Are you adding an extension to your property or intending to replace your existing roof? While it makes sense to replace your roof with the same roofing material, you should consider and compare all options.

Each material will offer you something different in terms of appearance and functionality.

If you are adding a new kitchen extension or a new bedroom on the second floor, you will need to build a new roof entirely, and you can pick any tiles you want.

But when it comes to your existing roof, these warning signs will tell you it’s time to replace your tiles:

● Your roof leaks badly when it rains

This is not a few drips that stop after the rain stops, but multiple leaking sites, constant dripping sounds at very short intervals, and sagging and mouldy ceilings, signs that major roof work is needed.

● Your existing roof tiles are cracking and crumbling

Cracking tiles allow rainwater to leak into your ceiling. Pieces of cracked tiles can also clog up your gutter and breed mosquitoes.

● You can’t find the same roof tiles anymore

It may not be possible to replace individual tiles as they may have gone out of production. In this case, it is better to dismantle the entire section of roof and start from scratch.

● Your roof is sagging

This is bad news, as a sagging roof means that the structure is weakening. Before you consider a new roof, talk to your contractor to see if the entire support framework needs to be replaced.

Before deciding which roof tiles to install, you must first consider several factors:

1. What is your roof pitch?

The first thing you should know is the slope of your roof’s surface, also known as roof pitch.

Your roof pitch is measured by its height and length. A very low height means that the slope is almost flat, and a tall height results in a high slope.

Different roof slopes work better with different roof materials. For example, asphalt, wood and clay require you to have a higher slope so that water can easily flow down from your roof.

If you install them on a roof pitch that is lower or flat, the water will stagnate and lead to leakage.

2. Do you want it to match the rest of your house?

The materials you install on your roof will greatly affect the exterior appearance of your home. It’s best to choose a roof material that’s compatible with your home’s architecture design.

3. Can your building support it?

Not all roofing materials weigh the same; for example, concrete tiles and slates are heavier than wood and asphalt shingles.

If your house doesn’t have the right support structure, you’ll need to increase the structure. This will add further cost, time, mess and inconvenience.

4. Can it withstand hot and humid climate?

Malaysia’s tropical climate means you must consider how well your roofing materials will fare against the sun and rain.

What’s the difference between roof tiles and shingles? They’re actually the same.

When Malaysians say “shingles”, they usually means asphalt roofs, whereas “tiles” usually refer to clay or concrete. Shingles are also considered more premium roofing materials.

Although asphalt is the most common shingle, you can also find wood, synthetic and slate shingles. Tiles are mainly available in clay or concrete.

Pros and cons of the most common roof materials used in Malaysia:

1. Asphalt roof shingles

Asphalt shingles are made by combining waterproof asphalt (the same sticky stuff used to pave roads) with a solid material such as wood fibre or glass fibre to give it strength and structure.

Asphalt roof shingles are popular because they’re affordable to install and maintain. Furthermore, they’re waterproof, fireproof, and come in a variety of different colours. They’re pretty durable too, lasting from 15 to 30 years.

But bear in mind that asphalt reacts badly to heat, the colours will fade and the shingles might crack. Plus, since they’re manufactured with petroleum, they’re not environment-friendly.

2. Wood shingles

Wood shingles are good if you want to have a natural wood-like appearance for your roof. You can choose reclaimed wood if you want a more environment friendly option. Wood shingles are more prevalent among resorts that want a more “exotic” look.

Wood shingles in Malaysia are usually made from belian wood, also known as Borneo ironwood, so they are commonly called belian shingles. They can last at least 30 years whereas higher quality wood can last up to 80 years.

However, wood shingles are more expensive to install compared to asphalt. Maintenance can be high too as they are prone to cracks, splits, fungus and mildew, decay, and weathering.

Once damaged, each wooden shingle has to be replaced, which can prove troublesome and costly so periodic chemical treatment is needed to maintain them.

Keep an eye out for Part Two of this article coming out soon.

This article originally appeared on Recommend.my – Malaysia’s #1 Home Improvement Services Platform. Recommend.my offers a safer and more convenient way to hire the best home improvement and home maintenance professionals. From flooring to interior design to air-conditioner servicing, get access to thousands of the best local contractors and professionals at your fingertips.