If you’re repairing, restoring or renovating your building, or undertaking a brand new build, one of the most important parts of the project is the roof by using Terracotta Tiles.
Unfortunately, roofs remain the single most overlooked structures in both residential and commercial structures until they start to give trouble. Leakage, missing parts, sagging, or damage to fixtures are some of the common problems that could crop up.
These issues can then pose a serious risk to life and property within the building and to neighboring structures as well. In addition, you may notice that the roof sags either in the middle or at the edges. There could be rust formation or growth of mold on the interior and exterior walls closer to the roof.
Why wait for a safety crisis to happen? The right strategy is to get professional inspection done on your roof at least once a year.
Before we get into repairs, renovation or restoration, it’s a smart idea to get to know more about roofing products and materials. For more information on replacing your metal roof, visit Eastern Melbourne Roofing – a reliable and experienced metal roof replacement contractor in Victoria.
How To Choose Roofing Products
Factors that you must consider while selecting roofing products and materials for your flat roofs are weather -resistance, aesthetics, lifespan, durability, environmental sustainability, and of course your budget and personal preferences.
You will also have to check with your local, council or civic authorities about the building codes and regulations that you have to comply with. If yours is a heritage building, this may be a challenging process as you will have to get multiple permissions from local and national authorities.
Commonly used roofing materials include clay tiles, slate or terracotta shingles, asphalt, wood, modern polymers and synthetic materials, metal roofing, green roofing and concrete tiles. Each of these products comes with its own pros and cons, installation methods, pricing, lifespan and ability to withstand weather events and extreme changes.
No matter what material you choose, the overriding aspect to keep in mind is installation. Ensure that you get a professionally qualified, licensed and skilled roofer with proven experience in installing roofs like yours. Choose a local expert with the right permissions to work at heights, and appropriate insurance coverage.
Before you head out, don’t forget to check out some of our other great reads!
Terracotta Used To Be Popular At One Time
Homeowners in Melbourne have shown that they prefer metal cladding rather than terracotta tiles for their roofs. Terracotta tiles were once highly popular across the city and there’s no doubt that they are very easy on the eye.
The issue with them is that they are heavy, and put a high load on the structure, which means that your building has to be designed with added structural support. This can be expensive and time-consuming, with a greater amount of effort involved.
Terracotta tiles give a classy and timeless look but these tiles tend to be relatively fragile. They chip, crack or break easily under impact. This means that you can easily damage them while accessing the roof for inspections, or break if tree-branches fall on them.
Typically, they cost more than other materials, and you need an expert to install and repair. Extreme sunlight exposure can cause fading or warping. Many homeowners complain that tile roofs attract mold and algae, and some feel that these tiles are noisy when rain falls on them.
Keeping these factors in mind, there’s a big shift to metal cladding over terracotta tiles in Melbourne.
Metal Cladding Is A Popular Choice In Melbourne
The issues faced by homeowners who have terracotta roofing have played a big part in the modern preference for metal cladding.
Metal roofing includes products manufactured from aluminum, steel, copper, zinc, stainless steel and blended metals. Melbourne homeowners have discovered that metal cladding is a good option. It consists of metal panels or sheets that are fixed to the topmost portion of the building or the roof. The cladding is designed, fabricated, painted and installed and fixed with the help of fasteners, clips or screws.
Metal cladding provides a strong, protective layer over your roof. Apart from this, it serves as an interesting and attractive aesthetic feature on your building, giving it a sleek, stylish and contemporary look. This product is lightweight, and doesn’t put excessive load on your building as terracotta tiles do.
Homeowners have found that there is significant energy savings with metal cladding as the thermal insulation qualities improve with this product. Coupled with noise reduction features, metal cladding offers a very attractive option. It is low maintenance and a lick of paint gets it looking bright and new again.
You can select from a variety of metals. Aluminum cladding is one of the most popular, mainly because it’s lightweight, easy to install, resistant to corrosion and gives excellent thermal insulation. Though it is more commonly used in commercial buildings, it is versatile enough for residential purposes too. Steel is another popular choice, with new products such as Colorbond steel ruling the market. Its strength, durability and longevity make it a great choice for your home.
Zinc and copper cladding are less popular, as they may develop a characteristic patina with aging. If that’s the look you want for your home, these claddings are the right choice. Copper is used where there is a high risk of corrosion and weathering due to environmental pollution.
Finally, if deluxe is your thing, why not splurge on a titanium metal cladding for your roof? This premium metal is lightweight, corrosion resistant and very attractive, making it a great choice for luxury residential projects.
If you enjoyed this post, you’ll love what’s featured on 2A Magazine.
