Roofs represent more than just the uppermost covering of a building. The roof of a building adds value and shows individual personality, and as such, individuals go after a product that suits their taste and what they represent.
The roofing shingles you select for your home can take the exterior of your building to the next level because roofs are the first part of your home people notice.
There are different roof types and designs, but over the years, certain roofing materials and patterns have been peculiar to certain countries.
The unique roofing forms in these countries bring out the beauty and identity of the country.
Europe is one of the fascinating continents with a culture embedded in arts and architecture. Consequently, why don’t Europeans use tar shingle roofs?
Europeans do not use tar shingles because tar shingles are deemed cheap and are of low quality. Instead, Europeans go after highly durable roofing materials, and tar shingles seem to fall off the expectations. Also, other factors that influence roof choice are a difference in culture, history, geographic location, and quality of life.
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Five Facts Why Europeans Don’t Use Tar Shingles Roof?
There are different types of shingles, which are created from a wide variety of elements and shapes, relying on the conditions they have to conform to and the availability of gears.
While some people want a roof that looks good and is free from leaks, Europeans look out for quality and roof materials that stand out from the rest. Hence tar shingles are seen as a cheap roofing material by the Europeans.
Europeans go for highly sophisticated shingles roof types that not just complete the house’s aesthetics but also describe the house’s identity.
On the other hand, tar shingles come off as lightweight and inexpensive roofing material, signifying a low quality compared to the high lifestyle of the Europeans.
The climate conditions also influence the choice of shingles roof type. When choosing a roof type, there are many factors you must consider.
However, with improvements in technology, there has been significant growth in the quality of roofing materials.
As a result, Europeans go for top-notch materials that will stand the test of time regardless of the weather conditions.
Five facts why Europeans don’t use tar shingle roofs include the following.
- tar shingles are not the most energy-efficient shingles available.
- tar shingles are victims of thermal shock countless times during their lifespan.
- When compared to slate shingles, tar shingles are less environmentally friendly.
- tar shingles are less durable.
- tar shingles are not fire resistant, do not withstand severe weather conditions, and are vulnerable to high winds.
What Type Of Shingles Roof Europeans Use
European roof shingles are known to have high standards and quality compared to other shingles.
Due to the quality of raw materials and advanced technology used in their production, they are found to be very durable and can withstand harsh weather conditions.
Over the centuries, different materials have been used as roofs or in making roofs, and it is thrilling how much has changed since then.
One of the most common types of shingles roof used by the Europeans is ceramic tiles. Ceramic tiles come in various shapes, sizes, and designs to fit your building.
You need to know that the kind of roof material that stands on your building speaks for you, and you must remember that a roof makes your house livable.
The following are some of the advantages of ceramic tiles.
- Ceramic tiles have a long life and are durable. Also protected from mold, rot, and insect boring. Most ceramic tiles have a guarantee of about 50 years and last centuries.
- Ceramic tiles are made of simple materials and do not use chemical preservatives. As such are said to be environmentally friendly.
- For better indoor temperature control, ceramic tiles have improved thermal capacity and air spaces. They have increased ventilation compared to other roofing types and help the roof shed solar heat more efficiently.
- Ceramic tiles can withstand any weather and conditions and are non-combustible.
- Ceramic tiles have high strength, connectivity, and flexibility. Hence installation creates a more robust roofing structure.
Also, authentic slate shingles are products used in Europe over the years. Although slate shingles’ elegance comes at a high cost, a slate roof will easily last you for 100 years.
The challenge with slate shingles is that slates are fragile, and fixing becomes a burden once broken.
Also, slates are heavy, and not all home structures will be able to bear the weight of slate roof shingles, and as such extra support must be installed.
With technological improvements, synthetic slate shingles reflect the glamour and uniqueness of authentic slates.
Production of Synthetic slates is from plastic and rubber, and you can recycle all varieties of synthetic slates.
In addition, the synthetic slate contains refined sun inhibitors that help prevent wear and tear. As such synthetic slates are more durable than authentic slates.
What Are Advantages Of Asphalt Shingles?
Asphalt shingles are the go-to roofing shingles in the United States, and the drive is that asphalt shingles are inexpensive and easy to install.
Therefore, people who desire roofing shingles that are budget friendly yet effective can go for asphalt shingles.
In addition, asphalt shingles are standard and easily accessible, and most require very little maintenance.
Asphalt shingles roofs are reliable, although their durability can not compare to the expensive slate roofing shingles.
Asphalt roof shingles come in various designs and colors to fit your structure.
If you are out to get the most reliable roofing materials, then asphalt shingles are not your best option, even though they are economical.
Some of the pros and cons of asphalt shingles are in the table below.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They are affordable. | Asphalt shingles are not the most durable shingles. |
| They are effective. | Asphalt shingles are vulnerable to high winds. |
| They are easy to install. | Because of their lightweight, asphalt shingles crack easily. |
| You can replace individual shingles. | You have to install shingles in warmer temperatures. |
The types of shingles used by the Europeans are more expensive than asphalt shingles, and so are the benefits.
Slate roofs are the longest-lasting roofing materials. When properly installed, you are sure to get value on your money because slate shingles require little maintenance and have limited roofing waste.
In addition, slate generally maintains the same style of your home over the years.
American Shingle Roofs Vs. European Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs vary in different countries because countries have unique quality of life, history, and geographical locations and choose roofing materials that will suit their way of life.
For example, while asphalt shingles are the broadly popular roofing elements in America, the Europeans have slate shingles which are referred to as forever roofs because of their long lifespan.
Though asphalt shingles cost less and are available, asphalt shingles are still effective since the primary aim of any roof material is to cover the home.
However, there is a need to know that asphalt shingles come in different grades and levels of quality.
As such, you don’t have the guarantee that you are going for the best, while slates are a top-notch quality roofing material.
Slates are very heavy, and your building needs additional support to carry slate roofing, which is unsuitable for all roof types, unlike asphalt shingles.
On the other hand, asphalt shingles which are lightly weighted, tend to wear and tear quickly.
Although generally, both American shingles and European shingles have their pros and cons, slate shingles are the best roofing options available.
Conclusion
Roofs are what complete our buildings and make the structure stand out.
When choosing roof shingles, there are certain factors you must consider, such as durability, energy efficiency, the weight of the material, weather endurance, and the cost of the material.
Asphalt shingles are cheap and readily available, but slate is the most favored roofing material.
