Key Takeaways:
- Roofing styles: Different roofing styles in Australia include modern, postwar triple-fronted brick veneer, Queenslanders, worker's cottage, and Victorian. These styles reflect the architectural preferences and influences of different time periods.
- Metal tiles and metal sheeting: Metal tiles and sheeting are popular choices due to their durability, flexibility, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. They come in a variety of styles, colours, and textures and can last up to 40 years.
- Solar tiles: Given the hot climate in certain parts of Australia, solar tiles are becoming increasingly popular. Solar panels integrated into the roof tiles harness solar energy and convert it into electricity, providing cost savings and environmental benefits.
- Slate roof tiles: Slate roof tiles are used on historical and heritage buildings due to their durability and fire resistance. However, they are heavy, require reinforcement, and can be expensive to install and maintain.
- Concrete and terracotta roof tiles: Concrete roof tiles, invented in the 19th century, are cost-effective, easy to maintain, and can mimic the look of other tile types. Terracotta roof tiles, made from clay, have been used for thousands of years and offer a distinct aesthetic. Both concrete and terracotta tiles are long-lasting with proper care.
Your roof can make a world of a difference if you choose a style that suits your tastes and one that meshes well with the rest of your home.
With so many options out in the market today, we’ve listed down different types of roof tiles that you may want to consider. Whether it’s for a much-needed renovation or you’re on your way to building your dream home, let the experts at Roofline show you how roofing can take your home one step further in the design and aesthetic department.
Roofing Styles
Before we get into the nitty gritty of roof tiles, let’s take a quick look into the different roofing styles that most Australians love and use in their homes.
Your roofing style depends largely on the overall architectural design of your home, but at the end of the day, it really depends on you and what you want for your home. Here are some common styles that might appeal to you:
Modern
Boxy, radical and utterly out of this world - that was what most people thought of when modern-styled homes first came onto the scene during the 20th century. Modern homes are known for their flat roofs, sleek lines, and large windows. Unsurprisingly, people have come to appreciate the understated appeal of modern-style architecture in recent years. Its simplicity seems to have taken a strong foothold in people’s hearts in terms of home design.
Postwar triple-fronted brick veneer
When the Second World War came to a close, Aussies were more than happy to be finally back in the homeland and in the arms of their families. Just like other people around the world, Australians had the mindset to make their home life a priority – and this saw a boom in almost all industries, homes included. The triple-fronted brick veneer style was a go-to roof design for the Australian who wanted nothing more than to treat his family with all the love and care that they deserved.
Queenslanders
The Outback, which parts of Australia including Queensland was known to people in the 19th century, conjured images of barren, rural land and hot, humid days. Because of the tropical climate, people who lived in this area made sure that their homes were built for and around their environment – this included a wrap-around verandah, an elevated structure and a pitched roof. The laidback yet elegant style of the Queenslander is a unique example of how Australians have come to appreciate and love their home country.
Worker’s cottage
The worker’s cottage was in widespread use in the 19th century and it featured angled roofs with ridges. Businesses such as breweries, manufacturing plants, and timer yards populated the inner-city suburbs during this time, thus making the workers' cottages a common sight to see.
Victorian
Queen Victoria’s influence was far and wide and Australia was not spared. Australian architects were heavily influenced by British styles and the Victorian style (named after Queen Victoria) was an extremely popular design inspiration during the 19th century while giving it that Australian flare that people will have come to love.
5 Types of Roof Tiles
The roof styles mentioned above may or may not influence the choice of tiles you want to use. Let’s talk about the different roof tiles most commonly used in Australian homes today.
What is a tile roofing system?
Your tiles are securely and systematically arranged on a solid substrate, overlapping each other. This is a highly specialised area of roof installation and you want only the best in the industry to do this for you.
Tiles that are installed properly can last for a century (or more!)
Metal tiles and metal sheeting
Starting the list are metal tiles and this is one material that you wouldn’t have guessed would be a popular choice in Australia today. Metal tiles and metal sheeting have been gathering fans for some time now, thanks to their durability and flexibility. Even in harsh weather conditions, metal tiles and sheeting fare well - lasting up to 40 years. They also come in a range of styles, colours and textures.
Solar tiles
Considering the hot climate in certain parts of Australia, it isn’t surprising that solar tiles are increasingly more popular. However, it isn’t a choice you’d instantly consider when building your home or renovating. Solar panels utilise solar energy from the sun and convert it into electricity for your home. Not only are you saving money but you’re also doing your bit on helping the environment!
Slate roof tiles
Slate is a wonderful material for your home. Made of stone, it is certainly a material that can withstand the seasons. Slate roof tiles are used on historical buildings and on heritage homes. It is fire-resistant as well. The downside to using slate roof tiles is that it is heavy and will need reinforcement to keep them in place. Maintenance can be a headache as well. On top of that, it is expensive to install.
Concrete roof tiles
Invented in Bavaria in the 19th century, concrete roof tiles are generally made of very inexpensive materials thus bumping this type of tiles up a lot of homeowners’ lists when it comes to what type of tiles to use. Concrete roof tiles can also mimic the look and finish of other types of tiles. They are easy to maintain and they last long too!
Terracotta roof tiles
Made from naturally occurring clay, terracotta tiles have been a common building material for thousands of years. People used to bake clay and turn it into various household items, one of which is roof tiles. Nowadays clay is produced by means of machinery. Mass-producing clay was made easier thanks to industrialisation. Just like slate, clay roof tiles are heavy. However, the overall look and feel of clay roof tiles on a home is nothing short of amazing. They last incredibly long with proper maintenance and care and their distinct colour does not fade over time. Another added bonus is that the naturally occurring material meant that the water that ended up in the water tank was clean and safe to drink.
Call the experts in roof tiles in Australia
Whether it’s a reno or you’re on your way to building your dream home, if you’re in Sydney then you should call Roofline for expert advice on roofing. For over two decades our team of roof experts have seen and done it all - and we’re ready to take on new building challenges. We aim to deliver high-quality services you can trust.
We want your home to maintain its beauty now and in the coming years and we believe that a hallmark of a job well done is when our work stands the test of time. Contact us today and learn how Roofline is the solution to your roof problems.
