Buying or building your own house can take a lot of work especially if you’re a hands on owner and wanted everything in a specific way. In this article, we’ll talk about the different types of roofing in the Philippines you might consider during your home renovation or while building your new home.
Determining the Right Type of Roof in the Philippines
The Philippines is in the northern hemisphere and is positioned above the equator. This explains why most of our climate is tropical, with a relatively cold season from December to February. The country is now undergoing summer heat, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, specialists advise individuals to avoid direct sun exposure between ten a.m. to two p.m., since it may cause skin cancer through DNA damage. It is strongly recommended that you apply sunblock and sunscreen to protect your skin from such harm.
Roofing is an unsung hero that shields us from too much sun exposure and too much rain, which could lead to deadly flash floods. A roof is a structure that serves as the upper covering of a building or other structure. Its purpose of protection outweighs its aesthetics, design, and appearance. It is one of the most significant things to consider while building or renovating our homes, as it will serve as our protection for many years to come.
So, here are some of the most prevalent forms of roofing in the Philippines, as well as roofing types that you may attempt if you’re willing to take a chance.
1. Asphalt Shingles
One of the most frequent types of roofing in the Philippines. This is due to the low cost of this roofing style, which runs from 1,500 to 2,000 pesos per bundle. At that price, it is guaranteed to last three decades with little to no annual maintenance. It is manufactured with multiple layers of fiberglass and asphalt. Moreover, it is also simple to build and install. It is reasonable to state that this form of roofing is proven to be durable and useful throughout all types of weather. Unfortunately, this type of roofing’s color fades if it receives too much exposure from the sun.
Asphalt Shingles offers three categories:
1. 3-tab Shingles
This is a one-piece cut material that displays three shingles. This is the most basic form of Asphalt Shingle. This category is inexpensive, lightweight, simple to install, and has a basic, homogeneous appearance.
2. Architectural Shingles
This type of shingle is also known as laminated or dimensional shingles. Unlike 3-tab Shingles, Architectural has no cuts and employs numerous layers of materials to create a depth effect.
3. Luxury Shingles
If you do want to make your home roof appear luxurious without spending a lot of money, this is the ideal option for you. They are significantly thicker and are intended to provide aesthetic appeal to the roof.
2. Wood Shingles
This type of roofing gives our homes a natural appeal and is only appropriate in dry locations. With its outstanding insulating capabilities, it delivers a cool sense to the occupants. It can survive longer than asphalt, with a 50-year life duration, but at a higher maintenance expense due to its fire retardants and chemical preservatives. It is very flammable if not properly maintained. Furthermore, it is not advised for use in cold climates since it is subject to water damage, mold, mildew, and decay.
3. Metal Roofing
The next type of roofing is currently in high demand high durability and economic advantages. Metal roofing can be manufactured from recyclable resources and recycled again. They also have a longer life span and may survive for up to 80 years with little regular maintenance. This is not advisable if the residence is near a beach or body of saltwater, as it can corrode the metal. On the contrary, it is non-flammable and comes in a broad range of styles and colors. One of the disadvantages of a metal roof is that it can produce loud noises, which can be produced by rain, birds, or stray cats. Its installation and material costs are also exorbitant.
4. Clay Tiles
Do you want to make your home appear like a throwback to the past? Back 5,000 years, clay tiles were the most common form of roofing around the globe. This may be seen in several places of the world, including China, Spain, France, and many others. It has been revolutionized and is constantly being improved to the point that it can now be created from various natural materials that are beneficial for the environment. With minimal care, this style of roofing may survive for 50 to 100 years. It is typically utilized in warm locations because it can withstand high temperatures, making it fire resistant and able to withstand strong winds.
5. Slate Roofing
One of the most visually beautiful roofing systems is one constructed of slate materials. It has a natural stone depth and tone, as well as gorgeous patterns and hues to select from. As a result, it is estimated that this roof might survive up to 150 years, which is longer than the average person’s life. It is an excellent insulator for the interior of the home. On the other hand, a solid foundation is required to support the weight of the slate. It is one of the most expensive roofing systems to use, and you will need a professional to install it correctly. In addition, in cases of damages and the need to replace the part will be expensive since it has rare parts with the same color.
6. Plastic Polymer
Plastic polymers are another environmentally beneficial form of roofing. Given the fact that they are largely comprised of recycled plastics, they do not dissolve readily and may survive for up to 40 years with minimal care. Because it is less in weight, installation costs less. If your emphasis is visual aesthetics, however, this form of roofing is not suggested because it cannot match real-life textures and tones. It is not a good insulator; you may have spent little money on this roofing but, keeping the temperature low inside your home will cost you more money.
7. Green Roofs
Making a roof into a garden is a new and unique approach to building a house. Green Roofing in urban areas with limited access to plants may be a sensible choice since it can help provide shade for our homes, filter the air we breathe in, and reduce heat from the air.
There are two types of green roofs: intensive and extensive, which must be considered while designing this installation. This sort of roofing is more expensive, but it is worth it since it delivers more advantages to people, such as a higher quality of life. Depending on the sort of plants you plant, it might live for 50 years with moderate to high maintenance.
8. Solar Panel Roofing
The future has arrived. If you want to reduce your electric bill prices, you may consider solar panel or photovoltaic shingles roofing. Solar panels, which generate power from direct sunlight exposure, are continually being introduced to us. Because of the intricacy and breadth of this type of roofing in the Philippines, installation requires the expertise of engineers or specialists. Furthermore, due to its weight and wiring requirements, it requires substantial structural support and considerable upkeep. On the other hand, this form of roofing is beneficial in the long term since it not only reduces your expenditures but also increases the market value of your property.
Written by Vincent Sanchez
