Do you have the decision of the best roofing material for your new home hanging over your head? We’re here to help. One of the most common questions regarding roofing materials is whether to go with Colorbond or concrete roof tiles. So, in this article, we’re diving into the colorbond roof vs tile roof debate. We’ll be comparing the two to provide the information to make the best choice for your new home.
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Is a colorbond roof or tile roof best for your new home build?
Both are extremely popular roofing materials and both have their merits. However, in most cases, Colorbond is probably the best option to its affordability, low maintenance, and range of choice, all without sacrificing much in terms of durability. However, for certain customers, tile will suit their design better than Colorbond.
What is Colorbond steel roofing?
Colorbond is a well-known coated steel roofing material in Australia, due to its prominence in a wide range of structures. But what is it exactly?
Colorbond is a popular steel product, usually covered in high-quality paint. It’s widely used in Australia because of its reputation for being long-lasting and durable to this country’s varied and occasionally ruthless conditions.
What is a tiled roof?
Tiled roofing is a broader term that covers a few different building options. The most common tile roof materials are concrete and terracotta tiles. Some other roofing materials include clay, slate and, at the very high end, solar reflective tiles. These are both more expensive. As the name suggests, the material will come in tiles that need to be installed.
Tile roofs are popular due to their appearance, and exceptional resistance to water, fire, frost, wind and insect damage.
Colorbond roofing vs tiled roofing
Aesthetics & Appearance
Colorbond roof:
Colorbond is known for its sleek and clean appearance and the wide range of options available. With 22 colours to choose from, you’re likely to find something to suit your home design. It’s an ideal fit for modern Australian homes and a great way to update older designs.
TIled roof:
Tiled roofs are a long-established look in Australia, with older homes and heritage homes often having tiled roofing material. There’s a character to tiled roofs that cannot be replicated by metal roofs. Tiles are a more traditional roofing material and will suit old-fashioned homes better.
Lifespan & durability
Colorbond roof:
This will depend on the quality of the Colorbond roofing you’re using. A well-maintained metal roof should easily last at least 30 years. However, metal roofs can be reasonably expected to last 40-70 years. Keep in mind, you get what you pay for and cheaper metal roofs will need to be refurbished or outright replaced every ten years or so. Having a professional roofing contractor will minimise the risk of any issues arising, which will, in turn, increase the lifespan of your roof.
Tiled roof
Though durable in most circumstances, including extreme weather and hailstorms, tiles can become brittle in certain environments. This can make them more vulnerable and cause tiles to break. Substantial impact or being walked on can also break tiles. Having said that, tile roofs have been known to last over 100 years, and aren’t going to rust.
Maintenance
Colorbond roof:
The sturdy and smooth surface offered by metal roofs makes Colorbond relatively low maintenance. Like anything, a little TLC will go a long way to keeping your Colorbond roof in top condition. Regular cleaning and washing should do the trick. In most cases, a spray with the hose will get the job done.
Tiled roof
Though strong and durable, tile roofs do usually require more maintenance. Extreme weather can cause shifts in a house’s foundation, which could lead to roof leaks. Regular maintenance and repairs are often a fact of life for those with tile roofing.
Energy efficiency & heat
Colorbond roof:
Being both lightweight and solar reflective, Colorbond roofs have exceptional thermal insulation. By reflecting the sun’s heat, a Colorbond roof can help reduce your energy bills.
Tiled roof
Some materials, such as concrete and clay, can absorb heat, which isn’t ideal in hotter climates. However, when properly installed, tiles can provide a high level of thermal insulation.
Protection
Colorbond roof:
Colorbond steel is made to meet the harsh weather conditions Australia is known for and undergoes rigorous testing to ensure this. They’re also termite-resistant, and wind resistant, and will help with bushfire resistance.
Tiled roof
When installed by professional roofers, tiled roofs can provide long-lasting protection against the elements. They’re particularly durable near the ocean as they aren’t vulnerable to corrosion.
Noise and soundproofing
Colorbond roof:
Colorbond roofing doesn’t have the greatest sound insulation and you will hear animals running across it as well as heavy rain. Installing an acoustic blanket can help cut down the noise from the outside world.
Tiled roof
Tiled roofs provide great sound insulation and acoustic performance, so are fantastic for creating a quieter house.
Design flexibility
Colorbond roof:
Colorbond comes in 22 different colours and can be cut to fit most homes. Its sleek, clean look will suit most designs, with heritage homes being the major exception.
Tiled roofs
There are a variety of different materials that roof tiles can be made from including concrete, clay, terracotta and slate. Naturally, certain materials will suit certain homes better than others.
Cost
When it comes to cost, you need to consider both short and long-term costs.
Colorbond roof:
Colorbond roofing materials are much cheaper than their tile counterparts, yet this price doesn’t indicate a flimsy product. There are different types of Colorbond roofing, which plays a role in costs but expect to pay somewhere between $15- $40 per sheet. House sizes vary, but at a rough estimate, roofing a house with Colorbond will cost around $2000.
TIled roof:
Prices will vary depending on the material you choose but expect tiles to be more expensive than metal roofing. The major downside of tile roofing is both the material and installation are pricey. A concrete tile roof for the average family home will cost at least $5,000. The sometimes difficult installation that comes with tile roofs will require you to find an experienced roof tiler, which could add to the price.
Roofing Material Prices
Colorbond: $50-$120 per square metre
Concrete and terracotta tiles: $50-$100 per square metre
Slate tiles: Up to $500 per metre.
Solar tiles: $300-$400 metre.
Labour costs also need to be factored into your budget, with most contractors charging between $50-100 per hour. If you’re replacing a roof, you’ll need to factor in the time it takes to remove the previous material.
Our tips for deciding on your roof
- Consider the design of the rest of your house when making your decision.
- Take into account the area you’re living in, the climate and
- Simply looking up the cost of material isn’t an accurate way to gauge costs. You need to consider the labour and installation costs. For example, Colorbond roofing materials are sometimes cheaper than concrete or terracotta tiles, but the latter options take longer to install.
- If you’re renovating a heritage-listed home, you may not be allowed to use Colorbond roofing. You’ll need to check the conditions of the particular building.
Talk to an experienced building broker for free advice on your new build
Need help getting a roof over your head sooner than later? Buildi can help you throughout your building journey, from finding the right builder from our panel to ensuring everything in your contract is met. Get in touch with us today to book your free consultation.
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