What are the Benefits & Drawbacks of Concrete Roof Tiles?
Concrete roof tiles have become increasingly popular, especially in Melbourne, as they can be durable and aesthetically adaptable. However, they do possess some disadvantages that homeowners should consider before deciding.
This article will look into the benefits and cons of concrete roof tiles in terms of Melbourne’s climate, as well as some measures regarding their installation and maintenance.
Concrete Roof Tiles – What Are They?
Cement, water, and sand together form a concrete mix. The concrete formed is then pressed and heated to produce high-strength tiles. The dimensions of concrete tiles differ, and concrete tiles are mostly built as imitations of clay or slate tiles.
Concrete roof tiles offer a decent service life. With proper maintenance, these roof tiles will easily last for several decades. They are, therefore, suitable for a range of buildings designed in a modern as well as traditional style.
Benefits of Concrete Roof Tiles
Longevity and Durability
When correctly installed by professional roofers in Melbourne, concrete roof tiles have an incredible life expectancy and are even rated to last well beyond fifty years. This quality makes it a great long-term investment.
As opposed to metal roofs, which may get dented, or asphalt shingles, which may wear out, premium concrete roof tiles in Melbourne are better because they’re resistant to harsh weather conditions, UV rays and heavy winds and rains.
Weather Resistance
Concrete tiles outperform other roofing products because they manage to stand strong against a number of weather conditions. Concrete roof tiles in Melbourne perfectly protect your home in hot summers or in the cold, rainy winter season. Other kinds of roofs provide some level of fire resistance, but concrete tiles are rated as non-combustible.
Wind and storms can also be an issue, posing the risk of damage. Concrete roof tiles, however, can cope well in severe storms. This is possible due to the material’s high level of wind resistance.
Aesthetic Flexibility
One of the strongest benefits of concrete roof tiles is their aesthetic flexibility. You’ll find concrete roof tiles in a several styles, colours, and textures.
Therefore, it’s feasible for Melbourne homeowners to achieve various looks for their homes. From terracotta-like finishes to slate and stone appearances, concrete roof tiles offer a range of designs that can complement various architectural styles.
Energy Efficiency
There are multiple advantages of concrete roof tile, and one among them is its insulating properties. Concrete tiles control heat during summers and retain warmth during winters, therefore reducing the usage of air conditioning and heating systems. All these factors make the house relatively more energy efficient.
Low Maintenance Needs
As is usually the case with other roofing materials, they’re high maintenance, while the best concrete roof tiles in Melbourne, once installed, require less maintenance. So you can save money in roof maintenance Melbourne house.
Due to their lower porosity, they are also less prone to algae and mould growth, and any foreign material that may adhere to the surface can be removed simply by light scrubbing.
Regular roofing maintenance conducted by professional roofers Melbourne will, for the most part, ensure that all the tiles are maintained in perfect condition with very minimal time and effort.
Due to their lower porosity, they are also less prone to algae and mould growth, and any foreign material that may adhere to the surface can be removed simply by light scrubbing.
Regular roofing maintenance conducted by professional roofers Melbourne will, for the most part, ensure that all the tiles are maintained in perfect condition with very minimal time and effort.
Challenges of Concrete Roof Tiles
Weight
Of the many disadvantages of concrete roof tiles, the most common is their weight. When compared with metal or asphalt materials, concrete tiles can be a lot heavier, which tends to increase the load on the roofing structure.
When roofing houses with concrete roof tiles, additional supporting structures are required, which automatically increases building costs. But the long-term saving through longevity and energy efficiency.
High Initial Cost
There is no doubt that concrete roof tiles are an economical option in the long term. However, at first glance, they may appear somewhat costlier than many other roofing types.
It is labour-intensive and requires skilled roofers Melbourne, and structural reinforcement may be needed. Nevertheless, due to the high durability and low maintenance of concrete tiles, it is justified to pay that much amount.
Losing Color Around the Tiles
Because of constant sunlight, the colour of even the most premium concrete roof tiles in Melbourne has depleted over the years. This might not impair the working of the tile, but it can be a problem with regard to how the roof looks, which may annoy some property owners.
There are colour treatments available for concrete subjected to constant sunlight or coatings used in production, which help cut down on sunlight damage.
Concrete Roof Tile Installation Process
Concrete roof tile installation is a specialised process that requires a skilled person to perform it and must follow accurate procedures. This process consists of the following steps:
Preparing the Roof Structure
Due to the mass of concrete tiles, it may be necessary for roofers to strengthen the roofing framework components before concrete roof tile installation. This step ensures that the underlying structure can support the weight of the concrete tiles without causing damage to the roof structure.
Underlayment Installation
A moisture-proof underlayment is applied on top of the roof deck to prevent any dampness. This layer offers supplementary protection against leaks.
Laying Out the Tiles
Roofers Melbourne are very precise when it comes to placing concrete tiles on the roof. This is done to facilitate proper drainage of water off the roof. The workers then fix every tile on the roof deck, ensuring that there are no spaces and that all the tiles are uniformly distributed across the entire surface.
Final Inspection and Cleanup
Once the entire installation is done, a professional roofer will inspect the tiles to see if they are installed correctly and up to standards that will guarantee they are waterproof. It is wise to speak to a professional before investing in concrete roof tiles. Only with professional installation can you enjoy all the advantages of concrete roof tile.
Each project has to be completed complying with local regulations and best practices to guarantee client satisfaction and peace of mind. Because the installation is quite complicated, it is important that an individual contact an experienced roofer in Melbourne.
Start Taking Care of Your Roof Today!
Melbourne is known for having hot summer months, a fair amount of rainfall, and storms in certain periods. Therefore, many houses in the area use concrete roof tiles.
These types of tiles are resistant to fire, wind, and extreme temperatures, and they suit most conditions in Melbourne. To enjoy all the benefits of concrete roof tiles, ensure that you hire the best roofing contractors. At Camberwell Potteries Roofing we offer reroofing, new roof installation and roof maintenance.