What are the pros and cons of different roofing materials?

Select a roofing material below to find out what the pros and cons are. Alternatively, for an easy-to-use illustrated benefits list of GERARD.

 

 

Material

PROS

CONS

Concrete tiles

 

#1

Do not corrode

Low rain noise

Easy to replace a tile in a run

Can collect rainwater from your roof

 

Heavy

Need increased structural supports

Minimum pitch

Not resistant to extreme winds

Only secured at one point in the top of the tile, so can lead to water getting in

Can crack over time

Vulnerable to hail damage from hail above 30mm in diameter

High cost for transportation

Limited possibility for recycling

Need snow-stoppers

Clay tiles

 

#2

Look great when new

Bold shape

Do not corrode

In buildings under monumental protection takes precedence

Can collect rainwater from your roof

Heavy

Expensive Accessories

Not resistant to extreme winds

Crack easily

Lose water tightness

Vulnerable to hail damage from hail above 30mm in diameter

High cost for transportation

Limited possibility for recycling

Need snow-stoppers

Pressed steel tile

 

#3

Lightweight

Minimum roof pitch 12°

Strong under high wind

Resistant to hail

50 year durability

Small modules mean it’s easy to replace the roof without opening up the whole roof

Easy to replace a tile in a run

Colour fast

Able to be cut

Choice of colours

Easily painted over

Can collect rainwater from your roof

Suitable for areas with high winds, large temperature variations and even smaller earthquakes

No need for snow-stoppers

Need to avoid contact with dissimiliar metals (contact with certain types of metal may lead to corrosion)

Always require new battens

Longrun steel (like corrugate)

#4

 

 

No joins from ridge to gutter

Lightweight

Able to be cut

Can be curved

Choice of colours

Different substrates (material & coating that your roof is made from) available to suit different environments

Easy to install

Concealed clip fixing systems available

Can collect rainwater from your roof

Min roof pitch 3° (7o)

Need to avoid contact with  dissimilar metals (contact with certain types of metal may lead to corrosion)

Entire old roof needs to be removed before new roof installed

Warranty max 10 years

Need snow-stoppers

Asphalt shingles

#5

Distinctive look

Does not corrode in salt air

Possibility of overlaying

Must be laid on a ply substrate

Costly

Lose glue adhesion over time

Blow off in high winds

Unproven long term in aggressive

environment

Vulnerable to hail damage

High maintenance

Not for areas with large temperature variations

Limited life time

Fiber cement

#6

Not need to require a new battens

Cheapest

Lightweight

Min roof pitch 7°

 

 

Vulnerable to hail damage from hail above 30mm in diameter

Limited life time

Need snow-stoppers

Complex roof shapes can not be done

Dangerous waste – expensive disposal