Roof tiles vs Colorbond®
Roofs are as functional as they are decorative. Acting as the shield of your home, roofing protects your home from Australia's fickle weather and unpredictable, harsh elements. This makes choosing the right roofing material extremely important.
When it comes to roofing materials, two of the most popular options in Australia are roof tiles and Colorbond (steel) roofing.
In this article, we'll take you through the pros and cons of a Colorbond roof vs a tiled roof to help you decide which one suits your home (and budget) best.
What is Colorbond® roofing?
Colorbond is a brand of pre-painted steel roofing material that was developed by BlueScope Steel. Colorbond® roofing is made from high-quality steel that has been coated with a layer of specially designed paint that’s baked onto the steel at high temperatures. The result is a durable, weather-resistant roofing material that’s the roofing material of choice for many homes and other building projects.
What colours and styles are available for Colorbond roofing?
Colorbond roofing is available in a wide range of colours and styles, making it a versatile roofing option that can complement the style of any home.
Classic
Classic colours include shades of white, grey, and brown, as well as muted greens and blues. These colours are ideal for traditional or heritage-style buildings.
Contemporary
Contemporary colours include brighter shades of blue, green, and red, as well as darker shades of grey and black. These colours are ideal for modern buildings with clean, minimalist lines.
In addition to the wide range of colours available, Colorbond roofing is also available in a variety of profiles and finishes, including corrugated, ribbed and flat.
This allows builders and homeowners to choose the perfect Colorbond solution for their building, whether they’re looking for a traditional, contemporary, or ultra-modern appearance.
What are the benefits of choosing a Colorbond roof?
Durability and longevity
The Colorbond roof material is made from steel that has undergone rigorous testing to survive the highs and lows of Australian weather. Tested against corrosion and outdoor exposure, it adheres to Australian Standards (AS1397 and AS/NZS 2728) and can last up to 70 years.
Backed with the right technology, it can survive corrosion, outdoor exposure, and adjacent fire (Colorbond is compliant for use in bushfire zones).
Thermal-efficiency and insulation
The colour in Colorbond matters — five light colours qualify as solar-reflective (under the Green Star Communities Tool), and all colours except Night Sky have solar reflectance technology. This provides great thermal insulation that keeps the temperature inside the home more comfortable.
Coupled with passive heating and cooling principles, installing Colorbond can contribute towards savings on electricity bills in the long term.
Low maintenance
The smooth coating on Colorbond makes cleaning easy. All you need is clean, fresh water to hose off any areas that can't be reached by rainwater. The best part is you only need to do this every six months!
Warranty
Colorbond roofing typically comes with a warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The length of the warranty can vary depending on the specific Colorbond roofing product and the manufacturer, but most Colorbond roofing warranties are valid for between 10 and 25 years.
The warranty will typically cover defects that arise as a result of normal use and exposure to the elements, including cracking, peeling, fading, and corrosion but it will not cover damage caused by improper installation, accidental damage, or normal wear and tear.
Environmentally friendly
Metal roofing is 100% recyclable and can be reused for many other purposes. It doesn't always need reprocessing before being reused, which can reduce energy use.
What are the disadvantages of choosing a colorbond roof?
Noise
Raindrops on a metal roof can be quite loud but can be minimised with insulation. Most people find the sound quite soothing.
Post-build installation
If you need to install an air conditioner, solar panels or anything else on the roof after your build, parts of your roof may need to be cut.
So, is a Colorbond roof best for your home?
Deciding whether to choose Colorbond roofing for your home will depend on a number of factors, including your budget, location, and personal preference.
Overall, if you are looking for a durable, weather-resistant, and low-maintenance roofing option that offers versatility in terms of colour and style, Colorbond may be a good choice.
What are roof tiles?
Roof tiles have been used for centuries to cover and protect the roofs of buildings. They are typically made from clay, concrete, or terracotta and are available in a range of sizes, shapes and colours.
Roof tiles are a durable and long-lasting roofing solution that can withstand extreme weather conditions, including high winds, heavy rain and even hail depending on the circumstances. They are also fire-resistant, which makes them a popular choice in areas prone to wildfires.
Roof tiles are designed to interlock with each other, which helps to create a watertight seal that protects the roof and the interior of the building from water damage.
What colours and styles can a tile roof be?
You have quite few options if you choose a tile roof and Plantation Homes offers concrete tile roofs in a choice of ten colours. Below are some of the most popular colours and styles for tiled roofs.
Terracotta tiles
Terracotta tiles are a classic choice for Mediterranean and Spanish-style homes. They are available in a range of earthy colours, from warm reds and oranges to deep browns.
Clay tiles
Clay roof tiles are a popular option for traditional and historic homes. They come in a range of colours, including reds, browns and greys.
Concrete
Concrete tiles are a durable and low-maintenance roofing option that can mimic the look of other materials, such as slate or wood. They are available in a range of colours, from neutral shades of grey and beige to bold colours like blue and green.
Slate tiles
Slate roof tiles are a premium roofing option that offers a natural, sophisticated look. They are available in a range of colours, including black, grey, green and purple.
Flat or curved?
Flat roof tiles offer a sleek and modern look and are available in a range of materials, including clay and concrete. They are typically available in neutral colours like grey and beige.
Curved roof tiles offer a more decorative look and are available in a range of styles, including interlocking designs and shingles. They are typically available in warm colours like red and orange.
What are the benefits of choosing a tile roof?
Durability and longevity
Made from heavy and sturdy materials, tile roofing can withstand harsh weather conditions. Tiles are also impervious to rust, rot, and insect damage and can last up to 100 years with regular upkeep and repairs.
Soundproofing
The density and thickness of tile roofing allow for great sound insulation and acoustic performance. Say hello to peaceful rainy days!
Thermal efficiency and insulation
Tile roofs have a heavy thermal mass which means they can store energy in the form of heat! This can help regulate indoor temperatures, helping you save on electricity bills.
Environmentally friendly
Tiles are derived from earth materials and can be recycled after their use or lifecycle.
What are the disadvantages of choosing a tile roof?
Regular maintenance and inspections
Tiles are durable but can break with impact from heavy items falling or from being walked on. Harsh weather conditions can also cause shifts in the tiles and mortar that can lead to leaks. An inspection can be as simple as climbing a ladder and looking for gaps or cracked tiles. For this reason, tile roofing requires more maintenance than a Colorbond roof and possible repairs down the track.
So, is a tile roof best for your home?
If you're going for the quintessential Australian look, a tile roof is a no-brainer. Commonly terracotta or concrete tiles, tile roofing is durable, soundproof, and energy-efficient.
Choose a tiled roof or Colorbond roof with Plantation Homes
If you're building with Plantation Homes you get the choice of tiled or Colorbond roofing at no extra cost. Ultimately, the choice between a tile or Colorbond roof is personal and you need to choose a material that you are comfortable with and looks good on your chosen house and façade. After all, you will be looking at it for many years to come! Start your journey with the Plantation Homes Visualiser tool where you can view a variety of façades with concrete tiles, terracotta/ceramic tiles and metal roofing in a wide range of colours.
