At NSW Slate Roofing in Sydney, we’ve helped hundreds of property owners repair and replace their slate and timber shingle roofs. Slate roofing materials comprise some of the most iconic architectural styles in Australia. But over the passed few decades, metal and tile roofs have made an appearance and are becoming a common choice of roof replacement material.
WHAT TYPES OF ROOFING MATERIALS ARE AVAILABLE?
Before we dive into the pros and cons of Slate Roofing Or Metal Roofing, lets review some of the most common roofing materials for Australian homes are as follows:
Natrual Slate
WELSH PENRHYN SLATE ROOF
Western Red Cedar and Timber Shakes
WESTERN RED CEDAR SHINGLES
Tile
Tile roofs are very popular in Australia, and they come in a variety of materials. Homeowners can choose from terracotta clay tiles or cement tiling that are durable and can last for up to 70 years. These tiles do require a lot of maintenance, though. Cement is not mould resistant, and terracotta tiles are prone to cracking and corrosion from bird droppings. Birds also love to make their nests on terracotta tiles, and that will significantly shorten the roof’s lifespan.
TERRACOTTA TILE ROOF INSTALLED BY CITY2SURF ROOFING
Metal
Metal is an attractive, durable choice of roofing material. Metal roofs, also known as steel roofing, come in a range of materials, including zinc, copper, alloy, and steel.
Steel roofing is also much lighter than slate or tile. Metal roofs come in a variety of styles and colours, and a metal roof can last between 30 and 50 years. However, metal is prone to denting and also corrosion from environmental pollutants.
COMBINATION METAL AND CANADIAN GLENDYNE SLATE
WHAT FACTORS WILL DETERMINE THE TYPE OF ROOFING MATERIAL SOMEONE WILL CHOOSE FOR THEIR PROPERTY?
- Budget
- Architectural Style
- The Building’s Structural Integrity
- Weather Conditions, Climate, and Location
WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF A METAL VERSUS SLATE ROOF?
The most significant issues with a slate versus a metal roof come down to weight and budget. Slate is a heavy material, and it is one of the most expensive roofing materials. Metal falls within the low-mid pricing range.
When it comes to damage, slate can crack if something heavy, like extremely large hail or a falling branch, land on the roof. However, it is relatively easy to replace a broken slate. Metal roofs are a little trickier to repair, and a metal roof is also more prone to damage. It’s not quite as durable as slate. Corrosion from jet fuel and denting from falling debris can significantly damage a metal roof compared to a slate roof.
Cons of a slate roof:
- Heavy
- Expensive
Pros of a slate roof:
- Attractive
- Lasts forever
- Durable
- Requires little maintenance
Pros of a metal roof:
- Lighter-weight material
- Comes in a variety of colours
- Less expensive than a slate roof
Cons of a metal roof:
- Prone to corrosion and denting
- More expensive to repair
- Requires more maintenance than a slate and tile roof
- Doesn’t last as long as a slate roof
WHAT SHOULD YOU CHOOSE A SLATE ROOF OR A METAL ROOF?
If your building can’t withstand the extra weight of a slate roof, then you will need to choose a metal roof. Metal roofs are a durable, attractive choice and will last a long time. They will also improve the resale value of your home.
But if your building is structurally sound, a slate roof is the way to go. A slate roof will outlive you and probably your children if they inherit your house. Slate will inspire confidence in potential buyers if you’re looking to sell the property, and a slate roof will significantly improve the home’s resale value. Plus, you hardly have to do anything to maintain the roof. It’s virtually maintenance-free.
Fortunately, there are a variety of slate materials to choose from, and you can get a slate roof in some colour and texture variants of your choice, but it is way more limited than the vast array of Colorbond Metal options on the market today, but that Slate Roof is going to add some serious, eye-catching curb appeal to your house.
COMBINATION GLENDYNE SLATE AND COLORBOND KLIPLOK METAL ROOFING
WHAT ARE THE COMMON AVAILABLE VARIETIES OF SLATE ROOFING MATERIALS?
With proper installation, your new slate roof will last well over 100 years. Welsh, Canadian, and Spanish slate are natural slate materials. These are more expensive, but composite slate is an excellent choice for homeowners on a tighter budget. Composite slate is a synthetic material designed to look like natural slate, and it’s also a low-to-no maintenance material. Homeowners can enjoy the appearance, durability, and low-maintenance of a slate roof without the steep upfront cost when they choose a composite slate roof. Composite slate will last at least 30-40 years, although its colour will fade well before that.
When you contact NSW Slate Roofing for a quote, we’ll be glad to help you choose a beautiful, and durable slate roofing material that will be sure to meet your needs and budget. Contact NSW Slate Roofing today for your free, no-obligation quote. Call us today on 1300 102 908.