As homeowners, it’s important to be aware of the different types of roofs available for your home. Our homes are more than just buildings; they’re a place to make memories with family and friends and must be as safe and comfortable as possible.
With metal and tile roofs as your house’s main options in Australia, knowing their benefits and drawbacks will help you decide which is best. Both roof styles can affect your home differently, so choosing the best option is vital.
First, let’s look at the different materials and the pros and cons of each one.
Metal Roofing and Tile Roofing
In Australia, metal and tiled roofs are the most popular roofing material due to their strength against extreme weather.
Materials such as zincalume, galvanised steel or aluminium are the leading choices for metal roofing. Terracotta tiles, slate and concrete are used for tiled roofs.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing which one is best for your home:
Durability
In the extreme weather conditions of Australia, such as torrential rain, strong winds and extreme heat, metal roofing provides strong protection. It’s long-lasting, resists corrosion and has fire-retardant properties. Being highly durable, it’s an excellent option for your roof.
Whilst it has many benefits, accumulated water can cause severe damage if the roof’s not fitted properly and occasionally, in extreme weather like hailstorms, a metal roof may dent if made with softer metals such as aluminium.
The metal expands and contracts when exposed to hot and cold temperatures, which can cause the fasteners to loosen. While many metal roofing systems accommodate these movements well, it’s worth bearing in mind this possibility to keep an eye on it.
Tiled roofing comes with the advantage of being even more long-lasting and durable than metal roofs. Some tiles can last up to 100 years, making them a robust material choice. They can stand firm against the toughest of elements and aren’t as susceptible to potential damage as metal roofing may be. For example, there’s less risk of dents due to the intense weather. Though, it again, occasionally, you’ll find that a bad storm can result in a few cracked tiles if you’re unfortunate.
Energy efficiency
Metal roofs are highly reflective and keep much of the sun’s energy away from your home. Its reflective qualities can result in lower energy bills as you won’t need to spend as much on air conditioning, which is another reason why metal is a good option in Australia.
Natural insulation that helps to regulate the indoor temperature makes tiled roofing an efficient way of saving energy. The sun’s heat is blocked by the gaps under the tiles, meaning you’ll have less of a need for air conditioning.
Cost
In the long run, metal roofing is more cost-effective due to its high durability and energy efficiency, and you won’t need to spend as much money on repairs if something goes wrong.
The installation costs of metal roofs are often high due to the skill it takes to install. These installation costs are worth considering, especially if you don’t plan to live in your home for long and won’t be there to experience the long-term benefits.
The installation costs are lower for concrete roof tiles. However, a tiled roof may require more long-term repair and maintenance if you are unfortunate enough to get broken tiles. Over time, a tiled roof sometimes needs more care to maintain its performance.
Maintenance
Once installed, metal roofs require almost no further maintenance other than the occasional cleaning or inspection if any damage is suspected.
Tiled roofs require more maintenance than metal roofs, as they need regular cleaning and repairing, as damaged or broken tiles will need replacing.
Aesthetics
Metal roofs come in various styles and colours and can help give your house a modern and sleek look.
Alternatively, tiled roofs may be a better option if you prefer a more traditional-looking home.
The roof affects your home’s whole appearance, so truly consider the aesthetic effect you want your roof to have.
Installation
Metal roofs are lightweight and require a high level of experience, expertise and skill when installed, so leave it up to the professionals and opt for a professional roofing contractor.
For tiled roofs, preventing leaks is essential, so it’s a good idea to use the same approach, as precision is vital to protect your roof space.
Environmental impact
Metal roofs are an eco-friendly option as they are made from recycled materials. They can also be recycled at the end of their lifespan,
Tile roofing is made from natural materials, making them also environmentally friendly. However, heavy roofing materials, like concrete, may produce more energy in the manufacturing and transportation processes.
Climate
Depending on what part of Australia you live in, you may be prone to different types of extreme weather, and it’s worth keeping this in mind when deciding on the material of your roof.
If you live in an area with a hotter and dryer climate, a metal roof may be your best option. Concrete tiles are a more suitable choice for humid places with heavy rainfall.
Longevity
Both types of roofing are durable and long-lasting; it just comes down to the material used, how it’s installed, and environmental factors. Whilst metal roofs can last up to 50 years or more in harsh weather conditions, tiled roofs can last up to 100 years. Take the time to examine the maintenance and repair costs of either option.
Cost
Have you got a budget? Metal roofs often have a higher upfront cost but will require fewer repair costs over some time, making them cost-effective. Tiled roofs may be less expensive, but you may have to spend money further down the line on maintenance and repairs.
Building design
Before deciding, it’s a good idea to look at your home’s structure, which can affect the roof’s effectiveness. You can install metal roofs on various buildings, while tiled roofs need specific structural support and configurations to remain durable and functional.
These factors can help homeowners decide what roof best suits them and their home. Of course, both metal roofs and tile roofs have their pros and cons, but like anything, it’s about what works best for you.
Of course, once you’ve landed on your roof material choice, you’ll then have all the ventilation options to consider! Check out our passive cooling RapidRidge ventilation system for your roof.