About to build the roof of your new home? While there are quite a few popular options for roofing tiles in Pakistan, roofing tiles or shingles are usually considered essential for sloped roofs, and only a few people actually tile their flat roofs, unless they want to use the space for outdoor entertainment. So, if you are going to set up a barbeque area, a rooftop garden, or a kid’s play area on the roof, tiling the roof is a good move.
We’re here with all the popular options for roofing tiles in Pakistan to help you get the most from the roof of your home. Check them out to make a smarter pick.
Roofing Tiles in Pakistan
The most common materials used to tile roofs in Pakistan are:
- Ceramic tiles
- Asphalt tiles
- Metal tiles
- Terracotta or clay tiles
We’ll discuss each of these tiles with their pros and cons for your roof. While we will not be separating our list between tiles that are best for flat or sloped roofs, you will need to settle the debate between flat vs. sloping roofs for your home before you choose any of the tiling options to cover the roof.
Ceramic Tiles
Ceramic tiles offer the best solution for flat roofs. They are somewhat similar to clay tiles, which we will also discuss in the blog, ceramic tiles are a common choice for homeowners, especially if you are choosing tiles for a flat roof. It is important to note that while these tiles share a lot of characteristics with clay tiles and have clay as their base, their manufacturing process makes them glossier due to the glaze applied on top.
These tiles are an excellent alternative to merely painting your roof, allowing you to not only make the surface waterproof but also prettier, especially if you plan on using your roof as an outdoor seating or entertainment area. They can also be the ideal flooring if you decide to set up a rooftop garden at home. Let’s check out the pros and cons of ceramic tiles for a flat roof in Pakistan.
Pros
- Available in a range of designs and colours
- Fire resistant
- Exceptionally durable
- Very little maintenance required
- Waterproof
- Great aesthetic appeal for outdoor use
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Can be damaged easily using force
- Might become stained over time
- Prone to leaks due to standing water on the roof
Asphalt Tiles
Asphalt tiles are made primarily from fibreglass after sandwiching a mix of asphalt and ceramic grains. Asphalt shingles are the cheapest and the most commonly used roof shingles in the world. While the same cannot be said about their popularity in Pakistan, they are still widely used to cover sloping roofs due to their water-resistant properties. Here are some of the major pros and cons of choosing asphalt tiles for your roof:
Pros
- Available in different designs and varying thickness
- Offers adequate waterproofing for homes
- Lightweight roofing tiles for homes
- Easy to install
- Conveniently available in the market
Cons
- Have a shorter lifespan than some of the other alternatives
- Not good for home insulation
- Quality can vary based on the manufacturing formula
Metal Tiles
An alternative to asphalt and ceramic tiles, metal tiles are more common for sheds and outhouses than homes, but there are still plenty of people who choose this lightweight material to cover their sloping roof. Metallic roof tiles in Pakistan come with the following pros and cons.
Pros
- Extremely lightweight
- Durable tiles for roofs
- Versatile in terms of style and colour
- Easy to install
- Leak-proof when they are installed properly
- Keeps homes cooler in summers
Cons
- Can be noisy in the rainy season for the room below
- Risk of corrosion or rust over time
- Prone to dents if the tiles are too thin
- Can be slippery when wet
- Poor insulators
Terracotta or Clay Tiles
Clay tiles or terracotta tiles were traditionally found in a standard red colour and were the only roof tiles in Pakistan at one point in time. They still retain their popularity, though, and are still widely used for sloping roofs. Here’s why some people still opt for clay tiles and why others prefer to use newer alternatives instead.
Pros
- Adds an elegant finish to the roof
- Long-lasting tiling solution
- Energy-efficient tiles
- Available in varying designs and colours
- Low maintenance required
Cons
- Heavier than other alternatives
- Complicated installation that requires professional help
- Prone to chips and cracks
This brings us to the end of our compilation of the roofing tiles in Pakistan. Please note that if you find any shingles or roofing tiles missing from their position, you should immediately call an expert and get your roof inspected for leaks and damage, as this is one of the many warning signs that point towards an imminent roof repair.
Stay tuned to Zameen Blog for more home construction tips and advice. You can also reach us at blog@zameen.com with your feedback and suggestions. Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for daily updates delivered directly to your inbox.
