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Roofs come in various styles, each with its own architectural flair. Nobody can disagree that a house's roof is hugely significant. A roof supports the entire structure and ensures that it's structurally sound. It also protects the home from the elements by preventing water, debris, and filth from entering.
When it comes to roof materials in Australia, you have various alternatives. The ideal roof material for your home should be functional and durable. However, this does not imply that it should not be attractive and pleasant to the eye; improving the overall appearance of your home is also crucial. In this article, you are going to learn the differences between metal roofing vs. tile roofing. Keep reading.
Tile roof
Roofs made of tiles are attractive and sturdy. They are heavy and pricey, but such aspects are expected from a roofing material with a lifespan of around 100 years. Today roof tile is frequently constructed from moulded, coloured concrete, unlike most roofing tiles traditionally fashioned from slate, burnt clay, or terracotta.
Curved, flat, fluted, interlocking, and many more forms and styles are all possible for concrete roof tiles. Tiled roofs are a fantastic option for roofs in regions with salty air or hot weather. Since many kinds of tiles are efficient at shedding precipitation from cloudbursts, they are also appropriate for locations where infrequent showers drop large volumes of water in a short period.
Keen to note is that tile roofing systems are pretty heavy and susceptible to breaking in certain situations. Consequently, if you are considering tile roof installation for your property, you must first ensure that your house's framework and structural integrity is strong enough to withstand the weight.
Advantages of a tile roof
Noise cancellation
Roofing tiles provide great soundproofing. Tiles effectively prevent and reduce noise levels if you live in a noisy area or experience adverse weather conditions, allowing you to relax without disturbance from outside. When compared to other roofing materials, tiles could potentially reduce noise levels by about 30 decibels, which is twice as much as other materials.
Beautiful and long-lasting
Tiles are attractive, durable roofing materials, and their elegance has been admired for hundreds of years. That is still the case to date, with the addition of more roof design options, forms, and profiles enabling limitless creative possibilities. Unlike wood shakes or even shingles, a tile roof retains its beauty and structural integrity for a very long period.
Similarly, concrete and clay tiles are available in a broad range of hues, from light tones to dark tints, making it simple to match them to the colour scheme of your house's exterior look.
Ease of installation and maintenance
Tiled roofs are one of the most accessible roofing options to install when done by an experienced specialist. Roofing materials made of concrete or clay tiles are more cost-effective in the long term since both installation and maintenance are significantly easier. Furthermore, tiles are individually placed, so they are simple to fix when undertaking roof repairs.
Energy efficient
Tile roofs are an excellent thermal solution for limiting heat loss and gain in any climate or geographical area. An airtight barrier formed by natural ventilation beneath your tiles could cut your energy expenses by around 20% as it cools and heats a house in the summer and winter, respectively.
You can customise colours and styles
Concrete tiles are highly adaptable and may be customised to fit any architectural style. As a result, they are an excellent alternative for projects of all kinds, whether you are remodelling a classic English farmhouse or building a modern house. Additionally, concrete roof tiles may be coloured to match your home's colour scheme.
An eco-friendly choice
Roof tiles are eco-friendly not only because of their long lifespan but also because they are made from natural elements and minerals, which means you are not adding to chemical pollution. Therefore, if you undertake a remodel on your roof, you could have the old concrete tiles crushed down and recycled instead of disposing of them in a landfill.
Wind resistance
Concrete tiles are very resistant to severe snow loads and wind. They can withstand winds of up to around 180 miles (290 km) per hour, which makes them ideal for areas prone to heavy winds.
Fireproof
Concrete tiles are naturally resistant to fire. They have a Class A fire rating. This is the highest conceivable fire rating. In the event of a local fire, this roof system will aid in protecting your property from falling ash or embers.
Disadvantages of a tile roof
Heavy
Concrete tiles, like other tile roofs, are heavy. Concrete tiles typically weigh between 900 (408kg) and 1200 pounds (544kg) per square foot/ metre. However, manufacturers have produced a reduced-weight version that weighs between 450 (204kg) and 600 pounds (272kg) per square foot/metre.
However, asphalt shingles can weigh up to around 350 pounds (159kg) per square foot/metre, compared to a tile roof. Both are still heavy and will need strong structural support.
This implies that if you choose concrete tiles, you must ensure that the roof's framework system can sustain the added weight. If you are changing from asphalt shingles to concrete tiles, you may need to have them reinforced.
Efflorescence
Concrete tile roofs are much more porous than clay-tiled roofs; thus, they absorb more water. When water combines with carbon dioxide to react with the lime within concrete tiles, a white chalky material appears on the surface of the concrete as a natural result.
This is known as efflorescence and might cause the concrete to appear stained, though it is easily cleaned. You could also have your tile roof sealed to prevent moisture absorption.
Could be brittle
Concrete tiles are sturdy and durable, but they are also brittle. If stepped on incorrectly, they may shatter. This is why you should engage a roofing expert if you require work on your concrete tile roof.
Metal roofing
Many metal roofing styles allow you to design your roof based on your desired appearance, durability, and pricing. Metal roofing materials have various applications for modern industrial, commercial, and residential structures.
Steel is one of the top metal roofing materials due to its low cost and excellent strength. Additionally, steel has a longer lifespan, is more robust, more environmentally sustainable, and has a lower long-term price. The only downside is that it rusts.
Thus producers usually coat it with zinc or zinc-aluminium anti-corrosive coating. Stainless steel roofing is an ideal alternative for schools, churches, homes, and businesses. If you live in a high-theft region, it is a decent replacement for lead.
Advantages of a metal roof
These are some of the most remarkable advantages of installing a metal roof.
Resistant to the elements
Metal roofs can survive prolonged exposure to harsh weather. Rain swiftly drains off your metal roof, significantly reducing the possibility of leaks and moisture damage. Metal roofs can also withstand high winds, hail storms, and other hazardous weather that typically damage asphalt and wood shingles.
Energy efficiency
Metal roof panels are more energy efficient than conventional roofing materials like asphalt shingles. Metal roofing falls under the category "Radiant Heat Block." Similarly, it also falls into the "Solar Reflectivity" subcategory for its energy efficiency.
The physical characteristics of metal cause radiant heat from the outside (during summer) or the inside (during winter) to bounce off steel roof panels, whereas asphalt shingles absorb radiant heat.
Protection against fire
Because it is non-combustible, metal is among the most fireproof roofing materials. Metal roofing will not catch fire during a storm or wildfire. You should consider this type of roof if you reside in a region prone to fires or lightning storms. It can improve the safety and security of your house and safeguard you and your family.
It lasts a long time
Metal roofs could last for decades, if not a lifetime, making them an excellent choice if you want to stay in your house for a long time. Metal roofs, unlike asphalt roofs, are not impacted by mould, moss, or fungal development.
They are also quite resistant to squirrels, termites, or other pests that can wreak havoc on shingles. The initial cost is significantly higher than that of other roofing solutions, but the lifetime of metal roofing will pay for itself in the long run.
Low weight
When compared to other traditional roofing materials, such as concrete tiles, the current metal roofing materials are significantly lighter. Concrete tiles can weigh up to around 900 pounds (408kg) per square foot/metre, whereas metal tiles weigh between 50 (23kg) and 150 pounds (68kg) per square foot/metre. This feature simplifies installation and saves you money on designing and creating the roof's supporting structure.
Suitable for all seasons and climates
One of the top benefits of metal roofing is its capacity to withstand any environment or season. It is especially favoured in places prone to winter storms since it helps snow and ice to slide off more readily.
It is particularly useful for hot, humid regions since it repels moisture and reflects heat. Another advantage of zinc-coated metal roofing is that it is rust-proof and waterproof. The solid metal surface is also anti-algae.
Maximum rain shedding
This is one of the top advantages of having metal roofing in wet locations. The metal sheet's surface is tough and slippery by nature, making it challenging for snow and water to adhere. Additionally, installing dark tones of metal roofing or even metal roofing with a PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) coating multiplies the advantages of metal roofing.
The darker tones of metal roofing quickly warm to the sun, increasing melting, and the PVDF coating helps to reflect more sunlight, encouraging HVAC performance.
Minimum roof pitch
A low-slope roof has a slope lower than 3-in-12 (7cm-30cm), implying it rises about three inches (7cm) for every horizontal foot or every 30 centimetres. An expert can install specific standing-seam roofing on a 2-in-12 (5cm-30cm) roof pitch or, in some situations, a 1-in-12 (2.5cm-30cm) roof pitch.
A metal roof may be erected regardless of the structure's slope. Furthermore, putting metal roofs on a low slope is frequently less expensive to construct since this requires fewer roofing materials than on a high incline.
Disadvantages of a metal roof
Noisy during storms
Metal roofs may be particularly loud during strong rainstorms. The easiest method to avoid this is to utilise roof insulators to reduce noise and increase the general internal temperature of your house. However, this will effectively raise the cost of roofing construction or even replacement.
Costly
Metal roofs are not the least expensive roofing material available. For starters, it is around two or three times as costly as a regular asphalt shingle roof. While a metal roof might survive for decades, it is only essential if you expect to stay in your area for an extended period.
Dent tendency
Metal roofs can dent, but it is unlikely. Depending on your roof type, you might not be able to walk on the metal roof without denting it. A tremendous hailstorm would also be required to inflict some dents on the roof. However, regular hail would have little effect.
On the other hand, larger bits of frozen rain (Hail) might leave apparent dents on your roof. Dents might not jeopardise the structural soundness of your roof, but they can cause a slew of additional issues.
These flaws might detract from your home's overall curb appeal. Consequently, if you attempt to sell your house, you might have difficulty doing so, mainly if prospective buyers detect dents on your roof. Also, remember that it is not inexpensive to get the dents repaired either.
Limited range of colours
Metal roofing materials have a limited range of colours compared to other roofing materials. For instance, the possibilities are still more constrained than shingles, even though some manufacturers offer dozens of hues. Additionally, shingles are frequently coloured to mimic the appearance of wood shakes or slate. It is hard to get that colourful effect using metal panels, except copper.
Tile roof vs. metal roof: What is the best?
As you have read in this article, the roof above your home is a very crucial component. Even more critical is picking the ideal choice for your home. If you want your roof to endure for decades, you need to make sure you choose the proper roofing system for your residence or place of business.
While performance, style, and utility are all crucial aspects, there are still others that are frequently forgotten. Don't hesitate to employ a professional roofing company for advice on what kind of roofing would be best for your new house, between metal vs. tile roofs.
