Tiles vs. Metal
The Truth About Roofing Tiles
We want you to build the house you'll be happy with. That's why we want you to know the truth about roofing with tiles - before you commit to any other system.
Roofing tiles have been around for almost five thousand years. So it's natural that we take tiles for granted. Especially when they've served us so well over all that time. In Victoria today, well over half the new homes completed feature tile roofs for one or more of the following reasons.
Tiles outlast most other roofing materials
True. That's because tiles can't rust or corrode. You can't buy a more substantial roofing material. And once in position, tiles rarely need any maintenance.
Tiles cost more than metal, don't they?
Tiles certainly look more expensive, but facts show there is little or no difference in cost between similar houses with tile roofs and those with metal. You can afford tiles.
Tiles can mean higher resale value
Ask any real estate agent. Tile roofs look more substantial. They add to a hosue, both in appearance and value. So when you're thinking bricks and mortar, tiles are the obvious choice. Anything else doesn't seem to do justice to a home.
Colour your roof in tiles
Only tiles give you a real choice with upwards of twenty different colours to choose from. Whatever your colour scheme, you'll find at least one tile colour to suit.
Tiles vs Metal? Is there a 'hot' favourite?
Tiles take longer to heat up. Tile roofs usually have larger volume roof spaces which 'breathe'. So houses with tile roofs stay coolor for longer.
Metal roofs heat up and cool down faster. They often have smaller, sealed roof spaces which can lead to possible moisture condensation problems.
Tile shapes give roof textures
As well as a wide colour choice, only tiles give you choice of profiles to compliment architectural styles - from traditional to contemporary and everything in between.
Don't think you haven't got design flexibility
Because each tile covers only a small area, you enjoy complete freedom of roof design from relatively low pitches to almost vertical if called for.
Tiles roofs and the quiet life
There's no doubt that tiles build a quieter house. Inside houses with metal roofs, light rain sounds like a downpour. And a downpour sounds the end of conversation or listening to television and radio. Also, tile roofs don't 'crack' alarmingly with expansion and contraction during changes of temprature.
The truth about tiles and water
Untruths abound on the subject of what water does to tile roofs, and vice versa. This sets the record straight...
Tiles don't absorbs 'tons' of water
Tiles must conform to the Australian Standard which specifies an absolute maximum of 10% water absorption after total immersion for 24 hours. In actual fact, tests show that water absorption through the exposed tile surface in soaking rain can be less than 3%.
Wet 'heavy' tiles can buckle roof timbers?
No way! Let's remember we're worrying about a maximum weight difference of around 3% between wet tiles and dry. A difference you can virtually forget when you think of the extra strength required by building codes to withstand the elements. On the positive side, the added weight of a tile roof helps to counteract wind uplift during storms making tile roofs less susceptible to damage than metal.
What about drinking water quality?
If you rely on tank water and you'd prefer tiles, then go right ahead. The run-off from tile roofs complies with World Health Organisation standards for drinking water.
They say tile roofs reduce run-off
We've covered the minimal water absorption over 24 hours, so the amount tiles absorve during short showers when run-off might be a concern is minimal indeed.