LOADING...
I have a technical question. How can I get some help?
If you need to get in touch, our technical team can be easily reached over phone and email. Call us at: 1300 667 617 Or email: info@ausrooftiles.com.au
What is the difference between concrete and terracotta tiles?
While they do possess many things in common, concrete and terracotta roof tiles do have their differences. Concrete roof tiles are renowned for their superior strength and their unique ability to actually grow in strength with age. Terracotta tiles are not as strong as concrete but offer a wide range of available colours making them a better choice for projects striving to achieve aesthetic brilliance. Furthermore, the manufacture of terracotta tiles has changed little since ancient times and is still heavily reliant on human effort. Nothing is mass produced; every individual tile is handcrafted by an artisan.
What is the best roofing material to endure storms?
Terracotta and concrete roof tiles offer more resistance to wind suction than lighter weight materials such as metal sheeting. If damage is sustained during a storm, you only need to replace the individual damaged tiles. When a metal roof is damaged, entire sheets need to be replaced, which makes for a more costly repair bill.
Which roofing material is better at blocking out noise?
The density of roof tiles helps reduce external sounds such as aircrafts, road noise, rain and hail. A tiled roof has a significantly higher sound reduction potential than steel sheeting. Tiled roofs also will not creak and groan in reaction to changing temperatures.
Do roof tiles offer thermal insulation?
Yes. Concrete and terracotta are poor conductors of heat and cold. As a result roof tiles provide improved insulation when compared to some other roofing materials.
Are roof tiles more durable than other roofing options?
Roof tiles outlast most other roofing options. Due to the very durable nature of terracotta and concrete roof tiles and advancements in manufacturing and installation methods, a modern tiled roof should have an effective life of at least 50 years. Some metal roofing products are only covered by warranty for 30 years.
How do you clean your roof tiles?
ARTA recommends that you do not attempt to clean your own roof tiles due to potential dangers of working at heights. A professional roof cleaner will however be able to clean the roof with either a gurney or high pressure cleaner and offer a suitable cleaning solution.
What is lichen?
Lichen or moss can start to grow on tiles after long periods but does not in any way indicate deterioration or affect the performance of tiles. It can be easily removed with a high pressure cleaner used by a professional cleaning contractor.
What ongoing maintenance requirements do roof tiles have?
With the development of Flexible Pointing and the purpose made barge tile which seals the gable ends of roofs, roof maintenance has been reduced to a minimum. We recommend a periodic check of the roof for broken tiles or flashing deterioration. Many companies offer roof inspection and restoration services, and are qualified to report on your roof and advise what work should be done.
Can you respray tiled roofs?
Depending on the material and method used it is completely acceptable to spray concrete roof tiles. However never spray terracotta as it would interfere with the natural quality of the clay and over time will peel away from the glazed surface.
I have a problem with my roof tiles. Who should I contact?
In the first instance, you should contact the installer/supplier of the roof tiles to report the issue. For ongoing matters of complaint, contact the relevant Fair Trading Office in your state.
Do we need a different frame for terracotta or concrete?
The spacing of trusses (the planks of wood the tiles sit on) will need to change based on the tile being installed. Concrete tiles are a standard size so the set out will be the same however many terracotta tiles come in varied sizes and therefore require unique truss set outs to accommodate and support the tiles they hold.
What is the best roofing solution for coastal conditions?
Concrete or terracotta roof tiles are ideal for coastal regions as most products are suitable for marine environments and their high salt content. In the absence of rain, metal roofing requires frequent hosing down in high salt concentration areas, which can pose difficulties with water restrictions.
Is a dark roof any hotter in warmer months?
This will depend on the finish applied to the roof and paint used. In many cases research does suggest that a dark roof could attract heat, however, this has not been conclusively proven and other factors such as house orientation, use of ventilation/insulation and use of passive design principles will have a greater bearing on whether the house is hotter in the warmer months.
What is roof sarking?
Sarking is an impermeable reflective foil membrane that is laid under tiles and acts as a secondary barrier to water run off while reducing the amount of heat transferred in and out of the house by acting as a reflective barrier. Sarking reflects as much as 95% of radiant heat away from the home, ensuring more comfortable living conditions. The cost will vary based on the builder used and level of sarking product chosen.
What is flexible pointing?
Flexible pointing is a flexible and extremely durable coating that is applied to the bedding used to fix ridge fittings to the roof. It does not crack with the natural expansion and contraction of the roof because of its flexible properties. This pointing system significantly reduces the need for pointing maintenance. It is available in a wide range of colours that allow it to be matched to all standard tile colours.
Will the colour of my tile give me any advantages or disadvantages (light or dark)?
Dark coloured tiles are generally perceived to absorb more heat while light coloured tiles reflect more heat. This factor is a parameter used in BASIX and NatHERS rating schemes. However, heat absorption and reflectance only partially contribute to a roof’s energy performance. With simple inclusions such as sarking, insulation and ventilation dark tiles are shown to perform just as well as light tiles.
How should I choose roof tiles to minimise my power bills?
Factors such as thermal mass, tile thickness, colour, profile, pitch and R-values all contribute to your tile’s thermal performance. According to BASIX and NatHERS rating schemes, if insulation or ventilation are included, these inclusions will make some of the other factors, such as colour, negligible. Currently, further research is being conducted to explore these factors in depth.
How expensive is it to re-roof?
Bring your plans to one of our members and they can provide an accurate cost estimate. They may be surprisingly little difference between the cost of respraying and installing new roof tiles.
How do I get a job as a roof tiler?
Roof tilers undergo an apprenticeship to become fully qualified in their trade, which generally lasts 3 to 4 years, depending on state requirements. To find out more about apprenticeships, visit www.apprenticeshipsupport.com.au/arta-member
How can I get in touch?
There are multiple means you can take advantage of to get in touch: