Learning All About Roofing Materials

3 Creative Roofing Options For A Detached Garage

13 March 2015

Beverley Hall

When it's time to replace the roof on your detached garage, don't just settle for the same roof you've always had. Take some time to peruse the options so you can get the most use out of the structure.

Option #1: Match the Home

The most common choice, especially if the garage is viewable from the street, is to match the roofing materials on your home. This gives your property a consistent appearance that improves curb appeal.

In most cases, this means selecting asphalt shingles in the same color shade as what is on your house. If your home has a heavier roofing material, such as slate or tiles, your roofing contractor will need to verify that the garage is constructed to hold the extra weight. If it's not, you will need to shore up the support beams before installing the heavier roof.

Option #2: Go For Utility

Garages serve many purposes, from a simple place to park a car to the hub of the home's workshop. The right roof can increase the utility of the space. Some examples of a utility roof include:

• Choosing a fire or heat proof roofing material, such as metal, to minimize the chances of damage to the nearby main home. This may be important if you often do woodworking, welding, or other tasks that use volatile chemicals or heat.
• Metal and tile roofs are another good choice for avid gardeners that would like to harvest rainwater for use in the garden beds. Although you can collect rainwater from an asphalt roof, chemicals and gravel in the collected water can make it unsuitable for use on edible plants.
• Replacing the whole roof and changing its basic shape is another option to consider, especially if you would like to add loft storage or even a garage apartment. You can add dormers to an existing roof to make a spacious loft. Asphalt roofing works well, because it's lightweight and won't put as much stress on the additions.

Option #3: Extend Your Outdoor Space

Traditional roofing options provide cover, but you can also choose a replacement roof that extends your outdoor space. Flat-top garages are best suited to this treatment, because they can generally handle the excess weight of furniture and people. Tar and gravel is the most common choice, because it can stand up to the wear-and-tear of foot traffic on top. If you don't like the look, you can cover it with a floating wood deck. Although it's possible to convert a pitched roof to a flat style, you will need to first make structural modifications to the building can support the weight.

You don't have to go with just one option. For example, if you want the rain collection ability of a metal roof, but would like to match your home's asphalt shingles, go with metal shingles in a similar shade to those on your home. For more information, contact a roofing company like Earhart Roofing Company Inc.

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