What are the best roof coverings for log cabins? Bitumen shingles, EPDM or Roof Felt

When it comes to roofing your log cabin, you want to make sure you choose a material that will protect your home from the elements and last for years to come. There are several options available on the market, but which one is right for you? Bitumen shingles, EPDM or Roof felt? Read on to learn more about each option and decide which one is best for your log cabin.

Bitumen shingles - Advantages:

Bitumen shingles are a popular choice of roof covering for log cabins, offering many advantages. These shingles are incredibly durable, providing long-lasting protection against water and ultraviolet radiation; they’re also relatively lightweight, so they can be easily installed on roof pitches of any angle. One of their major benefits is that the installation process is relatively straightforward, making this an excellent DIY option. Bitumen shingles also create an aesthetically pleasing look, available in a variety of colours to suit the owner's tastes. In addition to this, the cost of purchasing and installing bitumen shingles is generally lower than other materials such as EPDM or roof felt, keeping costs low and maximising your budget.

- They are the most common type of roofing material used on log cabins. They are easy to install, and they last a long time.

Disadvantages:

Bitumen shingles are the most common roof covering used on log cabins due to their ease of installation and longevity. Despite the obvious advantages, bitumen shingles also possess some notable drawbacks. For instance, they are not suitable for low-slope or flat roofs as they tend to become brittle when exposed to extreme temperatures. Additionally, although they are fire-resistant, direct heat from a nearby fireplace can still lead to deterioration over time. Another common material for log cabin roofs is EPDM rubber, which offers superior weather resistance but has more installation requirements. Finally, roof felt stands out in terms of affordability while still providing decent protection against harsh conditions; however, it usually requires more frequent repairs than the other two materials.

- They can be damaged by high winds, and they are not as energy efficient as some other types of roofing materials.

Log cabins provide homeowners with a unique and rustic appearance, but they also carry some downsides in terms of roofing. When it comes to log cabin rooftops, bitumen shingles, EPDM or Roof felt are the three best coverings as they can be easily obtained and replaced. However, they all have their drawbacks too; bitumen shingles and Roof felt can be damaged by high winds, while EPDM is less energy efficient than other available materials. Ultimately, the best roof covering material will depend on each individual's needs and preferences.

EPDM - Advantages:

EPDM is a smart choice for the roof coverings of log cabins due to its various advantages. It is a bit more expensive than the other two options, however, it is worth it for its outstanding durability and long-life span; EPDM can last up to fifty years and some manufacturers give guarantee periods of up to twenty-five years. Moreover, it requires almost no maintenance and has excellent flexibility, meaning that it can be used on all types of roofs, including flat and steeply pitched ones. Additionally, EPDM's insulation properties are particularly good at protecting from extreme weather conditions as well as sound pollution. Therefore, all things considered, EPDM is a great option for log cabins due to its longevity and versatility as well as its unbeatable protection against harsh weather elements.

- This type of roofing material is very durable and lasts a long time. It is also energy efficient and reflects heat well.

Disadvantages:

Bitumen shingles, EPDM or roof felt are all excellent roof coverings for log cabins due to their durability and long-lasting potential. Not only that, they also offer an extra layer of insulation and reflection of heat, making them an energy efficient choice. While these materials are generally beneficial in most normal use cases, it is important to note the potential disadvantages such as difficulty in twisting these materials into certain shapes and installation costs which can be higher than other options. Hence, it is key to research which roof covering best suits the desired purpose and budget before committing to a project.

- It can be difficult to install, and it is more expensive than some other types of roofing materials.

When it comes to installing a durable, long-lasting roofing material on a log cabin, bitumen shingles offer many advantages over other materials such as EPDM and roof felt. While the initial cost of bitumen is usually higher than these two alternatives, its natural composition makes it both resistant to extreme weather conditions and more able to bend and shape along with a curved or steeply sloped cabin roof. In addition, because of its relative ease of installation compared to those of more rigid materials like metal shingles, bitumen is often the critical choice when calculating overall costs. Though it may require a larger investment up front, bitumen shingles are consistently proven to be worth the extra time and money in the long run.

Roof felt - Advantages:

Roof felt is a popular roof covering for log cabins, due to its cost-effectiveness and durability. It is easy to install, making it ideal for many DIY projects, and can be affixed to either a flat or pitched roof. Another advantage of roof felt is that it is breathable, which allows water vapour from the cabin interior to escape. This prevents condensation from forming inside the structure and causing mould and rot, keeping maintenance needs to a minimum. Moreover, felt absorbs UV rays from the sun, protecting the logs of your log cabin from ageing prematurely or becoming discoloured. In terms of affordability and ease of use, few other coverings can compete with the qualities provided by thatched roofing.

- Roof felt is very inexpensive, and it is easy to install. It also reflects heat well and helps keep the cabin cooler in summer months.

Disadvantages:

Roof felt is a popular choice for many log cabins since it is relatively low-cost and easy to install. It also offers great insulation: the reflectivity of roof felt helps to keep the cabin cooler in hot months, preventing an uncomfortable indoor temperature. There are some drawbacks to roof felt – it only has a lifespan of about two years, so regular maintenance and inspections will be required. Additionally, because it’s not as thick or durable as other roof coverings like bitumen shingles or EPDM rubber membranes, it may have difficulty standing up against extreme weather conditions like high winds and heavy precipitation. For those reasons, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks when choosing the right roof covering for your cabin.

- It does not last as long as some other types of roofing materials, and it can be damaged by high winds or heavy rains.

While bitumen shingles are a good choice for covering log cabins, they don't last forever. With exposure to extreme weather elements such as high winds and heavy rains, the material can take on damage and require replacing over time. EPDM and roof felt can provide a longer lasting cover for a log cabin which may better suit certain environments, but it is worth noting that neither of these material types will be as resilient against extremely harsh difficult conditions. As such, it is important to carefully consider your options beforehand and make an informed decision depending on the specific location of your cabin.

In conclusion, what type of roof covering for log cabins is the best? It all depends on the needs of the homeowner. Bitumen shingles are inexpensive, easy to install and long lasting, but they can be damaged by high winds and are not very energy efficient. EPDM is more durable, energy efficient and reflects heat well, but it is more expensive and can be difficult to install. Roof felt is very inexpensive and easy to install, but it does not last as long and can be damaged by severe weather. In the end, it's best to weigh all your options and decide which material you feel is best suited for your particular situation.