Are you undertaking a construction or renovation project and unsure which material to choose for your roof?

A tin roof

Slate roofing

The tiled roof

A thatched roof

Choosing the right roofing  material  is crucial for ensuring the protection, insulation, and aesthetics of your home. While  roof tiles are often the preferred choice , other options include slate and thatched roofs. Discover the different types of roofing materials and our tips for making the best choice.

They offer various advantages and disadvantages.

The strengths of sheet metal roofing

Lightness: Weighing only 2 to 3 kg per square meter, sheet metal roofs are very light, making them easy to install and reducing the load on the building structure.

Ease of installation: The simplicity of installation makes it a practical option for many types of roofs, including rounded or steep-pitched roofs.

Economical: The cost of a metal roof is relatively low. Metal roofing is ideal for projects such as workshops,  garages  , and  garden sheds.

Waterproof and resistant: the sheet metal is waterproof and can withstand the weight of a person, making it easy to maintain. It is also resistant to  fungi  and  termites .

Durability: The lifespan of a metal roof varies between 10 and 30 years, depending on the type of metal used.

Aesthetics: Sheet metal is available in a variety of colors and looks, including tile imitations.

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The weak points of sheet metal roofing

Susceptibility to corrosion: Sheet metal can be subject to corrosion, especially near the sea.

Slate is one of the most widely used roofing materials, especially north of the Loire and in western France. Used for their strength and longevity, slates, whether natural or synthetic, offer unparalleled aesthetics and numerous beneficial features.

Natural slate roofing

Natural slate is quite heavy, requiring a solid roof structure.

Installing natural slate requires copper or stainless steel hooks and should be carried out by an experienced professional.

Synthetic slate roofing

Synthetic slate, made from fiber cement, is a more affordable alternative to natural slate.

Its advantages:

Synthetic slate is cheaper than natural slate.

Its installation is simpler and can be done without the help of a professional, although this is recommended to ensure correct installation.

The tiled roof

Tile roofs are the most common in France and vary by region: scale tiles in Alsace, flat tiles in Burgundy, or Roman tiles in the south. They are available in terracotta or  concrete  and easily adapt to  regional architectural styles:

Ceramic tiles (red terracotta) are made from fired clay and are very common in France.

Flat concrete tiles are made of cement and sand and offer a more economical alternative to terracotta.

The advantages of a tiled roof

Good durability: tiles can last between 30 and 70 years.

Traditional aesthetics: they offer a classic and warm appearance to the roof.

Waterproofing and insulation: they are very effective in protecting against water and thermal variations.

Weather resistance: the tiles are very robust against weather conditions.

Relatively simpler to install than slate: it can be carried out by a professional or an experienced DIY enthusiast.

The ease of replacing individual tiles is a major advantage for roof maintenance.

Buy tiles to redo your roof!

The disadvantages of a tiled roof

Moderate weight: Clay tiles are lighter than concrete tiles, but both require a solid roof structure.

Variable price: The cost can vary depending on the type, model, and surface area to be covered. For example, concrete tiles are less expensive than terracotta tiles.

Risk of cracking and breaking: Clay tiles are prone to cracking or breaking under impact.

Regular maintenance required: to ensure their longevity, periodic maintenance is essential.

For a durable and efficient roof, choose the type of tile that best suits your needs and the specificities of your region, taking into account costs and installation requirements.

There are two types of thatched roofing:

Closed construction: The base is constructed with plywood or OSB panels attached to the rafters.With traditional open construction: the thatch bales are laid directly onto the  roof frame  with transverse slats. The advantages of thatched roofs

Natural and recyclable: made from 100% plant stems, thatched roofing is both biodegradable and ecological.

Rustic character: it brings a traditional charm and fits perfectly into rural landscapes.