There is a reason why a getting a home is called “having a roof over your head”. It is the primary source security since the times of the cavemen before we realised that we can add walls and a touch of style. Nowadays, roofs are made different materials including metal, concrete, and slate. For a long time, concrete roofing tiles were the go to for houses in Australia, but steel and aluminium is gaining ground for various reasons. Metal roofs are commonly referred to as colorbond®, thanks to the different hues and stylings that they come in.
The debate as to which is better between metal and concrete is something that homeowners are faced with. When it comes to cement roofs, concrete or terracotta tiles are what used, although terracotta is more expensive by virtue of the material and the work involved. They are however prettier to look at. Cement tiles are however more appropriate for colder environments. Metal roofing are however regarded as excellent value for dollars spent, without compromising on longevity. This is the biggest selling point of metal roofs since they cost almost half as much per square meter to install, as compared to concrete roofs. Here are a few comparisons between the two to help you decide what is best for you.
Design
When it comes to design, concrete has been touted as the king of roofing. It has evolved over time to create some amazing looks, to include flat roofs, big barrel tiles and other designs that have dimension, texture, and character. They are also very versatile when it comes to colour, with a range of blends of hues to add to the aesthetics of your home. Concrete tile roofs are also give you the flexibility of changing how the colour scheme and the accents of the entire structure looks, thereby letting you change it from contemporary to modern and anything in between at the drop of a hat.
Metal roofs on the other hand have come a long way when it comes to design. You get a choice of various textures and finishes to work with any kind of structure. In comparison to concrete, you have a better design freedom with metal roofs. They are able to mimic any design you want, including asphalt shingles, slate, and even wood shakes. The colour options have also come a long way, offering you as wide a range of colours as anything in the market today.
Longevity
Both these materials exhibit outstanding longevity, although concrete takes the bet here. With proper care, they are known to last for about 50 years. This is however dependent on the quality of both the concrete used and the quality of installation. Improper installation could lead to cracks in the tiles, failures of the nails or fasteners, flashings that are not line, and in some cases, leaking in the valleys.
Metal roofs on the other hand last between 30 and 45 years for steel and aluminium, although certain metal roofing material such as copper can last for up to 100 years. Copper roofing is however very expensive in comparison to steel and aluminium. This difference is created by the fact that as much as they are durable, steel and aluminium are more prone to being affected by weather conditions such as rain, snow, wind, and fluctuations in temperature. Wind for instance is particularly detrimental to the colour flakes in the metal. It can however withstand wind speeds of 140 miles
Metal roofs are however classified with excellent rife rating, since by virtue of the material, they are resistant to fire. This means that insurance premiums on your home will be lessened, and having a metal roof is desirable for areas where bush fires are a probability.
Maintenance
Concrete tiles require little maintenance over time. All you have to do is be on the lookout for broken or crumbling tiles. It is however a bit more expensive to repair, especially in the event of a proper trauma. In the event that a tree branch has fallen on your roof, it would be a lot more cost effective to carry out repairs to a metal roof. They should also be cleaned regularly to remove debris and patch cracks, which can quickly spread and destroy the roofs. With metal, the roof maintenance is more minimal. In fact, most of what you will be required to do is to apply a fresh coat of paint periodically to keep it from fading. With metal roofs, the repair requires that you replace an entire panel.
Energy Efficiency And Heating
Concrete is a better insulating material than metal. This means that if you live in an area that experiences extreme cold or extreme heat, then this is the material you need at the top pf your house. With metal, a lot ranges on the thickness of the panels, with thicker panels being able to handle temperature changes better.
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