Different types of roofs

When looking at roofing types, many options are available to you as a home or business owner in Australia. Whether you're building a new structure or replacing an existing roof, understanding the different types of roofs and designs could help you make the best decision for your needs. In this post, we'll take a closer look at some of Australia's different types of roofs. Continue reading!

Different types of roofs

Mansard roofs

Mansard roofs got their name from the French architect Francois Mansart, who created the design in the 17th century. This type of roof consists of two slopes on each side, with the lower slope having a much steeper pitch than the upper one.

The advantage of this roof design is that it allows for more usable living space in the attic area. However, because there are four slopes, mansard roofs require more materials and labour than other types, making them more expensive to install.

Butterfly roofs

Butterfly roofs are relatively new roofing designs that have become increasingly prevalent due to their unique look and functionality. As the name suggests, these roofs resemble butterfly wings when viewed from above, with two sides pitched down towards each other at an angle.

The sloped sides allow more natural light to enter the house while protecting it from rain and snow. Butterfly roofs are more expensive than traditional gable or hipped roof designs; however, they offer a distinctive style that could make any home stand out from neighbouring ones.

Flat roofs

Flat roofs are quite common in modern architecture as they provide a sleek and contemporary look while still being cost-effective in terms of materials and labour costs. While these roofs don't offer as much protection against rain or snow as other roof types, they could be reinforced with insulation or waterproofing materials to ensure longevity.

Flat roofs also facilitate easy access via a rooftop terrace or balcony, which adds additional space and versatility to any home design.

Gable roofs

Gable roofs have been around since ancient times and remain one of the most popular roof types today due to their classic look and simple construction process. This roof type features two sides that slope downwards towards each other at an angle, forming a peak in the centre.

The design allows rainwater to run off easily without pooling on top of the roof itself. Gable roofing is relatively inexpensive compared to other options making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious homeowners who want an attractive yet practical solution for their home's exteriors.

Hipped roofs 

Hipped roofs consist of four sloping sides that join together at a ridge in the middle, similar to gable roofs but without the peak in the centre. This roof type is often seen on homes with steeply sloped roofs. Hipped roofs provide superior protection against heavy rains and winds while still allowing good air circulation throughout the attic area underneath them.

Factors when choosing a roofing service

Below are essential considerations when choosing a roofing company to construct or restore your desired roof type:

Licensing and insurance

When selecting a roofing service, the first factor to consider is licensing and insurance. It's critical to ensure that the contractor or business you choose has all of the necessary licences and permits required by Australian laws and regulations.

You should also ensure that the roofing contractor holds valid insurance policies covering their employees and any damages that might occur during roof installation. This will provide some protection against any unforeseen financial losses resulting from an accident or other unexpected incident.

Reputation

Another critical factor to consider when picking a roofing service is its reputation. A company's standing can tell you a lot about how reliable they are and how committed they are to provide excellent services.

You could quickly check out customer reviews online or ask for personal recommendations from friends, family, or other people who have used their services in the past.

These reviews will give you a rough idea of what kind of experience others have had with them, so you can make a well-informed decision before you can proceed to hire them for your project.

Experience

It's also important to look at how much experience a particular company has when installing different roof types in Australia. You should choose someone who has been working with local clients for several years, as this indicates their familiarity with roofing materials, techniques, and more.

Experienced contractors are better equipped to handle any potential issues than those just starting in the industry, so be sure to ask about their backgrounds before making your final decision.

Price range

Price is another crucial factor that must be considered when choosing a roofing service provider. While it's understandable that cost might play an essential role in your decision-making process, it shouldn't be your sole determining factor, as cheaper options might not always be of superior quality or offer reliable results over time.

Therefore, carefully research different companies and pricing structures before committing yourself to guarantee that you find value without sacrificing quality along the way.

What to know before choosing a roof type

Climate considerations

Australia is a large continent with varying climates from region to region. As such, the climate in your locality should be considered when selecting the ideal roof type for your home.

For instance, if you live in an area with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine, metal roofs are generally the best choice because they keep heat out of your home while reflecting sunlight away from it.

In contrast, if you live in an area with cooler temperatures and lots of rain or snowfall, then tile roofs would be the better option. This is primarily due to their natural water resistance and insulation properties.

Durability and life expectancy

The durability of your chosen roof type will determine how long it lasts before needing roof repair or roof replacement. Metal roofs are durable since they're made from solid materials like steel or aluminium, which can withstand severe weather conditions without corroding over time.

Similarly, tile roofs could last up to 50 years if properly maintained and kept clean. Whatever material and type you choose for your roofing project, make sure that it has a long enough life expectancy so that you won't have to replace it any time soon.

Budget

Your budget will also play a role in determining the type of roof best suited for your home. Generally speaking, metallic roofs are more expensive than other types of roofs due to their longevity and resistance to weather-related damage.

However, it is essential to note that this cost could vary based on the type of metal used and any additional features, such as gutters or insulation. Other materials, such as asphalt shingles or clay tiles, might be less expensive but require more maintenance over time due to their susceptibility to damage from storms and other elements.

Maintenance

Some roof types require more maintenance than others, depending on what material they are made out of and how often they need replacing or repairs done on them due to wear and tear over time.

Tiled roofs typically require less maintenance than their metal counterparts. This is because they are not as prone to rust or corrosion due to exposure to water or extreme temperature changes throughout the year.

Personal preference

Finally, the choice of roof type will come down largely to personal preference. Your selection should depend on how much maintenance you are willing to undertake (or pay someone else) over time and the aesthetic quality of each type.

Additionally, it is essential to remember that different roof types might have varying degrees of environmental benefits, such as helping reduce your carbon footprint or conserving energy, so make sure you consider each factor before making a final decision.

Get expert help choosing the right type of roof

There are several types of roofs in Australia, as you've seen in this post. Ensure that you work with a professional roofer to help you choose the type of roof most appropriate for your home and the region where you live. Don't hesitate to contact a professional roofing service for expert help on all your roofing needs.