One of the most commonly asked questions - how do I choose a roof for my home? In this post we take a closer look at two of the most popular roofing choices in Australia - colorbond roofs vs concrete tiles. 

But first things first, ask yourself first these questions about the materials you are consider for your roof:

• How long will it last?
• Does it hold up during natural disasters such as bushfires or cyclones?
• Is it too heavy for the existing roof framing?
• Will the look you are going for complement the style of the house?
• Are the materials eco-friendly and recyclable?
• Does the type of roofing adhere to local building codes?
• And finally, how much does it cost?

Colorbond Roofs

• Price. For large surfaces that are mostly uninterrupted, colorbond is very easy to put up and thus very inexpensive. However, if you have a complicated configuration for your roof tiles are the more inexpensive way to go but for simple roofing jobs, colorbond will help to save money.
• Better water collection with colorbond homes. If you’re interested in keeping a water tank, or simply want water to run off your roof in a uniform pattern colorbond can help you to direct the flow of water off your roof much simpler than tile.
• Lightweight. This means lighter roof framing can be used and rafters can be spaced further apart.
• Suitable for flat roofs, all the way through to steep pitches. This is particularly important if you want to add a veranda/patio to your home.
• Low-maintenance. It is more resilient and weather-resistant than concrete tile, meaning less chance of leaks or cracks.  The lower maintenance costs down the track could be considered to offset the higher initial cost of Colorbond.
• Exceptional thermal insulation- could mean a reduction in energy costs.

Concrete Tiles

• Quieter than Colorbond when it comes to the sound of rain on the roof.
• Making modifications later is simple with a tile roof (installing flues, skylights etc.)
• May be a better option in corrosive environments such as near the sea.

• Appearance. Can be made to resemble traditional clay tiles, wood shakes, or slate. Color can be throughout tile or only applied on the surface. Mission and Spanish-style round-topped tiles are used widely all over the world.
• Durability. Long lasting and low maintenance but can break.
• Weight. Heavy, require reinforced roof framing to support. If you are replacing another type of roof system with concrete tiles, make sure the structure can support the load first.

There are certainly differences between these two roofing types, but both are excellent, reliable choices.  There are some cost differences but they are usually not significant, so ultimately, you may find personal choice is your biggest deciding factor. If you would like to find out more about what roofing options we can offer you, give Roo Roofing a call on 1300 734 148.