If you need new tiles for your roof (for re-roofing or roof restorations, for example), you may think it is as simple as going to a shop and picking a tile you like.
However, the process requires a lot of thought, research and specifications.
To help you get started, you can find the best tips for choosing tiles (and the best tile for easy roof repairs) here.
The Best Tips for Choosing the Perfect Roof Tiling for a New Home
Before you start shopping for the specific tile you want, you need to research multiple aspects and expand your knowledge to find the most suitable roof tile for your home.
Here are the best tips for choosing roof tiling in Australia.
Measure the Angle of Your Roof Before Choosing Roof Tiles
Before choosing a type and quantity for your roof tiles, you must ensure they will fit your roof.
You can do this by measuring your roof’s angle. Doing this will give you an exact measurement of how steep your roof is and will help you to find roof tiling types that will fit properly. For example, if you want to use clay tiles for your roof, you need to check the roof pitch is a specific measurement for them to fit correctly.
If you do not measure your roof and choose an unsuitable roofing material, this may increase the risk of water damage and potentially void the material’s warranty.
Find Roof Tiles That Complement the Design of Your Home
Before roofing or re-roofing with new tiles, you need to consider the exterior design of your home. The easiest way to assess your home’s exterior design is to hire professional services to determine the exact material types and colours you use for the rest of your house and suggest roof materials that complement this.
For example, you need to consider the materials you use for walls (some examples include brick or roof cladding). If you do not consider this, you may choose a tile type that clashes with the rest of your home’s design.
Research The Benefits of Roof Tiling Types Before Making a Decision
Before deciding on a roof tiling type that complements the design of your home, you need to research all the most popular ones for their advantages and disadvantages.
You may find a type you love for its design or durability, but it may be outside your budget.
What are the Most Popular Roof Tile Types?
Here is a list of popular roof tile types and their benefits.
- Slate roof tiles offer a gorgeous appearance for your roof. Additionally, slate is durable and will last for a long time.
- Metal roof tiles are easy to install but noisy and can be challenging to repair because they dent easily (maintenance is also complex).
- Concrete roof tiles are popular because they are cheaper than other roof tiles. However, you can only use them if you reinforce the roof structure.
- Solar roof tiles are very energy efficient; they can help you save on various bills, including electricity bills. However, they are significantly more expensive than other roof tile types.
- Synthetic roof tiles look like other materials but are recyclable and easy to install; they are less durable than other materials.
- Roof tiles with built-in ventilation If you want to circulate hot or cold air around your home more efficiently, using roof tiles with built-in ventilation is a fantastic idea (RapidRidge is a brilliant example of one of these products).
Hire a Professional Roofer Who Can Provide Quality Workmanship
Finally, when you choose the right roof tiling for your home, you need to decide if you want to install it or hire a professional for the roofing job.
Although you may think it is cheaper to install it yourself, it can be much more expensive if you are inexperienced and make mistakes. Also, if you do something wrong, you may need to pay for a professional to fix your error, so it makes more sense to hire them in the first place.
Additionally, a professional installer can provide a level of polish to your roof; you may have to pay for it, but you will be happy with the result.
Which Roof Tiling Type is the Best to Avoid Roof Repairs?
When choosing a roof tiling type for roof repairs, you should first look for one that is durable and lasts for many years, so you only need to repair them occasionally.
If you have a roofing material that damages easily (like metal), you will need to fix it often, and it can be difficult to repair due to how easily it dents.
An excellent example of a material to buy to avoid roof repairs is slate because it is durable and lasts much longer than other materials (metal can rust, for example). Additionally, if you need to repair your slate roof, it is easy to slide out the tiles and replace them quickly or patch any cracks.
A Final Summary of the Best Roof Tiling Type for Your Home
The best roof tiling type for your home will first depend on the type of roof you have, so you must measure it to ensure you acquire a suitable roof tile type.
Once you do this, it mainly depends on your requirements for your roof. For example, choose a solar panel roof if you want one that will help you save on your electricity bills. However, if you are on a tight roofing budget and want to stick to cheaper options, you should look at concrete tiles.
For most people, durability is critical. Therefore, slate tiles are very popular; they also last for a long time.
Whatever you choose, ensure you know what you want and how much you want to spend on a roof before you start shopping.