Tips to selecting the right roof cladding types

Roof cladding is the main part of your roof, and the material that covers the vast majority of it. So, if you look around your neighbourhood, you’ll see plenty of different styles. Some houses have tile cladding, while others have metal roofing. The cladding and profiles you choose for your roof can improve (or hinder) the aesthetic of your home, so it’s an important choice to make.

Ultimately, you need to consider the overall look of your home, but more importantly your cladding should be durable. For example, Aussie weather conditions give us a combination of harsh sun, storms and heavy rain. So, your roof cladding needs to stand up to that.

Essentially, roof cladding comes in two main types. There’s tile roofing, and then there’s metal roof cladding. Metal roof cladding is far more popular for new homes and renovations, however some people do still like the look of tiles. Importantly, owners of older homes may consider tiles because modern metal roofing simply wouldn’t match the rest of the house.

Within the metal roof cladding section, there are several different styles you can choose from. At first glance, the main differences are the raised ridges, whether they’re tall and spaced apart or quite low-profile and close together. There are plenty of variations out there, such as Corodek® which mimics the traditional corrugated iron look, through to Kliplok®, which features taller ridges and allows for thermal contraction and expansion.

Whichever type of roof cladding you choose, ensure that its durable and build to last, as well as looking great!

The climate in your local area has a lot to do with your roof cladding choice. If you think about your house as a whole, it’s the roof that cops the brunt of the weather. From heavy rainfall to blistering heat from the sun, your roof gets a big workout. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right kind of roof cladding.

It might be tempting to find the cheapest cladding available, however you won’t find many reputable roofing contractors who recommend that. Bluescope Steel® are the manufacturers of products like Zincalume® and Colorbond®, and these are the standard in Australian roofing because of their durability.

Different type of roof cladding can vary in weight. So, if you consider how large the area of your roof is, you’ll understand why this is so important. Most homes have a maximum load-bearing capacity, and this can affect what type of roof cladding you can actually choose.

For example, certain types of tiles weigh a whole lot more than metal roofing. So, if you’ve got a modern home built with metal roofing in mind, you might find that it wouldn’t even be safe to add a roof full of heavy tiles. Importantly, when building a new home, you’ll need to make an early call on the style of roof cladding, because the load-bearing capability of your home needs to match it.

Naturally, the overall look and feel of your home is important. It’s not just about creating something you’re happy to live in right now, but also in the future. Your home is a huge investment, and one day you’ll likely need to sell it. To put it bluntly, if your roof looks ugly, it lowers the value of your home.

Most new types of roof cladding are aesthetically pleasing, but it’s still important that your roof matches your house. Often your roofing contractor will be pretty experienced in matching roofing to the overall look of a home, so don’t be afraid to ask for some advice.

For much the same reason we just discussed, the colour of your roof is also important. If it doesn’t suit the rest of your house, it’s going to look out of place and potentially damage the resale value. However, perhaps more importantly, different colours absorb and repel heat differently. So, unless you want your air-conditioner working overtime during summer, it’s best to choose a lighter colour of roof cladding.

In addition, some local councils actually have restrictions on roof colour. It sounds strange, but it’s a practice that does exist in some parts of the country to preserve the overall look of the neighbourhood. Before building a home, it’s worth checking this to ensure your home is up to council requirements.

Finally, consider how much work you’re willing to put into maintaining your roof in future. This is one of the huge advantages of metal roofing, because it barely requires any maintenance. There are certain types of roof cladding that might look incredible, but they may need ongoing maintenance or cleaning to preserve their appeal. Intricate designs that give your home a rustic look are great, but they’re not completely maintenance-free. So, consider this when choosing your roof cladding. If you want something reliable that you don’t have to keep cleaning or fixing, it’s best to choose something a little more basic and functional.

As with all new home builds, or indeed re-roofing projects, you should never be afraid to ask questions of the experts. Building companies and designers are often familiar with different types of roof cladding, so for new homes you’ll have plenty of help. For re-roofing your home though, ask for advice from your roofing specialists. They’ll be happy to tell you what works best and what looks great.