Before you even think of shortlisting the ideal roof type for your new home or planned upgrade, you need to remember where you live. Australia is well known for its diverse and sometimes extremely harsh weather conditions. This means that you’re going to need a roofing material that’s not only durable but resilient to whatever the weather throws your way.
It’s with this in mind that many homeowners still prefer the metal roofing Melbourne experts recommend. This post takes a closer look at why traditional metal roofing solutions have stood the test of time and why many locals still prefer this option over terracotta or concrete tiles.
Understanding What a Metal Roof Is
If you’ve never given the roof of your home, or any other building, more than a passing thought, then one roof may seem pretty much like the next one. Sure, colours and basic designs may differ, but they’re essentially the same thing, right? Not so much.
Metal roofing is defined as being a durable, heat-resistant, and lightweight solution that’s usually made from corrugated steel, Zincalume, aluminium, or Colorbond steel. Large panels are constructed to withstand extreme weather conditions and also offer superior corrosion resistance. These materials can also be customised to fit the shape and size of just about any building.
Their durability and strength make them an ideal choice for residential homes, commercial buildings, sheds, garages, water tanks, and the material is also a common choice as a carport covering.
More Preferred than Most
Metal roofs are sometimes referred to as the “Queenslander roof” because they are a traditional and iconic choice for many modern and historic Queensland homes. However, locals all over Australia are also enjoying the benefits of these basic but highly effective roofing options. If you’re still on the fence about choosing a metal roof over a tiled solution, then we urge you to keep reading as we highlight the top ways that metal is outshining its terracotta counterparts.
Quite possibly the most compelling reason that makes metal Australia’s go-to option has to do with its reputation for being durable and long-lasting. Metal sheets are designed to withstand wind, rain, hail, and, of course, intense UV radiation. Opting for Colorbond steel ensures that your roof can last as long as 50 years, reducing the need for costly and premature replacements.
Traditional terracotta tiles, while strong in their own right, are known to be susceptible to splitting or cracking under harsh Australian weather conditions. Over time, tiles also become brittle, which results in breakages, which in turn weaken your roof’s structural integrity.
- Metal Roofs are Faster and Easier to Install
Whether you’re replacing an existing roof or installing a brand new one over your dream home, you’ll want the process to happen fast. The good news here is that metal roofing arrives at your home in long, pre-cut (and even pre-painted in the case of Colorbond) sheets, which can be installed much more easily and quickly than tiles.
Keep in mind that tiles need to be laid individually, which can be both time-consuming and labour-intensive. This process involves placing each tile carefully, overlapping, and then securing it to ensure it stays on the roof frame. Having your roof installed quickly not only reduces costs but also reduces the likelihood of installation coinciding with a bout of unpredictable weather.
Another factor you may not have given much thought to is the overall weight of the roofing materials. However, how much your roof weighs will determine the added structural strain on the house’s framework. Ideally, you want it to be as light as possible.
On average, a single square metre of quality terracotta tiles can weigh as much as 50 kilograms, which often means you need to invest in additional roof trusses or supports. Metal roofs, on the other hand, are impressively lightweight. The same amount of metal sheeting can end up only weighing between 5 and 10 kgs, which significantly reduces the eventual load on your home’s framework. There’s also no need for the cost of additional support.
In addition to durability, you’ll also want a roof that offers significant thermal performance. This is especially crucial in Australia’s hot and unforgiving climate. Fortunately, lighter coloured metal roofs are excellent at reflecting solar radiation. This reduces the amount of heat transfer into the home, keeping your space cooler and more comfortable.
Tiled roofs, on the other hand, are notorious for absorbing and retaining huge amounts of heat. This not only makes the interior of your home hotter but also increases your need for air conditioning, which can inflate your monthly energy bill.
Final Thoughts
It’s easy to see why metal roofing solutions are still the preferred choice for new and existing homeowners. Not only are these options faster to install, but they are also easier to maintain and don’t require additional support. The biggest advantage of all is that they are specifically designed to withstand the harsh Australian climate!