Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Tiles And Metal For A Roof Replacement
When you replace the roofing on your house, you could use the same material as what is currently there or opt for something different. Two common alternatives are tiles and metal. Here are several factors to consider when making a choice.
Roof Cladding Weight
A practical aspect to bear in mind is the weight of the cladding you choose. A house may have the structural capacity to hold its current cladding but not a heavier material. If that's the case, opting for a heavier roof may require the house to be reinforced.
Concrete, terracotta, and slate tiled roofs are generally heavier than metal roofs. Thus, switching from tiles to metal shouldn't cause an issue in this regard. However, you may need to undergo additional steps if you swap from metal to tiles. A roofer can advise you whether your house would need extra support.
Period Homes
If you have a heritage home, you will need a complementary roof material. Period homes may have either tiles or metal. Corrugated metal roofs were used for early Victorian cottages, and they suit many styles, such as Federation houses.
Terracotta tiles are also used for heritage homes, including Federation and Queen Anne houses with elaborate roofs. A roofer can advise you if you have a period house regarding what materials may suit you. Concrete roof tiles can mimic slate, so they may be a good choice for some classic buildings.
Appearance
If both tiles and metal are suitable, you may prefer the look of one over the other. Metal roofs appear sleeker, with fewer lines and edges than tiled roofs. Additionally, metal roofs come in diverse colours, such as silver, green, blue, sand, brown and grey. Tiles also offer a wide range of red, russet, brown, blue, grey and black shades.
When choosing a colour, bear in mind that lighter hues are more heat-reflective and will keep a house cooler in the summer than darker roofs. Another factor is the roof's shape and size. Some roofs that cover a vast area or are curved or flat are unsuited to tiles.
Maintenance
When choosing a roofing material, think about the maintenance it will require. Metal roofs are encased in protective coatings, so they're low-maintenance. Galvanised steel has a zinc film; other metal roofs feature coatings that integrate aluminium and zinc. Metal is often powder coated as well, which adds another shielding layer.
Similarly, tiles only require a little maintenance, especially if the roof is coated with protective membranes.
Contact a roofing company to learn more.