The roof is more than the “crown” of a house – it protects you and your family from harmful elements outside. With a wide variety of materials and an even wider price range, it’s important to choose the best roof material for your roof restoration in Melbourne, Australia. So, here we have explained the difference between metal roofs vs tile roofs.
When it comes to roofing, the choice is usually between metal or tile. However, there are a couple of factors that one must consider when choosing between the two.
In this guide, we compare these two materials based on the following criteria: durability, functionality, style and design, weight, maintenance, and cost. We hope that this helps you make a better decision not just for your home, but your family!
Metal roof | Tile roof | |
Lifespan/durability | 30-45 years | 50 years |
Functionality | Repels heat | Effectively repels both heat and noise transfer |
Style and design | Works with most designs, more resale value | Limited styles and design |
Weight | Light | Heavy |
Maintenance | Easily damaged, must replace the entire sheet | Less prone to damage, can replace individual tiles |
Cost | More expensive upfront and maintenance costs | Generally cheaper to install and maintain but depends on the tile |
Tile roofs generally are more durable than metal roofs with a weather-resistant warranty of 50 years. Meanwhile, metal roofs have a lifespan of 30-45 years as these are prone to rust and dents.
The main function of a roof is to protect you from external elements such as temperature, noise, and weather. Concrete tile roofs are much more effective in keeping the heat out of your house than metal roofs. Acoustics are also better in a tile-roofed house. When choosing your roof material, consider the activities you do have in your home, as well as your location and local climate.
Versatile and customisable, metal roofs work for most architectural designs. This is important not just for the aesthetics but also for the resale value of your home – houses with metal roofs have an estimated 90% cash return when sold.
Tile roofs come in a wide variety of designs that could also match any home style, but you’ll have to find the right one for your design. Plus, due to its weight, certain tile roofs need to be installed at a specific angle, which limits how your house can look.
Metal roofs are lightweight materials that are easy and cheap to install. You don’t need additional support or structures to support its weight. Concrete tile roofing is, without question, heavier than metal – making it harder and more expensive to install.
You should consider how easy it will be to maintain the roof in the future. Metal roofs are prone to getting dull, damaged, or dented because of their lightweight material. Since tile roofs are stronger, they don’t suffer from dents and only break due to huge impact. Choosing tile roofs means less frequent – and, therefore, less expensive — maintenance.
Taking into account the differences in maintenance and weight, metal roofs cost more than tile roofs. It takes a certain level of expertise and skill to install and maintain metal roofing, which is why contractors charge more for this material. On the other hand, tile roofs usually cost less, but this varies depending on the material you choose.
It’s also much more expensive to maintain metal roofs because you have to replace the entire sheet when it gets damaged. Meanwhile, you can simply swap out individual broken tiles.
Roof choice is not always about personal preference. Metal roofs add style and resale value – this works best if you’re trying to sell a house or if you’re looking for an affordable roofing solution. Meanwhile, the tile roof is extra durable, helping you save on the cost of future repairs.