Durable Roofing Options to Protect Your Home from Rain and Hail
Roofing Options To Protect Your Home During The Storms
With the recent spate of storms in Queensland, you may need to consider the toughness of the material that you build your roof out of. This article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of several durable roofing materials available to homeowners in the state.
Metal Roofing
If considering options for roofing in areas with frequent storms like Queensland, metal roofing is a great choice. They are easy to maintain and a lot cheaper than tile options in most cases. They are also relatively shatter-proof and can survive impacts from falling objects like branches and hail. However, the Queensland rainstorms and hailstorms can make quite a racket on the roofs, luckly good insulation means the noise will be kept to a minimum.
Steel coated with aluminum is one of the most durable metal roofing options available in the market. It can weather severe storms if installed properly and can last for many years as a protective barrier on your house. Additionally, steel roofing is also great at reflecting sunlight which will reduce the absorption of heat into your home under the harsh Australian summer sun. This will lead to lower energy bills and a more comfortable indoor temperature in the summer. The recent storm in Brisbane also led to a loss of power to many homes and the ability to keep internal temperatures mild would have been a great asset in this case. You also have the option of opting for recycled steel when choosing the materials. This is an environmentally friendly option that will reduce the carbon footprint of your house. There are different types of roofing steel available with different contents of recycled material and you can choose the one that suits you the best. However, installing the roof can be expensive, especially if installing metal tiles. One of the main cost factors is the labour costs which varies from company to company. If you would like to compare prices we can offer a very affordable rate on metal roofing installation services for all properties in South East Queensland. Just visit our metal roofing page to find out more and request a free quote, if you have any questions our friendly staff are more than happy to assist you.
Types of Metal Roofing
Zincalume Steel
Zincalume Steel is steel coated with aluminum and zinc. The coating prevents corrosion to the steel and is useful in areas where the roof would be exposed to salt and moisture. However, it is best used in houses which have high ceilings because it tends to absorb the heat from sunlight leading to hotter temperatures inside the house. Learn more about Zincalume roofing options from their website.
Zinc Plated Steel
Zinc Plated Steel is also referred to as galvanized steel and used to be very popular in the past. It is not used much nowadays and may be hard to find.
Basic Colorbond steel
Basic Colorbond steel is just corrugated steel sheets that are cost effective and are relatively durable. Learn more about the Colorbond range and choose your colours here.
Powder Coated Colorbond
Powder coated Colorbond is more resistant to corrosion but is more expensive. Premium Colorbond is another upgrade that is more durable but is more expensive as well. Some industrial buildings also use stainless steel Colorbond which is very durable and can withstand exposure to harsh weather conditions as well as chemical corrosion.
Aluminum Roofing
Aluminum roofing offers a bit extra in terms of resistance to corrosion than steel but can be more expensive. Aluminum is available in many styles and colors which makes it easy to fit into any color scheme on your house. The material is also very light which means that it can be supported by smaller and lighter frames which reduces framing costs. Like steel, there are energy benefits to aluminum as it can reflect sunlight and reduce the heat absorption of the house, which in turn, reduces energy bills. They are also easily recyclable and you can buy recycled aluminum sheeting.
Tiled Roofing
There are some tiling options that can be very durable. They are also great aesthetically and the wide range of stone and other tiling materials available means that there will almost certainly be a suitable option for your house. However, the price of the materials and the labour costs involved in tiling make tile roofing a more expensive option.
Terra Cotta Tiles
Terra Cotta or ceramic tiling is made out of clay and can be very durable, especially in terms of their look. They are made in a kiln, which bakes them and makes them very hard. It will not fade or discolour even after extensive exposure to the harsh summer sunlight. They are also resistant to fire and frost. Their aesthetic advantages add value to your home. However, they are fragile and can shatter when stepped on. So, make sure your installers are experienced and you are careful when working on the roof. Their low resistance to impact means that falling branches or hail can also damage them. However, as they are installed as tiles, only the damaged tiles need to be replaced and this can save costs in the long run. One of the most popular terra-cotta tiles in Australia is made by Boral, you can learn more here.
Slate Tiles
Slate tiling is a very expensive option but is very durable. There are slate roofs a couple of centuries old that are still in good shape. Slate is cut into tiles and is a completely natural option that does not adversely affect the air quality around it. Water that runs off the roof can also be used for many purposes as it will not have been affected in any way by the slate. They are more impact resistant than clay but can still shatter if heavy objects land on the tiles with force. Some heavier hail during the more intense storms in the state can damage the tiling. Slate can be very heavy, so additional reinforcement may be needed to secure slate tiling.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiling can also last for 50 years or more and is relatively cheap compared to terra cotta and slate. They are also more impact resistant than terra cotta and slate and will not be damaged by falling branches or hail. However, like slate, they can be very heavy which will require additional reinforcement to avoid any mishaps. Another disadvantage of concrete is its look. It is rather bland and can look out of place on many buildings. This is why they are mainly used on industrial buildings. New advances are making more textures and colours possible, so you may be able to find better looking varieties of concrete.
These are some of the most durable options for roofing that will ensure your house is protected through the harsh storms that have hit the state recently. A local professional can guide you on the most suitable material for your roof and help you choose an option that makes sense both financially and aesthetically. Do your prudent research before committing to a roofer and choosing a material, it will save you money and trouble in the long run. Consider energy costs and costs of additional structural modifications as well when you make your decision.
Published & Copyright by:
Jeremy Clark from VIP Roofing Brisbane
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