Roofing is a critical aspect of any build. There are many costs that can be cut or avoided on a contract, but a durable and professionally installed roofing system is not one of them. Improperly fitted roofs are susceptible to leaking, moisture absorption, mould propagation and can compromise a home’s insulation. However, with due diligence and accurate installation, most roofing will remain functional. Here is our guide to roofing materials that will go the distance:
Asphalt Shingles
Lifespan: 15 to 30 years
Pros:
– Due to their relatively low-cost, asphalt shingles are an increasingly popular material.
– Given their common usage, most roofers have experience working with this material. It also allows for ease of installation and maintenance.
– They come in a range of colours and textures, allowing the homeowner to select a palette and style that compliments their design. There are also options available that imitate the aesthetic of wooden or slate shingles.
Cons:
– Their short lifespan is a key downfall of asphalt shingles. When building your ‘forever home’, it would be advisable to select more durable roofing materials.
– This roofing system is not optimal for an Australian climate. Due to the dramatic weather, it can cause the tiles to expand.
Image: Certainteed.com
Wooden Shingles
Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
Pros:
– Wooden shingles benefit from a long lifespan. Once installed, it is unlikely they will need to replacement for decades. They will, however, require consistent maintenance to protect the material from mould-growth and splitting (as a result of hail, UV and inclement weather).
– Fire-risk is mitigated as most premium shingles are made from fire-resistant woods and can be further protected through the use of a fire-retardant spray.
– Wooden shingles also benefit the environment and the bank! Because of their natural insulation properties, this roofing option will help retain heat and lower your energy costs.
Cons:
– Wooden shingles are not considered as durable roofing materials and are prone to damage in inclement weather.
– A professional roofer is required for their installation. Any misalignment of shingles can also result in the roof absorbing moisture, which will eventually facilitate the growth of mould and weaken the structural integrity of your roofing system.
Metal
Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
Pros:
– Given its extended life-cycle and eventual recyclability, metal is an environmentally sustainable roofing solution. It also provides a useful foundation for the installation of solar panels. Finally, metal’s reflective quality assists with maintaining the thermal comfort of your home. By deflecting radiant heat, this material can cut cooling costs by up to 25 %.
– Not to mention, nothing beats a sleep-in and the sound of rain on a tin roof!
Cons:
– The high-costs involved are a particular downfall of this roofing solution. Premium metals can weigh in at ten times the cost of asphalt shingles. The installation itself will set the homeowner approximately $8,000, as opposed to $5,000 for the shingles.
Image: Smith & Vansant Architects
Synthetic Roofing
Lifespan: 50+ years
Pros:
– This material benefits from the latest in roofing technologies, including impact resistance and fire-proofing.
– Given the range of styles available, plastic or rubber composites are an affordable alternative to wooden shakes or slate. Often, the plastic polymer will emulate the aesthetic of wooden shingles.
– The material is light-weight and suitable for most home-structures.
Cons:
– Given the recent development of this roofing material, there is very little understood about how it will manage upon practical application.
– Synthetic material is not an environmentally friendly solution, taking much longer to break down in landfill than other roofing options.
Slate
Lifespan: 75 to 150 years
Pros:
– As one of the oldest roofing solutions, slate has stood the test of time and for good reason: unparalleled durability. Expected to last for almost a century, this material is non-combustible and able to withstand inclement weather.
– Slate roofs have plenty of aesthetic appeal
– Slate’s extended life-cycle benefits the environment. The high-turnover of cheaper roofing materials (such as asphalt shingles) constitutes 3% of total waste in landfills.
– The density of slate also assists with regulating the temperature inside your home.
Cons:
– Slate is a major financial commitment, costing roughly $125 per square meter in material alone.
– When considering a slate roof, it is crucial to assess your home’s load-capacity. Some structures will not have the necessary support to uphold this roofing system, which can weigh in at 450 kilograms per square.
If you’re looking to build a new house, be sure to contact our team of new home advisors at 1800 184 284. You can also book a call at a time suitable for you!
Let us do the legwork for you.
- We’ll ask the right questions to better understand your needs
- We’ll create a recommended shortlist ideally matched to you
- We’ll answer specific questions or concerns related to home building, land purchasing or financing
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