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Reviewing different roofing materials is the most critical part of the roof replacement process. Several factors must be considered, such as weather resistance, roof pitch, durability, cost, etc. Keeping these factors in mind, one can review the top roofing materials in Australia. We have also done the same and come up with the pros and cons of the best roofing materials.
ASPHALT SHINGLE ROOFING
This is the top choice of homeowners today due to being a cost-effective roofing solution. They come with a lifespan of 30 years and are available in many colours and styles. Below are the pros and cons of asphalt shingle roofing.
PROS
• Most cost-effective option
• DIY roof installation possible
• Available in several qualities and colours
• Viable for most climates
CONS
• Frequent replacement and maintenance needed
• Vulnerable to high winds, curling and buckling
• Fades over time due to sun
SLATE ROOFING
According to the vendors of roof installations, slate roofing is costly, long-lasting, and a durable roofing solution. The most significant feature is the slate's density, making it the most durable roofing material. It is entirely fire-resistant and can hold itself well in wind and rain. It is also resistant to mould and fungus growth. You can find the pros and cons of slate roofing below.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
• Low maintenance
• Long life span (75+ years)
• Durable and resistant to the sun
CONS
• Requires professional installation
• No manufacturer warranty
METAL ROOFING
Metal roofing has emerged as the most formidable competitor for all the roofing materials discussed here. The most significant feature of metal roofing is colorbond roofing, available in a wide range of colorbond roofing colours. Some vendors even offer Dulux colorbond colours for outstanding looks and versatile appearance. Several metals are used in metal roofing, and they have their own pros and cons. Read below for the advantages and disadvantages of metal roofing and the cost of different roofing materials.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
• Long lifespan of 40-70 years
• Resistant to the elements, including winds up to 140 mph
• Variety of colours, styles, and types available
• Fairly lightweight
COST OF METAL ROOFING MATERIALS
• Aluminium sheets: $3.75 – $4.25
• Aluminium shingles: $4.50 – $4.75
• Copper: $20 – $25
• Galvalume: $1.50 – $2
• Galvanized steel: $3.25 – $3.75
• Standing seam aluminium: $5 – $7
• Standing seam steel: $4 – $4.50
• Tin: $3.50 – $12
• Zinc: $6 – $8
WOOD ROOFING
Wooden roofing immediately boosts your property's overall aesthetic appeal. It is ideal for you, and you can choose either wood shakes or hand-cut for your home's more rustic appearance. The wood offers total resistance to bushfires after being treated, and redwood cedar is considered the best roofing material, along with others like teak, Wallaba, pine and composite. The pros and cons of wooden roofing are listed below.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
• An aesthetic-looking option
• Treated wood roofs have A-Class fire rating
• Twice the insulation value of asphalt shingles
CONS
• Requires chemical treatment
• Needs frequent maintenance
CLAY ROOFING
Clear roof tiles offer excellent resistance to salty air and extreme heat. They are more used in coastal areas. The drawback is that clay roofing is more expensive, and DIY installation is impossible. The pros and cons of clay roofing are listed below.
PROS AND CONS
PROS
• Excellent solar reflectiveness
• Water and pest-resistant
• Low maintenance
• Provides solid insulation and temperature maintenance
CONS
• Incredibly heavy [2,000 pounds per 100 square feet]
• Requires professional installation