Roofing Roof Tiles
August 26th 2008 02:05
Roof tile manufacture comes under Australian Standards, which ensures they will stand up to the Australian climate and environment. For example AS2049 tiles are salt-safe and frost resistant, making them suitable for any location, including coastal areas. Tiles are made to last, with manufactures often giving guarantees or warraties of up to 50 years.
The heavier roof tile is more likely to survive a storm than other materials, for example metal sheeting. If damaged in a storm they are able to be replaced individually, which can save expensive repairs. The weight of roof tiles means they are more resistant to wind suction. Even during severe downpours, tiles absorb negligible amounts of water. This absorption does not affect the tiles weatherproofing performance. Some research indicates that tiles absorb even less water with age.
The density of tiles helps block outside noise, such as planes and traffice and particularly rain and hail. A tiled roof has a sound reduction potential of 30 decibels compared to only 12 decibels for steel sheeting. The density of roof tiles also provides thermal insulation, to keep you cool in summer, and warm in winter. In addition, sarking is used as insulation under roof tiles. Sarking is a type of foil and can reflect up to 95 per cent of radiant heat away from your roof space on a hot summer day. Sarking also helps in keeping dust out and protecting your home during bushfires and storms.
Concrete or terracotta roof tiles are ideal for coastal regions as most products are suitable for marine environments and their high salt content. In the absence of rain, metal roofing requires frequent hosing down in high salt concentration areas, which can pose difficulties with water restrictions. If you collect or are planning on using tank water, the water from a tiled roof is as drinkable as water from any other type of roof.
Tiles come in a range of colours and designs, so it is a matter of personal choice to decide what your roof will look like.
Concrete tiles are not glazed so like all exterior building materials they are subject to UV radiation and atmospheric pollutants. As a result they will weather with age to a matt finish and will lose some colour over time. Terracotta tiles are kiln-fired with a vitreous coating that makes these tiles resistant to harsh UV exposure and pollutants.
Sometimes the natural mineral salts in concrete can migrate to the surface in the form of a whitish grey discolouration or streaking called efflorescence. This is not harmful, has no impact on the performance of the tile and will weather away over time.
If you have a problem with your roof, you should contact the installer/supplier of the roof tiles to report the issue. For ongoing matters of complaint, contact the relevant Fair Trading Office in your state.
Maintaining tiles requires minimal effort. However if your roof is old or you would like to get it checked after storm damage, we recommend contacting a roof maintenance specialist who understands the correct safety procedures to inspect your roof.
In some climates, lichen or moss can start to grow on tiles after long periods but does not in any way indicate deterioration or affect the performance of tiles. It can be easily removed with a high pressure cleaner by a professional cleaning contractor.
Depending on the material and method used it is completely acceptable to respray concrete roof tiles, to give them another bout of durability or a new look. However never spray terracotta as it would interfere with the natural quality of the clay and over time will peel away from the glazed surface. Sometimes it is more cost effective to get a new roof rather than respraying the tiles.
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Comment by alt_ed
Pop Culturer
Alted Opinion
ArtCombat
Comment by Megan Macpherson
The Home Guru
Don't forget the location of the house will also determine the choice of roofing.
Comment by alt_ed
Pop Culturer
Alted Opinion
ArtCombat
sorry if i've come across argumentative, i just think its good to list all pros and cons.