Colorbond Roofing versus Concrete Roof Tiles – What First Time Home Owners Need to Know

As first time home owners, you’re likely faced with a lot of decisions when it comes to building your home. One of these decisions is choosing the right roofing material for your new home. Two of the most popular roofing materials for residential homes are Colorbond roofing and concrete roof tiles. This article will compare the two materials and provide advice for first time home owners considering sheet metal roofing or concrete roof tiles for their new home roof cladding material.

Introduction

Colorbond is a type of steel roofing material manufactured in Australia with a range of different colors and styles. Concrete roof tiles are a form of roofing made from cement and sand that come in various shapes and sizes. Both materials offer a range of benefits and drawbacks that should be considered when making your decision.

Comparing Costs

When choosing a roofing material, cost should be a major factor in your decision-making. Colorbond is typically more expensive than concrete roof tiles, with the price of the materials varying depending on the type and size. However, the installation costs for Colorbond tend to be slightly lower than those for concrete roof tiles. Additionally, Colorbond requires less maintenance over time, which can save you money in the long run.

When it comes to repairs, Colorbond has an advantage over concrete roof tiles. It’s relatively easy to replace individual sheets of Colorbond if they become damaged, whereas replacing individual concrete roof tiles can be more difficult and expensive.

Comparing Durability

Both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles are highly durable materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions such as hail, high winds, and heavy rain. However, Colorbond has an advantage in terms of wear and tear as it is more resistant to cracking than concrete roof tiles. Additionally, Colorbond is fire resistant due to its steel composition, whereas concrete is not as fireproof.

Comparing Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles require regular cleaning to ensure they remain in good condition. Colorbond can be easily cleaned with water and a mild detergent, while concrete roof tiles may require a specialized cleaning solution to remove moss and other growths. It is recommended to clean Colorbond every 12-18 months and concrete roof tiles every 2-3 years.

Over the lifetime of the product, maintenance costs for Colorbond are generally lower compared to concrete roof tiles. This is because Colorbond requires less maintenance due to its durability and resistance to wear and tear. However, it is important to note that both materials may require occasional repairs such as replacing cracked tiles or fixing damaged sheets.

The cost of maintenance for both materials can vary depending on the type of repairs needed and the size of the roof. Repairs for Colorbond can range from $150 to $500 depending on the extent of the damage, while repairs for concrete roof tiles can range from $200 to $800.

Overall, both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles are highly durable materials that can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, Colorbond has an advantage in terms of wear and tear and requires less maintenance over its lifetime. While maintenance costs can vary depending on the type of repairs needed, it is important to factor in these costs when choosing between the two materials for your home.

Comparing Protection

When it comes to protection from extreme temperatures, Colorbond has the upper hand over concrete roof tiles. The steel material reflects sunlight more effectively than concrete, meaning it stays cooler in summer and helps prevent heat loss in winter. Both materials provide good protection against pests like termites, although Colorbond can provide additional protection due to its steel structure.

When it comes to protection against large hail damage, Colorbond and concrete roof tiles have different levels of resilience. Colorbond is a more durable material and is able to withstand hailstones of up to 22mm in diameter without sustaining any damage. In contrast, concrete roof tiles are more prone to cracking or breaking under impact from large hailstones. This is because concrete is a heavier and more brittle material compared to steel.

It is worth noting that while Colorbond is more resilient to hail damage, it is not completely immune. Hailstones larger than 22mm in diameter can still cause damage to a Colorbond roof. Additionally, the level of protection provided by both materials also depends on the thickness and quality of the material used, as well as the installation process.

Overall, when it comes to protection against large hail damage, Colorbond is a more resilient option compared to concrete roof tiles. However, it is important to consider other factors such as aesthetics, budget, and practical considerations when making a decision between the two materials for your home.

Comparing storm sealing valley's

Storm sealing is an essential method for ensuring that your roof is watertight and protected from leaks during heavy rain and storms.

When it comes to storm sealing valley iron for Colorbond roof sheeting and concrete roof tiles, there are different methods that can be used. For Colorbond roof sheeting, a common method is to use a foam closure strip that is placed under the roof sheeting along the valley to create a watertight seal. Another option is to use a specially designed flashing that is installed along the valley to provide added protection against leaks.

For concrete roof tiles, storm sealing is typically achieved by using a combination of cement and sand to fill in the valley between the tiles. This creates a watertight seal and helps to prevent leaks during heavy rain and storms.

The orientation of your house in relation to the prevailing weather can have an impact on the need for storm sealing. If your house is facing towards the direction of the prevailing winds, it may be more susceptible to water ingress and leaks during heavy rain and storms. In this case, it is even more important to ensure that your roof is properly storm sealed to prevent water damage to your home and belongings.

Furthermore, the intensity and frequency of storms in your area can also impact the need for storm sealing. If you live in an area that experiences frequent and intense storms, it is important to ensure that your roof is properly protected against leaks and water damage.

Comparing Dutch Gables

Having Dutch gables on your roof does not necessarily increase the likelihood of roof leaks. However, Dutch gables can be more complex to construct and require additional flashing and sealing to ensure that they are properly watertight.

Dutch gables are a type of roof design that includes a small gable at the top of a larger gable. This design can add aesthetic appeal to your roof but can also create more potential areas for water to penetrate if not properly constructed and sealed.

Dutch gables can create more potential areas for water to penetrate if not properly constructed and sealed. Therefore, I would advise the customer to prioritize proper waterproofing and weather resistance when installing Dutch gables on their roof. This may include the use of specialized flashing and sealing techniques, like valley storm sealing.

When installing Dutch gables with Colorbond sheet metal roofing, additional care must be taken to ensure that the gables are properly sealed and flashed to prevent water from penetrating through the seams or gaps. This is because metal roofing is more prone to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes, which can cause movement and potentially create gaps.

With concrete roof tiles, the installation of Dutch gables may be less complex as the tiles are less prone to movement and expansion than metal roofing. However, it is still important to ensure that the gables are properly sealed with additional lead flashing at the intersection of the gable valley to main roof junction to prevent water ingress and potential leaks.

Comparing Insulation

In terms of insulation, both materials provide good levels of insulation but Colorbond has an advantage due to its steel structure. The steel helps prevent heat transfer from outside to inside the house, resulting in lower energy bills.

To provide better insulation qualities and reduce heat transfer, additional products can be installed under both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles. For Colorbond, a roof sarking or anticon (a bonded blanket) is installed under the sheets prior to installation to provide a layer of insulation and protect against water damage. This additional layer helps to reduce heat transfer from outside to inside the house, resulting in lower energy bills. The cost of installing a roof sarking or anticon can vary depending on the size of the roof and the thickness of the material, but typically ranges from $5 to $15 per square meter.

For concrete roof tiles, an insulation layer can also be installed to provide additional thermal insulation. This layer can be made of a variety of materials such as foam, fiberglass, or cellulose, and is installed between the roof tiles and the roof structure. The cost of installing a concrete roof tile insulation layer can vary depending on the type of material used and the size of the roof, but typically ranges from $10 to $20 per square meter.

Overall, while both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles provide good levels of insulation, Colorbond has an advantage due to its steel structure. Installing a roof sarking or anticon under Colorbond sheets can further improve insulation qualities and reduce energy bills. The cost of installing insulation layers can vary depending on the type of material used and the size of the roof, but it is worth considering the long-term energy savings that can be achieved by investing in insulation.

Comparing Aesthetics

When it comes to aesthetics, both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles offer a range of different colors and styles to choose from. However, Colorbond has a greater variety of colors available due to its steel construction. In terms of visual appeal, it’s ultimately down to personal preference as both materials have their own unique look.

In addition to the range of colors available, both Colorbond and concrete roof tiles also come in different profiles or shapes. Colorbond offers a variety of profiles including corrugated, trimdek, and monoclad. Corrugated profiles have a distinctive wavy pattern and are often associated with traditional Australian homes, while trimdek and monoclad profiles have a more modern, streamlined look.

Concrete roof tiles, on the other hand, come in a range of profiles such as flat, curved, and interlocking. Flat tiles have a simple, understated look, while curved tiles add a sense of dimension and texture. Interlocking tiles are designed to fit together seamlessly, creating a uniform and streamlined appearance.

When it comes to comparing the aesthetics of Colorbond and concrete roof tiles, it really depends on the individual's personal taste and the style of the home. For example, a modern, minimalist home may look better with a Colorbond roof in a sleek, streamlined profile, while a traditional home with a more rustic feel may benefit from the textured look of concrete roof tiles.

Ultimately, the decision between Colorbond and concrete roof tiles comes down to personal preference, budget, and practical considerations such as the weight of the material and the support structure required. However, both materials offer a range of colors and profiles to suit a variety of home styles and tastes.

Comparing Support Structures

The support structures for Colorbond and concrete roof tiles are slightly different due to the different types of materials used. Colorbond is a type of steel roofing material, which is lightweight yet strong, while concrete roof tiles are made of heavy concrete. Due to the weight difference, the support structure for concrete roof tiles must be designed to withstand the additional weight of the tiles. This means that more internal load bearing walls are required for concrete roof tiles compared to Colorbond roof sheeting.

Moreover, future renovations are easier with a Colorbond roof sheeting as there are less internal load bearing walls supporting the roof weight. This means that if you plan to make any changes or additions to your home in the future, it will be easier to do so with a Colorbond roof.

In terms of installation, Colorbond roof sheeting requires the installation of roof sarking or anticon, which is a bonded blanket that helps to protect against water damage. This protective layer is not required for concrete roof tiles. However, concrete roof tiles may require additional bracing or supports due to the weight of the material.

Overall, the support structures required for Colorbond and concrete roof tiles differ due to the weight and properties of the materials used. It is important to consider these differences when choosing between the two options for your home.

Comparing respraying/re-coating

Comparing respraying/re-coating and changing the color of Colorbond roof sheeting and concrete roof tiles, the methods and costs involved can vary.

For Colorbond, there are a few options available for changing the color of the roof. One method is to use a Colorbond Roof Restoration System, which involves cleaning the roof, repairing any damage, and then applying a new color coating. This is a cost-effective option as it allows the existing roof to be reused, and the cost can range from $20 to $50 per square meter. Alternatively, the roof sheets can be replaced with new Colorbond sheets in the desired color. This is a more expensive option as it involves replacing the entire roof, and the cost can range from $50 to $100 per square meter.

For concrete roof tiles, changing the color of the roof is more difficult as the tiles are porous and absorb the color coatings differently. One option is to use a tile roof painting system, which involves cleaning the tiles, repairing any damage, and then applying a new color coating. This is a cheaper option compared to replacing the tiles, and the cost can range from $30 to $50 per square meter. Another option is to replace the tiles with new tiles in the desired color. This is a more expensive option as it involves replacing the entire roof, and the cost can range from $80 to $120 per square meter.

In terms of pros and cons, respraying or re-coating Colorbond is a cost-effective option that allows the existing roof to be reused. However, it may not be suitable for roofs with extensive damage or corrosion. Replacing the Colorbond sheets with new sheets is a more expensive option, but it ensures a longer lifespan for the roof. For concrete roof tiles, painting the tiles is a cheaper option but may not provide the same level of durability and longevity as replacing the tiles. Replacing the tiles with new tiles is a more expensive option but ensures a longer lifespan for the roof and provides greater durability.

Overall, the method chosen for respraying or recoating/changing the color of Colorbond roof sheeting and concrete roof tiles will depend on the extent of the damage, the desired color, and the budget available. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each method before making a decision.

Conclusion

In summary, choosing the right roofing material for a new home can be a daunting decision for first-time homeowners. When considering Colorbond roofing and concrete roof tiles, it's important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each material.

While both materials offer durability and protection against extreme weather, Colorbond has the advantage in terms of wear and tear resistance, storm sealing, insulation, and color options. Concrete roof tiles, on the other hand, are more affordable. Other factors to consider include the support structure required, maintenance and repair costs, and the aesthetic appeal of each material. Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference, practical considerations, and budget.

Making the right choice when it comes to roofing material is an important decision that can have lasting effects on your home’s longevity and aesthetic appeal. We hope this article has given you some insight into the differences between Colorbond and concrete roof tiles so you can make an informed decision for your new home.