Roofing materials differ in their material composition, therefore affecting their features and weight. In fact, when you start looking deeply into every material, you will know that the roofs can be very heavy and very light. Generally, a lightweight material is one that weighs under 20kg per square meter when fixed on the roof. Heavyweight materials would exceed this weight limit. Depending on the roofing material used in construction, the roof can either be the weight of an SUV or a 10-wheeler truck, each having repercussions to the house in the long run.
Does the weight of the roof really matter?
The quick answer is yes. The long answer can be summarized with the following reasons:
- The structural integrity of the house loses strength as it ages. Regardless of the material, the structural integrity of the home will not be the same as it was the first time it was built. Heavy roofs can be particularly risky, because it can weaken the foundation of the home, especially if it cannot support the added weight.
- During the deadly earthquake in Japan, experts found out that heavier weights sustained greater damage as compared to lighter roofs. This must be the overall effect of having weaker home structures because of heavier roofs, which made them collapse and acquire more severe damage. Geographical locations nearer to the Pacific Ring of Fire, for example, must take the weight of their roof into account.
- There are environmental reasons too. Since most lightweight materials are made of multi composite materials, i.e., raw and inorganic materials, it reduces the carbon emissions brought by the manufacturing of the raw materials used in creating these materials, and the cost-effective value in transporting these products.
- Choosing a lightweight material for roofing saves you money. A lightweight roofing material saves you money through:
- Material– A lot of people these days are opting for energy-saving materials that can help in lowering the costs of their utility bills. It also helps when the material does not have to be replaced oftenly, especially after a disaster strikes. All these you can get in lightweight roofing materials, without compromising its quality.
- Transportation– Lightweight materials require less energy to be transported from one place to another.
- Installation– The weight of the material directly correlates to how much easier or harder it is to actually install the roof. Lightweight roofs can potentially make the installation faster and easier. This is because heavier roofs may require additional structural adjustments to support the added weight of the roof.
- Maintenance– You save from the cost of the material used, the added value to your home, and the assurance that the roof is a long term investment because it can last for a long time. You also save money from reduced installation costs and maintenance.
Polycarbonate Skylight Roofing is a Lightweight Material.
Polycarbonate is one material known to be lightweight while still maintaining excellent resistance against strong winds. When a roofing is lightweight, you save your home from heavy pressure from the roof, which can help preserve the life of your home. Although polycarbonate is a lightweight material, it has strong resistance against strong winds and storms because of its interlocking system with appropriate fasteners to secure it to the home’s structure.
Where to buy Polycarbonate Sheets
Duralon is a trusted partner for polycarbonate roofs in the Philippines, which offers a variety of colors and types (solid polycarbonate, twin wall polycarbonate, multiwall polycarbonate, and corrugated polycarbonate sheet). With multiple varieties available in the market, you can surely get one for your application. Duralon can be found in all Polylite stores nationwide. Aside from polycarbonate sheets, Polylite also offers a variety of architectural materials in the Philippines. Call us or send us an email.