A pitched roof is a good choice for many garages because rainwater can run off easily. It also works with several different roofing materials.
The best option will depend on your garage, budget and the look you want. Remember that the roof shape and covering are two separate choices. A roof can be gabled, hipped or mono-pitched and covered with sheets, shingles or tiles.
Below, we compare the main garage roof coverings and explain the pros and cons of each one.
Onduline is a lightweight corrugated roofing sheet made from recycled cellulose fibres and bitumen. It has a similar shape to corrugated metal but does not rust or corrode.
The sheets provide a practical, watertight covering when installed with the correct fixings and overlaps. They can also reduce the sound of rain compared with metal roofing.
Onduline has a simple, functional appearance that may not suit every property.
Avoid walking directly on the sheets, as concentrated weight can damage them. If you need toa access the roof, follow the manufacturer’s guidance and use suitable safety equipment and a platform that spreads the load.
At Chart Garages, we supply black Onduline sheets as standard. However, red, brown, and green sheets are also available.
Onduvilla tiles are lightweight bitumen-fibre strips made with recycled content. Their shaped profile and shaded finish create an appearance similar to traditional clay tiles.
They provide a more decorative alternative to corrugated Onduline sheets while remaining lightweight and resistant to rust and corrosion. This can make them suitable for garages in coastal areas. The material can also reduce the sound of rain compared with metal roofing.
Onduvilla comes with a 15-year waterproofing warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and correct installation. The roof pitch and installation method will depend on the roof structure.
At Chart Garages, we offer Onduvilla tiles in black, shaded brown, shaded green and shaded red.
Tapco synthetic slate tiles are made from a recyclable blend of limestone and polypropylene and have a consistent colour and shape.
As they are much lighter than natural slate, they place less weight on the roof structure and are easier to install. However, they do not have the same natural variation as quarried slate.
All our garages can be fitted with Tapco slate tiles.
Cedar shingles give a garage a natural, traditional appearance. They can work particularly well with rural and period properties.
Cedar contains natural oils that help it resist moisture, insects and decay. However, it is still a natural timber product, so the shingles can move and gradually weather to a silver-grey.
To keep a cedar roof in good condition, inspect it regularly and remove leaves, moss and other debris when needed. These can hold moisture against the shingles. The amount of maintenance will depend on the garage’s location and exposure.
At Chart Garages, we offer a cedar shingles installation option.
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Clay tiles provide a durable, traditional roof covering in a wide range of colours, shapes and finishes. Manufacturers make them from shaped and fired clay.
They generally need little maintenance, although you should check for broken or slipped tiles and remove debris when needed. Clay tiles can crack under a heavy impact, such as a falling branch, so keep nearby trees properly maintained.
Clay tiles are much heavier than bitumen sheets or cedar shingles. So the garage and roof structure must be strong enough to support them.
Our Chester Range garages can be designed to support clay tiles. To complete the tiling, you will need to hire a roof contractor.
Natural slate gives a garage a traditional, high-quality appearance. A well-installed slate roof can last for many decades, depending on the slate, fixings, roof design and exposure.
Slate absorbs very little water and does not usually need sealing. However, moss and debris can still collect on the roof, so it needs occasional checks and maintenance.
Slate tiles are heavy and can break under a direct impact. The garage roof must be designed to support them, and a specialist roofer should complete the installation. Natural slate is also one of the more expensive garage roof coverings.
Our Chester range can be prepared for slate tiles. You will need to hire a roofing contractor to supply and install them.
At Chart Garages, you can choose from several roof coverings to suit your property, budget and preferred look. Our team can explain the available options and help you select the right roof for your made-to-order timber garage, carport or carriage house.
Get in touch to discuss your building and request a quote.
