Choosing the right roofing material is one of the most important decisions you will have to make when renovating or building a new home. When choosing roofing, you have to make practical and aesthetic decisions and weigh them in the balance. Is that terracotta roof you have your heart set on really the right choice for your home design or environment? What about steel roofing? Will it provide enough insulation? What type of roofing material provides the best protection against fire and high winds?

Types of Roofing Materials
1. Terracotta:

Called simply clay tiles in the United States and elsewhere, terracotta tiles are made using a kiln firing process. They have been used for centuries throughout the world and the fact that many buildings a century or more old still retain their terracotta roof tiles is testament to their durability. When most Australians think of terracotta, they think of the lovely orange hues of so many roofs. However, tiles in various shades of grey are also available and are becoming increasingly popular. The disadvantage to terracotta is that the tiles, being clay, can crack or break if subjected to impact.

2. Slate:

Like terracotta, slate has been used as a roofing material for centuries. It is arguably even longer lasting than terracotta and more resistant to breakage. Generally grey in colour, depending on its source, slate comes in a range of subtle hues. There are now also slate-like manufactured products on the market that claim to have advantages over natural slate.

3. Concrete:

Concrete roofing tiles are among the most popular in Australia. They provide many of the benefits of terracotta or slate, with fewer drawbacks. Concrete roofing provides excellent insulation, is long lasting and comes in a range of colours and hues. You can buy concrete roofing that is virtually identical in appearance to terracotta or slate or choose a more unique colour.

4. Steel:

Steel roofing has come a long way since the introduction of the original corrugated steel roofing materials that are still seen on factories, sheds and garages. Disadvantages to steel are said to be that it is a poor insulator and is noisy in the rain. Heat reflecting coatings and insulating materials applied to the bottom of the sheets help to overcome these problems. One of the advantages of modern steel roofs is the large range of colours that are available. Today, the Colorbond brand name and steel roofing have become virtually synonymous.

5. Asphalt Shingles:

Asphalt shingles have been the predominant choice in the United States for generations, but have only recently begun to attract the Australian market. Asphalt shingles are easy to install, provide insulation, are highly resistant to wind or hail damage and are manufactured to be highly fire resistant.

What Type of Roofing Is Best for My Home?

Roofing’s most important job is to provide you with protection from the elements. If you live in an area that has a high fire danger, that should be your primary concern. Your roofing material should not only be fireproof, it should be able to shed any flammable debris easily. If you live in an area that is subject to high winds and/or torrential rains, make these your primary considerations.

Fortunately, all types of roofing materials come in a wide variety of styles and colours, so even if you have to make concessions to the weather, you do not need to sacrifice style. Balance the initial expense against later maintenance or replacement expenses rather than choose the cheapest available option. While terracotta, for example, is very long lasting, it can be damaged by hail, falling branches or other impact. Steel roofing, on the other hand, may not be damaged as readily as terracotta, but is said to last for only about 25 years.

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