Choosing the right roof

The choice of the roof is an important step in the construction or renovation of a house. The main role of the roof is to effectively insulate the house. The materials are chosen according to the tastes and the budget of each one, but they must also respect the local architectural constraints, the technical constraints related to the type of frame, without forgetting the climate of the region.

The right criteria for choosing a frame

The frame solidifies the whole and prepares the installation of the roof. This is a fundamental step, which determines the solidity of the construction. Our tip takes stock of the criteria to be evaluated before starting.

Frame: a load-bearing element

This may seem contradictory since the frame is placed on the structure of the construction, but it is a load-bearing element of the dwelling. In fact, by keeping the walls and the structural work in place, it ensures the solid closure of the construction, a bit like a keystone!

Structural strength

The permanent loads on the framework are quite low since the roof covering and the structure of the framework itself are light elements.

Climatic elements

The roof is exposed to bad weather and the sun’s rays all year round. It is therefore necessary to think about the roofing of the frame to ensure:

As a load-bearing element, if the frame is affected during a fire, there is a good chance that the rest of the structure will collapse. This is why it is imperative to assess the risks and choose the material that will make up the frame:

You also have to take into account the type of frame you want to build:

Farmhouse frame: prefabricated and assembled on site, it does not always allow the installation of habitable attics

Traditional framework: made to measure and therefore more complex, it allows the development of habitable attics

The  truss frame  is a less expensive alternative to a traditional frame but has good resistance. It is made with wooden planks held together with metal fasteners. In addition, it will support the roof covering as well as a plaster ceiling. With this type of frame, insulation is relatively simple and inexpensive. However, this frame does not allow for a  fitted space because you can only walk on the beams, the ceiling being in plaster, it does not support more weight.

The  traditional frame , although more complex to achieve, has the advantage of allowing the development of habitable attics. This frame consists of assembled solid wood elements. However, this advantage allows the development of the attic by even creating several rooms depending on the area, this frame is more expensive than the farmhouse. Similarly, attic insulation will be more expensive than  attic insulation .

Terracotta is the most widely used material for making tiles. This material has proven itself over time, it is very resistant to bad weather such as frost. Terracotta tiles come in different shapes and colors, which allows them to adapt to any style of home. On the other hand, it is desirable to insert protection between the tiles and the framework to ensure optimum thermal insulation .

Concrete tile house roof

Just like terracotta tiles, concrete tiles require interposing protection between them and the frame. In addition, concrete is very subject to climatic variations and has the particularity of becoming colored when exposed to the sun. Concrete tiles are the least resistant tiles in the long term, but certainly the least expensive. Finally, they can be straight or channeled in order to better adapt to the inclination of the roof.

Just like terracotta tiles, concrete tiles require interposing protection between them and the frame. In addition, concrete is very subject to climatic variations and has the particularity of becoming colored when exposed to the sun. Concrete tiles are the least resistant tiles in the long term, but certainly the least expensive. Finally, they can be straight or channeled in order to better adapt to the inclination of the roof.

Wooden tile house roof

In pine, oak, or acacia, the wooden tile allows optimal water flow. In addition, it gives your home an authenticity that only the noble material that is wood can convey.

Natural, incombustible and extremely resistant, slate remains synonymous with quality and prestige for roofing. A slate roof, combined with zinc, brings a lot of character to the overall aesthetics of a house. However, its relatively high cost and its heaviness can be a real obstacle in the choice of this material.

Endowed with an optimal lifespan in areas not subject to severe weather, zinc is an ecological element since it is 100% recyclable. Its lightness makes it an easy material to install, even if this task must be entrusted to a professional zinc roofer.