How to roof a country house that's affordable, reliable, and looks good? Let's find out what aspects to consider and what to consider.

Selection criteria  

They depend on the region, the roof type (pitched, flat), and even the intended use of the summer house. It could be used as a storage space for gardening tools or as a full-fledged seasonal home. For example, corrugated metal sheets, such as corrugated sheets, are excellent in all respects, but they are very noisy – during heavy rain, the house will be filled with a roar. 

When choosing roofing materials for your summer house, consider three main criteria:

  • resistance to ultraviolet radiation, wind, and snow loads - the higher the resistance, the less often repairs will be required and the longer the coating will retain its original appearance;

  • The level of complexity of installation – this determines the price of roofers’ work

And also ease of maintenance and repair – from easy snow removal to replacement of damaged areas.

Get reliable Asphalt Roof Replacement Norbeck MD services from experienced roofing professionals. Affordable pricing, durable materials, and fast installation. Call today for a free estimate!

Popular materials 

Let's look at popular roofing materials for a summer house.

Metal roofing tiles

One of the most popular types of roofing in private homebuilding, these are profiled steel sheets with a protective multilayer polymer top layer, with a profile pattern that imitates natural tile. Advantages include affordability, light weight, ease of installation, and long service life. Also included:

  • UV resistance – does not fade, retains its original color for a long time;

  • does not require clearing of snow, since it does not linger on a smooth surface - even with a decent length of slopes, it comes off on its own at the first thaw;

  • a wide selection of colors – from classic brown and dark green to bright blue and even yellow.

The main drawbacks are noise and condensation on the inner surface of the sheets due to temperature fluctuations. However, noise levels can be reduced by installing thermal insulation, while waterproofing membranes or ensuring free airflow in the sub-roof space can help eliminate condensation.

Soft roofing

Flexible shingles are a fiberglass mat with a double-sided bitumen coating and basalt granules on the face. They serve both decorative and protective functions. They look beautiful, and due to their flexible, soft base, they can be used on structures with any slope and shape. 

Advantages:

  • resistance to ultraviolet radiation and temperature changes – does not deform or fade;

  • service life 30 - 50 years (depending on the brand);

  • repairability – only the damaged area can be replaced;

  • light weight.

The downside is the rough surface, which will attract snow. The roof will need cleaning after heavy snowfalls. And, of course, the cost—both for the tiles themselves and for installation. 

roofing felt 

This is cardboard, fiberglass, and non-woven fabric with a double-sided bitumen impregnation, coated with an additional layer of refractory bitumen and a mineral crumb coating. Sold in rolls, it can be either welded or cold-applied, depending on its specifications. It is best suited for flat or low-pitched roofs.

Advantages include cost, ease of installation, and repair. Disadvantages include a short lifespan, instability to temperature fluctuations, and flammability. The flammability rating can be increased by adding special additives to the bitumen, but roofing felt still cannot be considered fireproof.

Which is better?

Flexible roofing tiles are not a budget option. This applies to both the shingles themselves, the trim pieces (ridge caps, valley caps), and the installation. Unlike corrugated steel sheets, shingles are installed on a solid OSB or plywood subfloor, which automatically increases the cost.

If you're looking to save money and appearance isn't a priority, consider roofing. It does a good job of protecting your home from moisture and offers a reasonable price-to-lifespan/quality ratio. However, it's better to choose glass-insulated roofing felt with a fiberglass backing. It's stronger and less flammable.

When choosing an inexpensive roofing material for a summer house, metal roofing is the clear winner when it comes to price, reliability, and aesthetics. It looks great, is resistant to both frost and heat, and is easy to install. Since the installation technology doesn't require the preparation of continuous sheathing, the roofing structure is lightweight, and you can also save on lumber. 

Conclusion

Cost and appearance are far from the only factors to consider. The roof's lifespan and reliability are also impacted by proper calculation of snow and wind loads, as well as the quality of installation. Therefore, it's best to entrust this work to professionals who know their business. 

We manage the project from scratch to acceptance – we provide consultations, take measurements, and help you choose the right coating within your agreed-upon budget. We carry out the work in strict compliance with manufacturer-recommended technologies and current building codes.