Which Roof Tiles Are The Best?

It goes without saying that every structure needs a roof. When it comes to protecting your home from the weather and reducing outside noise, choosing the right tiles is crucial.

From an architectural perspective, the roofing is the most visible part of a home since it extends out over the sidewalk and into the street.

Here are four of the greatest ideas for Australian homes, despite the fact that there is a lot to think about (including cost, practicality, style, and sometimes even history and streetscape difficulties).

How Common Are Roof Tiles?

Tiles have been used as a roofing material for thousands of years. Considering their long history—some 5,000 years—easy it's to see why tiles are such a common choice when it comes time to replace an old roof. In 1844, European factories began producing the world's first cement building roof tiles. In the 1920s, manufacturing began in Australia.

Roof Tiles Made Of Concrete

Water, cement, and sand are the three main ingredients in creating concrete roof tiles. The liquid is then compressed and heated to tremendous temperatures before being shaped. In the end, a coat of paint or a similar material can be applied to the concrete roof tile's surface.

You may see that cement roof tiles are still widely used in Australia if you take a stroll around your neighbourhood. There is simply none better solution if you want to (cheaply) mimic the elegant appearance of pricey terracotta tiles.

Despite the limitations, concrete roof tiles can be found in a wide range of colours, profiles, and shapes, making it possible to find one that works with your home's design. Cement roof tiles can have a uniform or ragged edge, and a smooth or textured surface. More fortunately, if you hire a reliable roofing company to instal your roof, it will hold up to fire, storm, and hail with little trouble.

And now, with the development of cutting-edge manufacturing processes, you have the option of choosing between a classic and a contemporary style. And if money is tight, you'll be relieved to know that concrete tiles are much less expensive to instal than clay ones.

Roof Tiles Made Of Clay

It's safe to assume that you now think concrete roof tiles are now the greatest thing until sliced bread. Nonetheless, we don't want you to leave here without first learning about the advantages and disadvantages of clay roof tiles.

Roofing tiles made of clay are baked in moulds. There are two variables that can determine how dense your roofing tiles are:

• the level of heat applied to the roof tiles
• how much time they are subjected to the stove.

In addition to the standard beige, brown, yellow, and white, clay tiles are available in a wide variety of other colours. Terra cotta is the most popular colour for clay roof tiles. Enamels can be added to the production process as an alternative to using natural, earthy tones. Ceramic allows for the creation of roof tiles in any desired colour.

You may preserve the tile's colour from fading or flaking by spraying it with enamel and then baking it at a high temperature. Ceramic binding in the kiln allows for a wider range of colours, profiles, styles, and finishes to be produced.

Clay tiles have the extra benefit of being made from all-natural earth components, making recycling them a no-brainer. The high initial investment is the main downside of clay roof tiles for homeowners. Finally, keep in mind that if roof is required, clay roofing tiles are more prone to break than concrete ones.

Roof Tile Selection Considerations

Tiles for the roof are a fashionable and adaptable option, giving homeowners a wide variety of creative freedom to meet their personal needs and those of their home's architecture. They reduce noise and act as insulation, while also protecting against fire and wind, and require little upkeep.

Consider The Material Of The Roof Tiles.

A homeowner's decision between ceramic, terracotta, and concrete roof tiles comes down to aesthetic preferences about shape (or profile), colour, and finish. Tiles made from ceramic, terracotta, and concrete by Boral are guaranteed for 60, 50, and 20 years, respectively. Tiles made of ceramic and terracotta are way smaller than tiles made of concrete, and as such the number of tile per square metre and the system and pattern for placing the tiles on the roof adjacent to one another are different.

Choose A Tile Profile That Matches The Overall Design.

The profile of a tile describes its cross-sectional form and decoration. This can take on a flat or shaped form, each of which has its own set of possible variations in terms of shape and size. Both the house's architectural style and its roof pitch should be taken into account while deciding on a profile. In a high-rainfall area, for instance, a steeper roof pitch will allow water to drain off more quickly, but a flatter profile will create a more streamlined, modern aesthetic.

Investigate Colour And Finish Options

The mood, personality, and spirit of a house can be dramatically altered by the paint and trim choices made inside. The outside paint and siding should complement the home's design and fit in well with the neighbourhood. Think about the guttering & fascia finish of house when making colour and finish choices for the roof, and try to use colours that either complement or contrast with one another. Boral's ceramic, terracotta, or concrete roof tiles come in a wide spectrum of colours, including warm, cold, and neutral.

Selecting Accessories

Accessories are not a luxury when it came to roofing. Accessories are created with a focus on aesthetics, and, just like any other aspect of a home, the correct accessories may elevate a standard component to the level of a showpiece.

Hire A Professional Installer

To have a quality roof, you need to hire a professional roofer to put it on. Insist on a roof installation that meets all of the requirements outlined by the roof tile manufacturer.

Important Considerations When Choosing Roof Tiles

Thinking of replacing your roof tiles but not sure where to begin? Prior to contacting a roofing company, you should give some thought to your needs and preferences before the roofing project begins or is repaired. Making the best choice will improve the home's kerb appeal and raise its value.

Your House's Design

It is important to match the roofing tiles to the home's architectural style. Some roof tiles, for instance, are more appropriate for older properties, while asphalt tiles can be used on virtually any building. Choose a roof for your home after discussing your options with a contractor.

Application For The Roof

Is this a new roof, or are you using it to cover an existing building? When installing a new roof, you aren't stuck with the same options that came with the old one, like the roof's pitch or composition.

If you only need to replace a few tiles due to damage, it is more cost-effective to keep the roof you already have rather than instal a new one.

Your Financial Situation

Generally speaking, you want to go with a material that is in the middle of the price spectrum for roofing. The cost will change based on the substance used. Never go for the cheapest option for your roof, since this will just lead to more maintenance costs down the road.

Never make a purchase based on price alone.

Durability

Consider longevity when making your selection of roof tiles. The extra money spent on the resilient roof tile is money well spent because of how little it will need to be maintained. Due to their durability and longevity (up to 50 decades or more), steel and aluminium roofing are the most popular choices among homeowners.

If that doesn't cut it, there's always slate, which can keep going strong for over a century.

Climate

How is the weather where you are right now? It's important that your roof can resist the harshest weather conditions in your region. If your region experiences a lot of heat, for instance, asphalt tiles are a better option than rubber ones.

Metal roofs are an excellent option for high-rainfall regions since they are both durable and impervious to corrosion.

Energy Conservation

Choose a roofing material than won't drive up your monthly utility bills. Select an energy-efficient material if possible. The result will be lower monthly energy bills.

Roof Tiles And Other Roof Options For Australian Homes

Roofing Made Of Steel

Steel roofs are a common feature of Australia's architectural style, and for good reason. Steel sheets are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable, fireproof, and Wolverine-strong in the face of severe weather. The baked-on paint finish on a steel roof should persist for at least twenty years before peeling, even in extreme heat.

In terms of energy efficiency, Lisa recommends passing on the current trend of using charcoal in favour of using lighter neutral & grey colours, which reflect rather than absorb heat. Look for steel that has a particular coating designed to deflect solar radiation; this will also assist you in keeping your house cooler.

Installing a steel roof takes less time than other types of roofing. The single-story, 210-square-meter home may be completed in a week if the weather cooperates. However, before you bring in the handymen, you should check with the local government to see if there are any restrictions in place, such as height limits, border setbacks, or other limitations.

Roofing Made Of Terracotta And Concrete Tiles

Tiles have a minimum life lifetime of 50 years with terracotta & 20 years for concrete, and require little in the way of upkeep, insulation, or durability. To create terracotta tiles, raw clay is shaped and glazed before being burnt in a kiln. They retain their original hue well into old age.

Sand and cement are the main ingredients of concrete tiles, and the tiles can have a coloured finish applied on top or the colour can be blended in throughout the material. Unlike terracotta, which is coated and hence protected from UV radiation and pollution, concrete loses none of its lustre when given a fresh coat of enamel spray.

Having your tiles professionally high-pressure cleaned once a year can keep your floors free of lichen and moss. Concrete may get discoloured due to efflorescence, however this problem can be remedied with a sealer.

Roofing With Zinc And Copper Cladding

Specialty metals are an extremely chic choice when construction plans call for something more than a roof. Zinc and copper are long-lasting and sturdy, and their patina improves with age, requiring only the occasional wash down to remove built-up grime and debris.

Roof Made Of Bluestone And Synthetic Slate

Bluestone and slate are as basic a building material as hardwood flooring and lofty ceilings. The distinctive geography where this material was developed is reflected in its beautiful gradations of texture. Slate's drawbacks include being heavy, pricey, and finicky to instal.

What Are The Different Kinds Of Roof Tiles?

Once you know the factors to consider, it is time to make a decision. Consider all the available choices of roofing tiles before you contact your roofer for roof restoration. Here are the main roofing tiles.

Metal Tiles

All the benefits of metal roofing are also shared by metal tile roofs. They have a long service life, rarely leak, and are highly sturdy. One advantage of metal tiles over metal roofs is the variety of designs available for the tiles themselves.

Metal tiles could be made to mimic the look of various roofing materials, such as slate or clay. To preserve and improve their appearance, an acrylic coating is added. Homeowners that don't want to invest in roof deck reinforcements can benefit from these tiles.

This is due to the fact that metal roof tiles are thinner than asphalt ones but heavier than concrete ones.

Copper Tiles

It is not uncommon for copper roofs to go more about a century without being replaced. Despite being as long-lasting as copper roofs, copper tiles are more adaptable since they may be used with a wider variety of roof designs. Copper tiles are attractive, but the installation process is complicated and should be left to the pros.

Upkeep costs are likewise high for them.

Stone Tiles

The durability and aesthetic appeal of slate tiles have ensured their continued popularity over the years. In theory, they should endure a century or more. They also come in a variety of colours that make any structure look more interesting.

The high cost and high degree of difficulty of installing slate tiles is one of main reasons why homeowners shy away from this material. It will also be difficult to track down a skilled roofer to put in the slate tiles. However, the hassle is justified by the genuine appearance of these tiles.

Ceramic Tiles

The fireproofing and, to a lesser extent, longevity of ceramic tiles is well-known. At first, they were only seen in Southwestern and Spanish-style architecture, but today, you can find them virtually anywhere. They are available in a broad variety of sizes, styles, and colours, making them a good fit for any house.

Polymer-Sand Tiles

Tiles built from a mixture of sand and polymers are called polymer-sand tiles. They're the best option if you want to avoid using ceramic tiles. They have a ceramic-like appearance, but are much more sturdy and less like to crack.

Tiles made from polymer sand rarely need repairs or replacements after installation.

Polymer-sand tiles are lightweight and resistant to fire, just like ceramic tiles, but they are also more durable than slate and concrete tiles. Since there aren't many producers of polymer-sand tiles on the market, your size and colour choices will be restricted to a select handful.

Composite Tiles

Acrylic, metals, and stone are the constituent parts of composite roofing tiles. Need a more natural look has led to a surge in interest in these tiles. Composite tiles are lightweight but visually comparable to slate and clay.

As a result, they can be used on roofs that have been reinforced to support the weight of substantial roofing materials.

Bituminous Tiles

Bituminous tiles, which are among the lightweight and simplest to instal, are an excellent choice. They begin as fibreglass forms, with a layer of basalt pieces or granite placed on that. Because they may be adhered to the roof, any roofer should be able to put them in place.

Since no holes are being punched in the roof, the possibility of leakage is reduced.

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are a viable substitute for ceramic ones since they are more durable and still appear like the real thing. Cement, sand, & water are the three main ingredients in creating concrete tiles. The final product is a strong tile that is simple to instal and costs far less than slate.

The only real drawback is that they require reinforcement sometimes in roofs due to their weight.

In selecting the top rooting tiles, make careful to get from a reliable vendor. When that comes to building projects, experience and dedication are crucial, so be sure to hire a roofing firm that meets your specific requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the appropriate roof tiles is vital for protecting your home from the weather and decreasing outside noise. In 1844, manufacturers in Europe began making the first cement roof tiles for use on buildings around the world. Roof tiles made of cement can have a smooth or textured surface, and they can have a regular or ragged edge. Natural clay is used in the production of roof tiles. A greater variety of colours, profiles, styles, and finishes is possible with ceramic binding in the kiln.

Boral offers 60-, 50-, and 20-year guarantees on its ceramic, terracotta, and concrete tiles, respectively. One can tell the shape and ornamentation of a tile by looking at its profile. This has a lot of morphological flexibility, so it can take on a variety of shapes and sizes. Both the house's architectural style and its roof pitch should be taken into account while settling on a profile. If you want to save money in the long run, don't use the cheapest roofing material.

If you only need to replace a few tiles due to damage, it is more cost-effective to keep the roof you already have rather than instal a new one. The minimum lifespan of terracotta tiles is 50 years and that of concrete tiles is 20 years. Metal roof tiles could be designed to seem like other types of roofing materials like slate or clay. While copper tiles are lovely, the installation process is complex and should be left to the experts. If you wish to avoid the use of ceramic tiles, polymer-sand tiles are your best bet. Composite roofing tiles are made up of many materials, including acrylic, metals, and stone. Bituminous tiles are among the most portable and straightforward to set up. Concrete tiles can be used as an alternative to ceramic ones due to their increased durability and authentic looking appearance.

Content Summary

1. A roof is an essential part of any building.
2. Choosing the correct tiles is essential in protecting your home from the elements and decreasing outside noise.
3. It's not hard to see why tiles are such a popular option for roofing replacement when you consider their extensive history—some 5,000 years.
4. In the end, the concrete roof tile can be finished off with a coat of paint or another similar material.
5. Taking a trip around your Australian neighbourhood may reveal that cement roof tiles are still in common use.
6. Despite these constraints, concrete roof tiles are available in a broad variety of colours, textures, and shapes, so you should be able to select one that complements your home's aesthetic.
7. Roof tiles made of cement can have a smooth or textured surface, and they can have a regular or ragged edge.
8. Fortunately, your roof will be able to withstand fire, storm, and hail with little issue if you pick a reputable roofing firm to instal it.
9. Obviously, at this point in time, you consider concrete roof tiles to be the greatest invention since sliced bread.
10. Clay roof tiles are baked in prefabricated moulds.
11. The density of your roofing tiles can be altered by two factors: the amount of heat used and the length of time the tiles spend in the stove.
12. Clay tiles come in a broad range of colours, not only the conventional beige, brown, yellow, and white.
13. The most typical shade of terra cotta for clay roof tiles.
14. Tiles can be made in whatever colour you like thanks to the versatility of ceramic.
15. The biggest disadvantage of clay roof tiles is the significant initial expenditure for homeowners.
16. Lastly, if you need a roof, remember that concrete roof tiles are more durable than their clay counterparts.
17. Tiles are a trendy and versatile roofing material, providing a wide range of customization options to suit the needs of individual homeowners and the design of their homes.
18. Choosing between ceramic, terracotta, and concrete roof tiles boils down to personal taste in terms of shape (or profile), colour, and finish.
19. Because concrete tiles are so much larger in size compared to their ceramic and terracotta counterparts, the number of tiles per square metre and the system and pattern for laying the tiles on the roof next to each other are completely different.
20. The tile's profile should coordinate with the design's aesthetic.
21. One can tell the shape and ornamentation of a tile by looking at its profile.
22. When choosing a profile, keep in mind the home's architectural style and roof pitch.
23. A home's exterior paint and siding should look nice and go with the style of the neighbourhood.
24. It's important to take into account the guttering and fascia finish of the property when deciding on a roof colour and finish.
25. If you want a good roof, you need have a professional roofer to put it on.
26. Insist on having your roof put on in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.
27. It's crucial that roofing tiles complement the home's design.
28. Consult a roofer about the various possibilities available before making a final decision.
29. It is more economical to repair the roof you already have rather than instal a new one if only a few tiles need to be replaced due to damage.
30. The best roofing material to choose is one that falls in the middle of the pricing range.
31. The material used will determine the final price.
32. If you want to save money in the long run, don't use the cheapest roofing material.
33. Price alone should never be the deciding factor when making a purchase.
34. When choosing roof tiles, durability should be a top priority.
35. Steel and aluminium roofs are the most common options because of their toughness and duration (up to 50 decades or more).
36. Your roof needs to be able to withstand the worst weather that can happen in your area.
37. Using Less Energy
38. If you want to save money on your energy bills, use a roofing material that is energy efficient.
39. If you can, go for a material that uses less energy.
40. Your monthly energy costs will go down as a result.
41. You may help keep your home cooler by selecting steel that has been coated with a material that reflects the sun's rays.
42. Steel roofing may be installed more quickly than other materials.
43. Before calling a contractor to restore your roof, think about your options for roofing tiles.
44. Metal roof tiles could be designed to seem like other types of roofing materials like slate or clay.
45. These tiles are a great option for homeowners who don't want to strengthen their roof deck.
46. This is because metal roof tiles are lighter than concrete ones but heavier than asphalt ones, which makes them more suitable for steeper roof pitches.
47. Copper roofs are durable, but copper tiles are more versatile because they may be utilised with many roof styles.
48. Also, finding a competent roofer to instal the slate tiles will be challenging.
49. Roofing Shingles
50. It is common knowledge that ceramic tiles are fireproof and, to a lesser extent, long lasting.
51. Tiles made from a combination of sand and polymers are known as polymer-sand tiles.
52. In lieu of ceramic tiles, they're your best bet.
53. In most cases, polymer sand tiles can be used without further maintenance or replacement.
54. Lighter than ceramic tiles and resistant to fire, polymer-sand tiles are also more resilient than slate and concrete.
55. Composite roofing tiles are made up of many materials, including acrylic, metals, and stone.
56. Demand for these tiles has risen as a result of the growing desire for natural finishes.
57. Lightweight composite tiles may be easily installed and can be made to seem like heavier materials like slate or clay.
58. Therefore, they may be utilised on roofs that have been strengthened to accommodate heavy roofing materials.
59. Asphaltic Floor Tiles
60. One of the best options is bituminous tiles because they are both lightweight and easy to instal.