What Are Barn Roofs Made Of
To protect a barn from any damaged roofing is mandatory. For this, choosing the best material for roofing is essential. So now the question is, what are barn roofs made of?
Roofs can be wood, asphalt, metal, clay, slate, etc. Even roofs have different designs, which depend on many factors. Here I will discuss various roof types, styles, advantages, and disadvantages.
5 Different Materials Of Roof
Roofs’ longevity, durability, effectiveness, etc., depending on the suitable materials. Therefore, selecting the perfect materials should be done carefully. Users always want the best things at a cheap cost. So, we have sorted out various types of roof materials below:
1. Asphalt Shingles
Asphalt shingles are the most famous and used for cost-effectiveness and waterproofing. In North America, asphalt shingles are widely used. However, there are two types of asphalt: fiberglass and organic. Now fiberglass asphalt is mainly manufactured and used for roofing. This is because asphalt shingles are easy to fit, repair, and replace.
Its life expectancy can go up to 20 years, depending on maintenance. Almost everyone can afford it. On the other hand, as asphalt is lightweight, it can be torn or lifted due to heavy wind.
2. Wood Shingles
Wood shingles were the famous shingles used in roofing for barns in the early stage. North America, rural Scandinavia, and European countries used to make roofs with it. For making such shingles, different kinds of wood are used.
Wood is processed and provided in various shapes to make shingles. Utilizing such materials enhances the property value and gives a nice regal look.
Moreover, wood shingles have a better life expectancy than asphalt. It can last for 30 years. So, it doesn’t require early replacement for damages. But these shingles are costly, and not everyone can afford them. Moss and plants are grown over the wood shingles, so it requires maintenance.
3. Metal Shingles
Metal roofing is taking the place of other roofing in the present era. This is because of its longevity, durability, design, etc. Metal shingles are a combination of copper, zinc, and steel alloys. Even more, metal shingles can copy the outlook of wood shingles. Its durability is 30-40 years and requires low maintenance.
It protects the building from overheating, and most importantly, it’s recycled. Besides, it needs experts to install such roofs. However, the noise created from rain or anything falling on the top is one inconvenience.
4. Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are used as barn roofing. These tiles are made with various materials such as mud, sand, sawdust, etc. Then the mixture is put into a mold to give them a shape. Finally, the tiles are heated at a high temperature. These types of titles are expected in dried and hotter climate areas.
Usually, a clay title’s longevity is 100+ years. It is super durable, and dump or hot weather cannot affect it. Even moss or plants don’t grow on it. But these clay tiles are heavy and fragile. Replacing old titles with clay tiles won’t be a good idea sometimes. Some roofs may not bear the extra weight.
5. Slate
Slate tiles are another form of clay titles. But the main difference lies in ingredients. Its life expectancy is 60+ years depending on the maintenance. But these tiles are fire resistant, waterproof, and anti-fungal. Using such titles gives the barn a unique and nice view.
To make the roof attractive, anyone can set the titles with multiple colors and textures. However, slate tiles are heavier and more expensive than wood or asphalt shingles. I recommended slate titles for new house roofs for their overweight.
4 Barn Roof Designs
Barn roofs have various sorts of barn roof styles. Property owners can make different styles with different roof shingles. I have described the top four barn designs below.
1. Shed Roof
A shed roof is appropriate for a small barn or open-air house. This type of roof is simple, easy to install, and needs less maintenance. The front wall has to be taller than the rear for a shed roof. The look of this roof is straight and flat. Wood and asphalt shingles are suitable for shed roof style.
However, a shed roof is beneficial for installing solar panels and cooling or heat-resistant units. But this roof is not that much convenient. Also, there’s no attic space, and not recommended for rainy or snowfall areas.
2. Hip Roof
Hip roof structures are appropriate where the house has larger space. The tiles used in the hip roof are equal in height and length. The tiles are set up so that all four tiles meet at the top. It’s almost like a cone from the top of the roof. For this hip roof, metal, concrete, terracotta, etc., shingles are good.
However, these roof designs are durable and sturdy. Heavy wind or snowfall cannot affect the roof. But it’s a bit expensive as it needs more materials.
3. Gambrel Roof
A gambrel roof is another form of barn roof type. It is suitable for two-story buildings or a barn. This design provides more room on the top floor. Gambrel roof style uses two slopes.
Before building the final roof, a gambrel truss (wooden structure) is made, which makes it stronger. Wood, slate, and asphalt shingles can be used for gambrel roofs. Its maintenance and durability depend on the materials used.
4. Gable Roof
A Gable roof is a triangle-shaped roof usually seen in the USA. It is known as the peaked roof as well. This type of roof is easy to build and adds ventilation. One can set up an attic or ceiling as well. It is not damaged by snowfall or water.
Asphalt, wood, metal, etc., are appropriate for gable roofs. But remember, this roof is not strong enough to resist high wind.
Summary
Still, have confusion about what barn roofs are made of? Except for the materials above, tops can be made of stone, concrete, rubber slate, etc. All types of roofs have advantages and disadvantages. So, one should choose strong, durable, and budget-friendly roof .