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Choosing a Roof for your Garage
January 2nd, 2014
You would probably be very surprised to learn of the variety of garage roofing options available today. In the past, a garage was typically a component or extension of a home, but modern garages can be purpose built and may be fully detached from your home. When choosing a roof for your garage, you want to consider performance, appearance, local regulations, and your budget. This overview of garage roofing options will help you choose the best roof for your garage.
Materials
Just as the roof on your home can be constructed from a variety of materials so can the roof on your garage. If you have an attached garage, you likely want to choose roofing materials that match your home, but if you have a detached garage your choices are more varied. Typically, attached garages will feature traditional asphalt shingles which are available in an impressive array of colours, textures, and dimensions. Moreover, asphalt shingles are a great choice for your garage because they are inexpensive and durable and in many cases, can carry a lifetime guarantee.
You may also have a flat-roof garage which is better suited to torch-on systems or hot tar covering. This type of roofing requires specialized installation skills so you should always hire a qualified roofing professional. These types of materials are ideal for flat or low-pitched roofs, and they also offer great durability. Torch-on systems or hot tar roofs generally last for approximately 20 years, and they’re easily maintained as leaks can be fixed without replacing the entire roof.
When it comes to detached garages, the sky is the limit! You have as many roofing options for detached garages as you would your home. Shingles, tile, metal roofing, fibreglass, and even polycarbonate roofing can be used on garages. Ultimately, you just need to ensure that the structure of your garage can support your roofing materials. Obviously, you’ll want to speak to your roofing contractor to determine the best garage roofing option in your climate.
Budget and other Restrictions
Choosing a roof for your garage will often come down to your budget. The best roofing materials aren’t always the most affordable, so regardless of your preferences it is important to ensure that you can afford your garage roof. In fact, there may even be local government restrictions that prevent you from choosing particular roofing materials. Similarly, if you live in a housing development with a strata council, there are likely guidelines that must be followed with respect to the style and type of garage roof. So, you want to choose roofing materials that offer the best protection for your garage and its contents, but also a style and design that is affordable.
