27 Jun
Should I switch from roof tiles to a metal roof?
Category: Roof Plumber Melbourne, Metal Roofing Melbourne
Everything you need to know about re-roofing.
If you’re thinking about getting a new roof, you’re probably thinking about whether to go for traditional tiles or a metal roof. It’s a big decision. Your roof is, after all, the most important part of your home’s structure. It’s the covering which provides protection from the elements; which prevents water, wind and hurricane damage; and stops wild animals from entering your home.
There are more types and styles of roofing available today than ever before. From natural materials like slate and wood, to manmade products such as asphalt shingles and sheet metal, the different types of roofing are sophisticated and diverse.
Certain kinds of roofing will obviously be better suited for your house than others, so it’s important when choosing a roof for your home to weigh up the following factors:
- How long will it last?
- How durable is it?
- Does it complement the existing roof framing?
- Will it add to the resale value of your home?
- Does it significantly impact your home insurance?
- Are the materials eco-friendly?
- Is the type of roofing allowed by local building codes?
Plus, don’t forget perhaps the most important factor of all: the cost!
The main two types of roofing you will find yourself choosing from in Australia are roof tiles or metal roofing. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, and switching from one to the other is an important decision that should be taken seriously.
At O’Boyles, we want to help you make the most informed decision possible, so without further ado, here’s how traditional tiles and steel roofs stack up against each other.
1. Price
The cost to install a metal roof is inherently higher than the cost to install a traditional terracotta tile roof. This is because installing a metal roof is a more technically-involved process involving a high level of skill, training, experience and expertise.
Roof tiles are simply nailed to the roof deck – which is why there are so many horror stories about extreme weather conditions literally ripping asphalt shingles off the roof! Metal roofing, on the other hand, is only installed after premium breathable synthetic underlayment material has been laid down along with proper flashings and vents.
The price you can expect to pay for different types of metals and ‘profiles’ such as standing seams, steel shingles, metal tiles and stone-coated steel shingles is variable, but it is nearly always pricier than traditional roof tiles. Unfortunately, no one ever said that installing a steel roof was a steal. Many people point out that asphalt or terracotta shingles are the more economical choice.
However, environmentally they come at an enormous cost – every year around nine billion kilograms of asphalt shingles end up in a landfill – and regarding repairs and maintenance, they require a lot more attention than a steel roof.
While the service life of a steel roof is estimated at between 60-100 years, a traditional tile roof typically only lasts about 15-25 years. So despite the fact that a metal roof may require a larger financial outlay initially, the return on investment is substantially higher than that of a tile roof in the long term.
2. Durability
The durability and longevity of a new metal roof are largely determined by its proper installation. It is critical not to try to cut corners by contracting an inexperienced roof plumber to complete the job. Do your research and treat your roof plumber like a candidate for a job interview.
A properly installed metal roof will last the lifetime of your home with little to no maintenance. Metal is pretty much the lightest material you can install on your roof, and it boasts good weather resistance as well as overall longevity. Many metal manufacturers offer limited warranties that last up to 50 years, so forking out for a steel roof is likely to be the only roof you ever fork out for.
Asphalt shingles also have a good performance record, although they are susceptible to severe weather. Depending on the manufacturer, you can usually get a 20 to 30 year warranty on your roof tiles, and many are fire-rated as high as Class A.
Asphalt is also known for being easy to repair if it gets damaged, although we would never recommend trying to DIY when it comes to repairs because of warranty issues.
Overall, in terms of whether tiles or metal offers the best durability, it’s a clear win for metal. In addition to lasting for decades, steel won’t crack, peel, fade or disintegrate like roof tiles. Just make sure you choose the most experienced installer you can find to make sure they get the installation right first time.
Call us on 03 9998 2170 if you would like to chat about installing a beautiful metal roof.
3. Style
Obviously, you want your roof to look good, and this is another important consideration when switching from roof tiles to a metal roof. Your roof is capable of adding a distinctive design element to your home as well as increasing its curb-side appeal so have a good hard think about what sort of aesthetic appeals to you.
Design choices for roof tiles have come a long way since the supremely ugly slabs of the 1970s. You can find clean, minimalist styles as well as high-end laminates enhanced with deep shadow lines and available in many colours.
Terracotta and concrete roof tiles each offer a different surface finish and will weather differently with age. Slate-like interlocking tiles give a cool, contemporary appearance while shaped roof tiles can bring a much-desired texture and warmth to modern living.
Metal roofing, on the other hand, has also evolved far beyond its corrugated iron roots and looks beautiful with almost any architectural style. High-performing materials such as stainless steel, copper, and zinc give metal roofs a sleek, striking look and substantial energy savings further complement the classic beauty of metal.
In terms of real estate appeal, a home protected by a metal roof not only looks beautiful but continues to increase and maintain its value for many decades to come. A recouped value of a metal roof at resale is approximately 90%.
Plus, metal is a green, fully-recyclable material, and in today’s world, that’s something to be mindful of.
The verdict
Whether you’re choosing between metal or tiles, or simply looking to upgrade your old metal roof into a stylish new one, we think the writing is on the wall. Metal roofing is superior to tile roofing in terms of longevity, durability and long-term ROI. Its biggest drawback is, of course, its higher cost, but you may just have to ‘steel’ yourself to make sure your home is protected right.
For environmentally-conscious homeowners, investing in a steel roof will reinforce your commitment to a sustainable lifestyle, and for the budget-conscious, the savings on energy and home maintenance will take a lot of stress off your mind.
At O’Boyles, we are specialists in providing roofing solutions and know how to make the re-roofing process as pleasant and painless for you as possible. We work with Colorbond to provide the best quality metal roofing available in Australia and have almost 30 years experience installing metal roofs across Melbourne and Victoria.
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