts. It is created through the overlapping of dried bundles of plant stalks and requires more maintenance and cleaning than other options. Thatched roofing is a common practice in more underdeveloped countries. 

Solar shingles: New to the market and the roofing world, solar shingles are still uncommon and for the moment experimental. They mimic the appearance of regular roofing shingles with the exception of using solar panels to convert energy from the sun to be used as electricity within the house.