Roofing

Roofing Materials

There are several types of roofing material available.  Your roofing professional will be able to advise you on the most suitable for your home; however, the two most common roof materials are as follows:

• Steel roofing – Types of steel roofs include treated zinc-aluminum, such as Colorbond, and untreated zinc-aluminum.  Steel roofs are very flexible so are great for harsher weather conditions.  Make sure that you get a warranty of at least 25 years.
  
  
• Tiles – Tiles may be either terracotta, concrete or slate.  Terracotta tiles come in a variety of finishes and are frost-resistant.  They are also non-combustible, making them a good choice in bushfire-prone areas.  Concrete tiles are extremely durable and should last for at least 50 years.  Slate will not fade, crack or discolour and can last for over a century if properly installed.  It is ideal to use when you want to make your roof a feature.

Insulating your Roof

When choosing a roof colour, be aware that a lighter colour roof will reflect heat better and therefore keep your home cooler.  Some steel roofs are thermally efficient and your roofing professional will be able to advise you as to what they are.  Concrete does not conduct heat or cold well, and this can help to keep your home at a steady and comfortable temperature.

Sarking is a reinforced foil material that is laid over the whole area of the roof underneath the roof tiles or other roof material.  Its purpose is to help keep out any water as well as to provide insulation against the heat, cold and sound.  Steel roofs can accentuate the sound of rain, so if you aren’t a big fan of rain noise, then it is possible to install an insulation blanket made of foil and glass fibre between the roof frame and the roof material.  Again, this blanket insulates against noise and the weather.

You can also choose to install insulation after your roof has been completed, whether it is in the form of batts or something else.  Your roofing professional will be able to advise you on which insulation materials are best for your requirements.

Plumbing and Guttering

One professional that you should employ is a roof plumber.  Roof plumbers make and install guttering, design and install guttering and install stormwater drainage systems.  They can also help with you designing a rainwater catchment system, if you decide to install a rainwater tank.

Guttering is an important component of your roof and one that needs to be carefully considered.  There are a variety of materials that are suitable, such as copper, aluminum, plain zinc aluminum alloys or zinc aluminum with colour applied.  It is also a good idea to get a gutter protection system that will protect your guttering from debris.  A good system should have a 25-year warranty on materials and a 15-year warranty on materials.

Truss Roofs – an Explanation

Roofing Terms

Finally, before erecting a new roof or renovating your existing one, it is always wise to check with your local council and familiarise yourself with their regulations.  For example, some councils will only allow certain materials in certain colours.