Roofing uncovered: tile vs. metal

July 16, 2015 - 2 min read

Like they say: out of sight, out of mind! It’s a little too easy to forget all about your roof when renovating or updating your home, but a new roof can actually greatly increase kerb appeal, as well as the potential value of your home.

If you’re trying to choose the perfect roof material for your home, the question remains: tiles or metal? We’ve done our research and found the pros and cons of each material, so you can make a more informed decision about which material may best suit your needs.


Tile roofing

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Tile roofing (stock image)

Tile is a great material for the hot Aussie climate and scorching sun. It doesn’t rot or burn, and lasts for a long period of time. There are two main types of tile roofing used throughout Australia: terracotta and cement. The best thing to do is ask your builder which is best for your climate and location.

Pros:

Insulation.Roof tiles offer superior thermal and acoustic insulation. They absorb more heat than metal roofing, and slowly distribute this into the house—keeping it nice and warm on cooler nights.

Strength.Tiles are strong and solid, giving them the ability to withstand harsher weather conditions, such as storms.

Longevity. Generally, tiles can last a good while—in some cases, more than 50 years! This makes them a great investment for the home.

Cons:

Weight. Roof tiles are a lot heavier than metal, especially if you choose to go with concrete tiles. This requires your roof to have extra reinforcement to support the tiles’ weight.

Colour. While tiles look beautiful, their colour is likely to fade over time. This means they will require a repaint at some point.

Maintenance.Broken tiles need to be repaired immediately, as more extensive damage can occur if not seen to promptly.


Metal Roofing

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Metal roofing (stock image)

Metal roofing has come a long way since its tin-roof origins. It’s now sleeker, stronger and more aesthetically pleasing than ever, which has made it a popular choice for homes across Newcastle. So what are the advantages of metal roofing?

Pros:

Variety. With metal roofing, you have an almost unlimited colour selection to choose from—giving you the freedom to achieve the look you want!

Maintenance. If you choose metal roofing, you won’t have to worry about it cracking or splitting like tiles—there’s very limited maintenance required.

Weather resistance. The natural characteristics of metal make it highly resistant to high-impact weather, such as hail.

Cons:

Noise. While in some instances, rain tapping on the roof can be cosy and romantic, to others it can sound like a loud drum. If you’re trapped in a rainstorm or hailstorm, living underneath metal roofing will be a lot noisier than tile.

Modifications. Metal roofing materials are more difficult to replace than single roof tiles. Something to keep in mind!

Cost. Depending on the brand and your contractor, metal roofing can be a lot more expensive than tile roofing. Best to do your research on cost before making a decision!