Are you considering roof replacement? Thinking about switching out roof tiles for a colorbond roof?
You’re not alone. Colorbond roofing is an incredibly popular roofing material across Australia.
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of replacing a tiled roof with a new colorbond roof, but we’ll also look at the alternative options available for your roof replacement.
But first, let’s consider why you might want to replace tiled roofs.
Replacing a tile roof
There are several reasons why someone might want to replace their tiled roof.
- Age: Tile roofs can last for many decades, but eventually, they will reach the end of their lifespan and need to be replaced.
- Damage: Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain, strong winds, hail and bushfire can cause irrevocable damage to your roof tiles.
- Leakage: Over time, tile roofs can develop leaks which can cause damage to the structure of the building, as well as to the interior of your home. Leakages can cause mould and other unseen issues in your roof space.
- Energy efficiency: Replacing an old tile roof can help to improve the energy efficiency of a building, which can lead to lower energy bills and a better-insulated home for your comfort.
- Aesthetics: Some people may want to replace their tile roof simply because they want a new look or want to modernise their property.
- Building Code: Building codes change over time and may require some roofs to be replaced if they don’t meet the new safety standards.
It’s advisable to consult with a roofing professional to determine if a replacement is necessary and what the best option for your specific situation would be.
Whenever you consider a roof replacement, you are faced with considering which new roofing materials to use for your new roof. Do you stick with tiled roofing? Do you opt for a colorbond roof? Or do you explore something different entirely?
Let’s look at why many Australian homeowners are replacing a tile roof with colorbond.
What are colorbond roofs?
Colorbond roofs are a type of metal roof. It is made from a combination of steel and a zinc/aluminium alloy coating.
Colorbond roofing is a popular choice for many homeowners and builders in Australia due to its durability, low maintenance, and wide range of colours and styles.
Designed to withstand Australia’s harsh climate, colorbond roofs are resistant to corrosion, fading, and chalking, and are also fire resistant.
How do colorbond metal roofs compare to tile roofing?
Here are some of the benefits of colorbond roofs:
- They are environmentally friendly since they are made from recyclable materials.
- There are 22 colours available, allowing for choice.
- The durability of the steel roof is enhanced with chipping resistance.
- Solar reflection technology makes for a thermally efficient roof.
- Requires little maintenance.
On the other hand, let’s run through some of the basic pros of a tiled roof:
- Charming, quintessentially Australian look and feel
- Different materials available: concrete roof tiles, terracotta tiles, asphalt, clay, or slate, offering varying price points and durability levels.
- Roof tiles generally last up to 100 years.
- The heaviness of roof tiles, particularly concrete tiles, can help with soundproofing your home.
- The thermal properties of roof tiles means your home retains heat in winter and stays cool in summer.
Whether Colorbond roofing or tiles is the better option depends on your particular preferences, the requirements of the building, and your budget.
The cost range of roof tiles varies considerably, with clay and concrete much cheaper than slate tiles, for example.
Colorbond roofing can be more expensive to install than tiled roofs, but colorbond roofing is not as liable to crack or need repairs due to harsh Australian weather conditions as tiles. Therefore, colorbond roofs can be more cost-effective long-term due to the lack of regular maintenance.
Colorbond roofs are generally quicker to install than tiled roofs, meaning you can save on labour costs during installation.
A concrete tiled roof is usually much heavier than colorbond roofing, which can be a consideration when it comes to the structural requirements of the building and the cost of installation. Though, the heaviness of tiles often means you get better natural insulation and soundproofing with a tiled roof.
In short, when contemplating the benefits of colorbond over a tiled roof, you would need to do considerable research and understand what’s particularly important to you, including considerations relating to the style of your home, your budget, and other requirements.
However, what about if you are considering something other than roof tiles or a colorbond roof?
What are the alternatives to colorbond steel roofing and roof tiles?
Your roof is a critical architectural element of your home. Practically speaking, it’s the first line of defence against the elements, keeping us comfortable and buffering noise. However, it also makes up a significant part of the aesthetics of your home.
So, making sure you choose the proper roofing for your home is of paramount importance both practically and aesthetically.
So, what happens if you don’t want to opt for a colorbond metal roof or tiles? What other options are available to you? Here are three alternative choices:
1. Green roofs
A green roof, also known as a “living roof,” is a type of roofing system that involves planting vegetation on top of the existing roof. This can include different types of grasses, wildflowers, or shrubs.
There are many potential benefits to green roofs. These include:
- The aesthetic appeal of greenery
- Providing a natural habitat for birds, butterflies, and insects
- Reducing the “heat island effect” by absorbing and retaining rainwater
- They can also help insulate the building, reducing energy costs.
However, green roofs can be more expensive to install and maintain than traditional roofs, and they also require regular maintenance to ensure the plants stay healthy.
2. Synthetic rubber and plastic roofing
Made from synthetic rubber or plastic compounds, these roofing materials look like wood or slate but come at a much cheaper price point and are easier to install.
Examples include:
- PVC (polyvinyl chloride) roofing: PVC roofing is a thermoplastic material that is widely used in the roofing industry. It is highly durable, resistant to chemicals and UV rays, and is also lightweight.
- TPO (thermoplastic olefin) roofing: TPO roofing is a single-ply roofing system that is made from a thermoplastic rubber compound. It is resistant to UV rays and is also heat-welded, making it a waterproof and durable option.
- EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) roofing: EPDM roofing is made from a synthetic rubber compound and is available in both roll and panel form.
While plastic and rubber roofing materials are getting more durable over time with new improvements, they are generally less durable than tiles or metal roofs. Meaning while they are cheaper to buy and install, colorbond roofing or tiles can end up the more savvy choice.
3. Wood shakes or shingles
Wood shakes or shingles are a type of roofing material that is made from split or sawn wooden logs. They are available in various sizes, thicknesses, and styles.
Wood shakes are thicker and more rustic-looking than wood shingles, as they are split from logs by hand. On the other hand, wood shingles are cut from logs with a saw, giving them a more consistent shape.
Both wood shakes and wood shingles are natural, renewable and biodegradable, making them a viable option for homeowners looking for an eco-friendly roofing material. They are also aesthetically pleasing, providing a natural, homely look to the roof.
Wood shakes or shingles can be used as a roofing material in Australia, but they are not as common as other materials due to the potential fire hazard associated with wooden roofs. Australian building codes have strict regulations regarding the use of combustible materials in construction, and wood shakes or shingles may not meet those requirements in some cases, especially in places where bushfires are common.
Final Thoughts
While colorbond steel roofing and roof tiles remain the most popular choices across Australia, there are alternative options if you want something different for your home.
Confronting the prospect of roof replacement is a significant undertaking, with many elements affecting your choices.
Over and above the roofing materials you opt for, you’ll also want to consider the ventilation options of your roof. Consider RapdRidge with ventilation from EvoBuild, a dry-fixed roofing system that creates a passive cooling system for optimum ventilation of your roof space.
Read all about the benefits and factor ventilation needs during your research into roof replacement.