There comes a time in every construction (new or existing) where you’ll be faced with the choice of choosing between two of the most popular Australian roofing types: traditional tiles or modern metal roofing (otherwise known as Colorbond).

While traditional tiles are either made from concrete or terracotta, have been used on roofs on Australian homes for quite some time, the choice to use the sleek lines of Colorbond roofs has made a significant increase in recent years. Today, new and existing constructions have been using smarter and wiser choices concerning roofs. Not only are they exercising greener choices, but they are also demanding the best products in the market at the best prices.

DO TILES REALLY STACK UP

Apart from the traditional “thing to do”, putting tiles on a building raises some concerns. Surely if tiles are heavy enough and take enormous energy to lay on a roof they must be good quality right? Well… we’re not so convinced about that, and here are some reasons why:

Absorption of water is high.

Concrete or terracotta roofing tiles have the tendency to absorb a portion of rainwater before it runs off into the gutters. In many older buildings and constructs with longstanding roof tiles, it’s often found that a rather interesting series buckets are used to catch those persistent drips.

Mythical qualities.

Contrary to popular belief, terracotta and concrete materials manufacturing tests and processes are less stringent than their counterparts in the market. Their reputation for use is largely down to word of mouth and the past, rather than innovation and science.

Maintenance is constant.

Bi-annual checks of the roofs to check for cracks is the best way to safeguard a tile roof and catch issues before they become hazardous. In addition to this visual check, there is the inability to use pressure cleaners on tiles (as it will cause more damage) so cleaning the roofs by hand is recommended. Not to mention sealing and repainting the tiles to keep the surface as durable as possible. The reason why tiled roofs become neglected over time is the lack of time that modern day living has afforded all of us. We no longer have the time we used to have to dedicate to tiled roofs.

Deterioration over time.

Well, put simply, no, they don’t. Traditional roofing materials, especially concrete tiles, are fragile and prone to breaking, cracking and leaks. It is also much more common to encounter ridge capping problems, along with excess leaf blockages with traditional concrete tiles.

In addition to this, colour oxidation and deterioration occurs to tiled roofs which results in the roof colour fading considerably within 3-5 years of installation.

Tiled roofs need care and upkeep, and when that’s not been done, then they can look like something out of the Addams Family. Great for Halloween, not so good for every other time of the year.

Tile Roofing vs. Metal Roofing

CAN COLORBOND OUTPACE THE REST

Originally developed in the United States, the method of bonding paint to a galvanised base has undergone comprehensive changes. Refinements in Australia has seen us develop a non-combustible roofing material that only has superior corrosion resistance, is resistant to chipping, peeling and cracking but also provides an aesthetically pleasing answer no matter what kind of roof or style of home. That’s the first reason why Colorbond metal roofs are seeing traction in new and existing constructions.

Representing modern roofs.

Colorbond roofs are characterised by their clean and simple lines that give any home a crisp, neat and modern look that complements many of the contemporary homes in Australia. When we think “modern” we often are referring to Colorbond metal rooflines.

Colorbond is available in a wide variety of colours which means that it can suit all kinds of home locations and tastes, so aesthetically speaking, no matter if you live in a rural part of the country, in suburbia or by the beach, you will find something that will complement your building.

Winning the weight game.

One of the leading advantages of selecting a Colorbond roof over traditional tiles is the difference in weight. Colorbond is exceptionally lightweight, in fact, a Colorbond roof is only 1/10th of the weight of tile roofing options, which means that homeowners can use lighter framing and the rafters that support the roof can be spaced further apart. This is also an advantage as the roofing structure does not need to be as complex, it can reduce the cost of installation.

Colorbond roofing will weight the same, no matter how wet or dry the weather conditions. This additional weight would need to be taken into consideration when the roofing structure is being designed and as Colorbond roofs do not absorb water and therefore you will not have to fret about the fluctuations in the weight of your roof.

Versatility meets imagination.

If you have a need to break away from the past and bring a building into the modern age of innovation there has never been a better material to use. Colorbond roofs can work with many imagined roof creations and are the best choice for any type of roof – whether that’s a flat roof, minor pitches, and even steep pitches.

Manufactured and Tested.
Resilience, Weathering, and thermal insulation.

Colorbond roofs have the advantage of having a life expectancy of 40 – 70 years; this exceeds the expectancy of tile roofing. Certain metal choices, such as a Colorbond roof will be able to withstand wind gusts up to 140-mph.

The manufacturing process that Colorbond undergoes produces a material that exceeds traditional tiles in both resilience and weather resistance, which ultimately means that it requires less maintenance and will save you money in the long run.

Colorbond is an extremely resilient material that can endure and combat the harsh weather conditions of the Australian climate, along with being non-combustible, making it the ideal roofing material for homes in locations that are prone to bushfires. In fact, the Colorbond material is given a Class A fire rating, which is the most resistant class rating possible.

You will also find that Colorbond offers homes remarkable thermal insulation qualities which means that it will reduce your overall energy costs for your home. Through proper ventilation at the point of installation, Colorbond roofs ensure your home bears the minimal effects of condensation.

Go green.

Living green and being conscious of the environment can be an expensive decision, especially when it comes to your home. Choosing a Colorbond roof with help make a positive impact on the environment as it could help to surpass the homes entire day-to-day recycling over its lifetime.

When they are no longer in use, metal roofs are 100% recyclable and deepening the material, your existing metal roof could be made from up to 75% of recycled material.

Low Maintenance saves you time.

Colorbond roofs don’t suffer oxidation or color fading within 3-5 years, issues that traditional tiles encounter will virtually disappear with a Colorbond metal roof as it requires very little, to no maintenance, and the colours remain true and vibrant for many years.

Turning down the noise factor

It’s now possible to dramatically minimise sound in Colorbond roofing by using acoustic blankets, foil and various other forms of insulation. Or if you grew up with the calming sound of the pitter-patter from rainfall, you may opt out of this option to keep it real. Either way, it’s entirely up to you on how much or how little noise you’d like to hear from within.

Cost effective.

It’s a much lower cost to maintain a Colorbond roof. Time is significantly reduced because there is no need to be up on the roof checking for any potential movement, cracks or other damage from the extreme weather conditions that we experience in Australia. Colorbond roofs are built to go the distance.

The demand for metal roofing has grown the last decade and choosing a metal roof is the smart choice for your pocket, the environment and for the look of any modern or refurbished building of today.

So, when you next ask the question – what should use a tiled roof or a new Colorbond metal roof? There’s no contest. Colorbond metal roofs are winning. Hands down.

KC Roof Plumbing are Melbourne’s most trusted, reliable and personable roofing team in Melbourne. If you’re looking for a test that’s tried and tested contact KC Roof Plumbing on 1300 537 663 to talk about your next project.