There is a question of utility of concrete roofs on the heads of home owners. After all, aren’t concrete slabs old and worn out? Isn’t it high time they got a replacement? If you are among these thinking people, allow this article to shed some light on the issue.
Before you get ahead with the “Yes or No” debate, let’s have a look at why concrete roofs have a long life even if they are looked after nicely. The primary reason for its resilience lies in the composition of the material. Concrete comprises of finely ground sand, gravel and water that becomes blended with the air over time. The fine particles lock together to form fine concrete aggregates which when mixed with the air provide an impermeable surface and thus are ideal for roofing purposes.
These aggregates when mixed with the water create a chemical reaction which makes the compound stiff and inflexible. As a result, there is no scope for any cracking, peeling or chipping. If there is any wear and tear, it is due to the elements causing minor damage to the aggregate. In fact, it is not even visible to the naked eye.
Though concrete is a long lasting product, it is not so cost effective as other roofing options. Even though the cost factor turns some people off, it can be used in conjunction with other features like thermal resistance to reduce heating costs further. Also, concrete roofs tend to show up streaks and marks more easily and hence are not the most attractive roofing option.
In spite of being a long lasting product, you cannot just toss concrete on the roof and expect it to stay that way. Like any other roofing option, regular cleaning and maintenance is essential to sustain it for the longest time possible. For that, you need a foam based roofing product. They help in protecting the roof from extreme weather conditions as well as keeping it clean and shiny. Also, they help in maintaining the structural integrity of the roof.
Now let us look at the pros and cons of concrete roofs. The first thing you need to realize is that concrete roofs have a number of advantages over other traditional roofing options. Firstly, they are very cost effective. In other words, they do not consume a lot of energy. This means that you can save on your electric bill and hence use money to spend on other things like enhancing the home.
Secondly, it can also last for a very long time. Over the years, this type of roofing material has proven to be durable and strong and is able to last for almost 20 years. Moreover, it looks great and offers a nice aesthetic look to the home.
Finally, you can install these roofs on your own. Unlike other roofing options, you will not require the services of a professional roofer or an engineer. Overall, concrete can prove to be one of the best options when you ask “why are concrete roofs worth it?”
Apart from all the mentioned advantages, concrete offers a number of attractive characteristics as well. For example, it is a very attractive option. Just look at any concrete house or building and you will see that they have a distinct look. They look tough and solid. Also, if you go to any home and ask what are concrete roofing, more than 50% of the people will suggest installing them on their roofs. So, they do look very good.
The downside to this is that they require regular maintenance. Apart from their strength and durability, they are prone to getting cracks or breaches. If you do not take adequate care of them, they can look very ugly. If you want to avoid this, then you can always opt for polystyrene. However, this type requires regular cleaning and may also require sealing.
Another thing you need to consider when you ask “Why are concrete roofs worth it?” is the cost involved in installing them. It is true that they are much more expensive than the other types of roofing such as asphalt shingles, but they are cheaper than many other roofing options. If you compare the price of asphalt shingles with the cost of concrete roofs, you will surely find it hard to make the argument for asphalt shingles.
On the other hand, you will be hard pressed to find any disadvantages to concrete roofs. You can build them yourself and you can even customize them in order to fit your requirements the best. Moreover, they are very easy to install and maintain, which is a clear advantage over many other options. So, what are you waiting for?