Without a doubt, a building’s roof is one of its most vital components. This means that—whether you’re looking to build a new barn, expand your existing one or it’s simply in need of a new roof—it is vital that carefully consider all of your options beforehand. Although there are now many different roofing material options, the fact is that most of them are far better suited for residential projects for one reason or another. Some materials probably won’t provide the kind of protection your barn needs considering its unique indoor environment, whereas many other roofing materials are simply far too expensive to be a practical option for most people. Therefore, this guide should help to explain your various barn roofing options and what factors you need to consider when making your choice.
Tips for Choosing the Right Roof for Your Barn
In truth, you have quite a few different roofing options, such as clay, composite asphalt or even wood shingles. In light of this, it helps to focus on a number of different factors in an effort to narrow down your choices. Price is obviously an important factor to keep in mind since you likely already have a budget of how much you’re willing or able to spend.
Still, even more, important is the overall protection that the roof provides against the elements and also possible disasters. This last factor generally means looking at fire protection and prevention as some roofing materials are obviously more flame resistant or flame retardant than others. In addition, you’ll want to carefully consider how long each type of roofing material is rated to last. This way, you can hopefully help to prevent having to again have your roof replaced a few years down the road.
Why Metal Roofing Is the Preferred Choice for Barns and Other Outbuildings
In the past, many people used wood shingles or shakes on their barn roofs, and there is no doubt that wooden roofs provide a number of advantages in terms of overall looks and aesthetic appeal. The only problem is that wood roofs are also exceptionally prone to fires unless you regularly take the time to treat the shingles with flame retardant. As well, wood roofs require far more maintenance and care than other roofing materials, and they tend to fall apart incredibly quickly if this is neglected.
All of these reasons help to explain why metal roofing now tends to be the preferred choice for barns, sheds, and other outbuildings. Not only are metal roofs relatively inexpensive compared to many other roofing materials, but they also provide superior protection against the elements. Obviously, metal also resists fire far better than most other materials, which can be a huge advantage since most barns tend to contain a wide variety of combustible substances and other items.
Standing-seam metal roofing is also available in a number of different colors and styles. This makes it easy to match the existing color and/or style of your barn to ensure an overall handsome look and feel.
Tips for Finding a Metal Roofing Professional
Although installing a metal roof on your barn can provide many advantages, the problem is that most roofing contractors don’t have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to do the job correctly. Installing a metal roof is very different compared to other roofing materials, and if the job isn’t done carefully and properly from start to finish, all of those advantages may almost immediately begin to disappear. In fact, it is essential that each roof sheet is laid down correctly every single fastener is affixed thoroughly and in the right place. If not, you’ll end up dealing with leaks and various other problems.
For this reason, it is essential that you don’t trust your metal roof to just anyone. Instead, you need to make sure you do a bit of research first and take the time to find a trusted, experienced professional. If not, there is a high chance you’ll end up paying for it in the long run.
If you found this article useful or interesting, we hope you’ll also check out our series on creating a DIY barn:
- Building A Pole Barn Shed From Scratch – Part 1 The Foundation
- Building A Pole Barn Shed From Scratch P2 – Planning The Pole Barn Framing
- Building A Pole Barn Shed From Scratch P3 – Planning Pole Barn Siding
- Building A Pole Barn Shed From Scratch P4 – Planning Pole Barn Electrical
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