FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN MAKING A CHOICE ON ROOFING

The following are the major factors to consider when choosing roofing materials:

• The style of your home or building.
• The state of national Australian building codes and specific state building codes.
• Council requirements and residential community covenants.
• Aesthetics factors.
• Underlayments concerning the anatomy of the roof.
• Energy efficiency

Summary

Good roofing is essential for a good design of the house. In addition to promoting aesthetics of a home or commercial building, it adds to the value of a property. This can be a great asset during resale. One should detect a leaking roof well in advance and act appropriately by identifying the best roofing materials.

Visiting different roofing companies will help a client catch a glimpse of what they have to offer and make a comparison on price, quality, discounts, and other services. One should not choose low quality solutions that will not last long. Overall, choosing a professional roofing contractor will ensure that the client gets the best roofing products and services.

CONCRETE ROOF TILES

What are concrete roof tiles?

Concrete tiles are an alternative to terracotta tiles, and are similar in many respects to their terracotta counterparts. Made from a mixture of sand, cement and water, concrete tiles can either be painted or have colour mixed through before they are cast into their tile shape for a longer lasting finish.

Both terracotta and concrete roof tiles come in a variety of shapes (or profiles) which can be used to create visually appealing patterns, to help establish a housing 'style', and to assist in channeling rainwater off the roof.
Concrete tiles were originally created as a cheaper but equally attractive alternative to terracotta roofing tiles. Their ability to mimic the appearance of wooden shingles, slate, and stone also makes them cost effective alternatives to these materials too. More affordable, more durable, stronger, and requiring less maintenance than many other roofing materials, concrete tiles often have a number of advantages over the materials they imitate.

Properties of concrete tile roofs

Durability is strong - and as such, concrete tile roofs are very durable, offering advantages in terms of strength over their terracotta counterparts. Concrete tiles can also be heavy however, meaning the load bearing capacity of the supporting walls and foundations may need to be greater for a concrete tile roof. Having said that, lightweight concrete tiles are also available, although they are often more expensive and less durable.

Climatic suitability and insulation

Because they're more dense than terracotta, concrete tiles have a greater thermal mass, and will therefore store more heat during the day, to be released during the evening. The suitability of concrete tiles in warmer, northern parts of Australia depends largely on how thick the tiles are and how well they're able to reflect heat from the sun.

Concrete tiles also offer excellent insulation properties, and do a good job of keeping heat and noise under control.

Appearance

Concrete tiles are designed to mimic other roofing surfaces (including slate and even wood), and therefore offer a great deal of flexibility in terms of how they look. Different profiles and systems are available to suit a wide range of roof styles and pitches.

Where are concrete tile roofs found? 

Like the terracotta tiles they're normally based on, concrete tile roofs are best suited to temperate climates. Houses in excessively wet, windy or snowy climates might not be ideally suited for tiles as moisture can be driven in between tiles and cause roof leaks.

Advantages:

• Low maintenance
• Suits most climates and coastal areas
• Durable and resistant
• Safe to walk on
• Affordable
• Available in many shapes and colours
• Provides excellent insulation from heat and sound.

Disadvantages

• Often heavier than terracotta tiles
• Increasing load bearing requirements
• Painted finishes may degrade over time

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TERRACOTTA ROOF TILES

What is a terracotta tile roof?

Terracotta, which literally means 'baked earth' in Italian, is a type of clay-based ceramic which is used to create roof tiles.

Tiles made from terracotta are a very commonly used roofing material in Australia and around the world, and they've been widely used on roofs for a very long time. Terracotta tiles are available either unglazed, in their distinctive, natural red-orange colour, or glazed to provide different finishes and colours. Terracotta tiles are installed by placing overlapping and interlocking rows of tile on the roof, and are available in a range of styles to suit both modern and more traditionally designed homes.

Properties of terracotta tile roofs

Durability

Terracotta is very hardy and has been known to last hundreds of years if it's treated right. Terracotta is also waterproof and fire resistant, offering good protection from the elements.

The durability of a complete, tiled terracotta roof also comes down to how well it's constructed and maintained. Regular maintenance will help to prevent infestations of lichen or moss and to ensure that tiles aren't displaced, which in turn will ensure the ongoing strength of the roof.

Terracotta tiles weigh more than steel roofs, but less than concrete tile roofs. Because the tiles have a tendency to be brittle, care must be taken when things like solar panels and solar hot water systems are installed on terracotta roofs.

Climatic suitability and insulation

Because of their inherent thermal mass, terracotta roof tiles are able to absorb heat during the day and release it during the night, which makes them an energy efficient option in cooler climates. Terracotta tiles can be coloured and treated to significantly improve their ability to reflect heat from the sun too, which means they're also a viable option in warmer, northern parts of Australia.

Terracotta tiles offer natural insulation on their own, helping to keep both heat and noise in or out of the house.

Appearance

Tiles can be purchased in different shapes (or profiles), which vary according to the pitch of the roof, the climate where they're being installed, and whether or not you're after a traditional or more modern style of home.

Interlocking profiles help to keep tiles in place on more steeply pitched roofs for example, while other aspects of the tile may be designed to assist with drainage at certain pitches.

Different glazings also mean that tiles are available in any number of colours, with any number of different finishes.

Where are terracotta tile roofs installed?

Terracotta tiles are suitable for most climates throughout Australia, but are less favoured for snowy climates where the wind can drive the snow in between tiles and create leaks. Terracotta tiles also offer good fire resistance and may be used in fire-prone areas.

Advantages:

• Durable
• Waterproof
• Fire resistant
• Good Thermal properties
• Wide range of finishes

Disadvantages:

• Fragile
• Relatively heavy
• May attact moss and lichen.

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STEEL ROOFS AND OTHER METAL ROOFING

What are steel roofs?

While metal roofs are also available using other materials (including tin), the vast majority of metal roofs that are installed these days are steel roofs. This is mainly due to steel's cost, durability, longevity and strength, all of which make it a very versatile roofing material.

Steel used for modern roofs is normally treated and coated with a number of different finishes to improve its performance as a roofing material. This includes alloy coatings to help corrosion resistance, and special polyester coatings that protect the steel and help to retain its colour.

Metal roofs in Australia tend to be installed in large, corrugated sheets or panels rather than using smaller tiles (although metal roofing tiles are available). These metal sheets are available from different suppliers who produce metal roofing sheets in a range of different corrugation or pattern styles (or 'profiles').

Properties of steel roofs

Metal roofs have a number of appealing features, including their durability, climatic suitability, and a versatile appearance:

Durability

Some steel roofing companies guarantee their roofs against corrosion for up to 30 years, and other companies provide 50 year warranties. The coatings that are applied to modern steel roofing generally do a very good job of protecting it from corrosion and the elements, and provided that they're cut and installed properly, under normal conditions today's metal roofs are far more durable than the corrugated tin and corrugated iron roofs that were used in the past.

Climatic suitability and insulation

Steel roofs are ideal for the extremes of the Australian climate. They are resistant to fire, rarely suffer damage from hail, and provided that they're installed correctly, they have a good chance of remaining fixed in the face of strong winds and cyclones.

Certain steel roofs are also treated in a way that allows them to absorb less and reflect more heat from the sun, which helps to significantly reduce the amount of heat that's allowed to radiate into your home during summer. These roofs are normally also painted in a lighter colour to further improve their cooling properties.

Because they're made of thin sheeting, steel roofs don't provide much in the way of thermal mass, and while other materials may absorb heat during the day and release it at night, metal roofs aren't suitable for this type of thermal regulation.

Depending on how well they're designed and insulated, houses with steel roofs may cost more to heat during the colder months than houses with other materials. They may also offer less in the way of soundproofing than other types of roofs, depending on how they're insulated. Steel roofs are installed with foil between roofing sheets for insulation, or foil-and-blanket insulation to also help reduce noise when it rains.

Appearance

Metal roofs are very versatile as far as shape and colour are concerned. The shape of a metal roof can be either fairly conservative and traditional (for example, gabled or hip roofs), or can be bent to look more modern, fluid and organic (e.g. curved roofs). There are also many different options available in terms colour, style of corrugation - or even tiles.

Weight and load bearing capacity

Metal sheeting is a relatively lightweight building material, and as such it places less of a load on the building structure than many other roofing materials might. It's also strong, and can normally bear the weight of things like thermosiphon hot water systems and solar panels without fear of damage.

Where are steel roofs used?

Because they can be treated, coloured and shaped to offer a variety of different thermal properties and styles, steel roofs are used in all sorts of houses and climates throughout Australia.

Metal roofs offer good resistance to fire, and metal is also often used for structures in alpine areas. The smooth surface helps snow to slide off roofs, while the relatively light weight of steel increases the amount of snow that can be built up before the load bearing ability of the walls is compromised.

ADVANTAGES

• Lowe weight, which results in less load on walls and foundations
• Low maintenance
• Durable
• Suitable for many different climates
• Offers a wide range of appearance options.

DISADVANTAGES

• More up-front costs than other roofing materials
• Susceptible to corrosion under certain circumstances
• Offers less insulation from heat and noise than other materials
• Low thermal mass, less suitable for storing and releasing heat.

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CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF POLYCARBONATE SHEETING

Over time dust, dirt, molds and algae may build up on the surface of your polycarbonate roof. The key to protecting it and keeping it beautiful is to clean it regularly. The following tips will help you prolong the life of your roofed pergola, carport and other outdoor living extensions that use polycarbonate sheeting.

GENERAL CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS

All you need to clean your polycarbonate roof is a soft sponge and some dishwashing detergent. You may also use a cloth that is 100 percent cotton, in case a sponge is not available.

Just mix the dishwashing detergent in some lukewarm water, and gently wipe the polycarbonate sheet with the mixture using the sponge or the cloth. After you’re done, make sure to rinse off the detergent with cold water. Water spotting may occur if you just leave the surface to air-dry; use a dry soft cotton cloth to wipe off any excess moisture if this concerns you.

There may be times when dirt clings stubbornly to the roofing sheet and you will have to use stronger cleaning agents such as methylated spirits, isopropyl or butyl alcohol. It’s a good idea when using these chemical cleaners to first check the manufacturer’s specifications, or to consult with a Softwoods rep.

Some areas of the roof may be difficult to reach and you may need to employ additional equipment such as pressure washers and extension poles.

ADDITIONAL TIPS

• Don’t use rough, abrasive cleaners, squeegees nor sharp objects such as razors to clean polycarbonate sheeting. These can damage the protective coating on the roof sheet’s surface.

• For the same reason, stay away from abrasive or highly alkaline chemical cleaners.

• When you do use chemical cleaners, do not leave them on the polycarbonate sheets for long periods of time. Rinse them off immediately with cold water.

• Also, if you use chemical cleaners, do not use these in direct sunlight because they may stain the polycarbonate.

• Test the chemical cleaners first in a small, preferably inconspicuous area of the roof. When you are satisfied that there are no adverse results or reactions, then go ahead and use the cleaner on the remaining polycarbonate areas.

• If you use a pressure washer, take care not to hold the spray tip too close to the polycarbonate sheeting. The sprayer may have enough pressure to damage the sheet.

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COLORBOND FENCING

Good looking, durable and easy to maintain

When it comes to choosing a fence, it’s not just how great the fence looks that matters, but also how well it does the job, and how much time and effort it takes to ensure it stays up to the task. 

COLORBOND® steel makes it easy to get the look you want. With 14 colours to choose from, it's easy to coordinate your fence with the colours of your home. Each COLORBOND® steel colour has been inspired by Australia's own magnificent backyard. So whether you want colours that are subtle or bold, light or dark, cool or warm, you’ll find colours that let you blend the natural charm of your garden with your home. COLORBOND® steel fencing comes in a wide range of panel styles and designs and with its sleek lines, COLORBOND® steel looks great on both sides of the fence. When installed correctly, it won't have any vertical gaps, visible footholds or loose palings. You can also choose the fence or gate design you want and personalise it by adding lattice, slats and post caps.

A COLORBOND® steel fence won't rot, it won't be eaten by termites, it is non-combustible and resists the progress of fire. It is also easy to maintain, so once it's installed, there’s no need to be spending your time painting, oiling or replacing palings. So, choose a fence made from COLORBOND® steel; it can enhance the privacy and security of your home for years to come.

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CLEVER IDEAS FOR FENCING

Think outside the square when making a decision about what style of fence you require.

TIMBER FENCE STYLES

When you are looking to install a timber fence, some things to think about:

• What style would you like?
• What height do you require?
• How much maintenance do you want to do each year?
• Overall cost of labour and material - what is your budget?
• Do you need to discuss it with your neighbour - is it a boundry fence?
• Is there any council regulations/restrictions?
• Why are you requiring a timber fence - privacy / style / boundry
• Are you wanting horizonatal or vertical timbers

Pictures of timber fencing ideas.

Picket Fence: 

Paling Fence:

Herringbone Fence:

PICKET FENCING: MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACADE

Nothing adds rustic charm and character to property like picket fencing. The repeating pattern of straight-cut, evenly-spaced and often immaculate white timber creates an appealing visual that pleases the eye. It’s no surprise that the picket fence has come to symbolise stability, abundance and peaceful living.

But a picket fence does more than just add to your property’s curb appeal. A well-constructed fence offers a few important advantages that not only enhances your property but protects it, as well and gives you peace of mind.

• A picket fence offers some protection from unwelcome creatures. You can decide on how large the gap will be between pickets, and therefore the size of animals you can keep out.
• The gaps between pickets allow wind to pass through, minimising resistance and thus resulting in a surprisingly strong and resilient structure. Picket fences are, in fact, stronger than they appear and are able to withstand extremely adverse weather conditions.
• A picket fence requires very little maintenance, making it a very cost-effective fencing solution.

The important thing to ensure that your picket fencing project is successful is to use high quality timber and sound construction practices. Give Softwoods a call and let us design and build your picket fencing according to your specifications. Choose from among five picket styles and four standard lengths. Then worry no more as we supply posts, decorative post stops, rails, gate brackets and all the other accessories you need to build your beautiful picket fence.

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THE RIGHT FENCING STYLE FOR YOUR HOME

One of the main reasons you may be considering putting up a fence around your property is to improve its curb appeal. Appearance is all that matters, and here are some things to consider when planning your fencing design.

The look you select should complement the overall appearance of the house. The fence you choose can be visually attractive, but if it does not match your home’s design or even totally clashes with it then you won’t get the effect you want. Here’s a quick refresher of design concepts to help you along.

Pattern

This is the easiest element to look out for; simply identify an interesting shape or an existing pattern in your house and use this on your fence design. Your house is a rich source of geometric shapes and interesting silhouettes that can form the basis of your fencing pattern. You could find inspiration and ideas from the overall trim, accent sidings, rooftop geometry and edges — practically any part of your house can be the source of your fencing pattern.

Colour

A white picket fence seems to be the default image for many people, but you are free to use any colour on your fence. For example, you can repeat the colours used on the exterior walls of your home and get an interesting monochromatic look. You can use natural colours to harmonise with the palette of the surrounding landscape or you may leave the fence uncoloured and keep its natural wood finish. Or you can stick to the idea of a white fence. The choice is yours as long as you remember to keep in harmony with the existing house and the surrounding landscape.

Line

From a distance you won’t really see the details of your house. What you will see is its line, the broad collection of curves, angles and shapes that make up its profile. One common approach to tie in the house design with that of the fence, for example, is to cut the angle of the picket tops to match the angle of your roof, and then paint these picket tops the same color as the roof.

Weight

Weight has something to do with how large your house is perceived by people. If your home is often described as “massive”, “roomy”, “expansive” or “huge” then you will want a fence that is hefty enough to complement its perceived size. If your house comes across as “delicate”, “small” or “cozy”, the fencing should reflect this.

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FAVOURING FLAT ROOF PERGOLAS

Gable roofs are a very popular configuration for pergolas because they a lot of advantages. But flat roof pergolas also offer a set of benefits that make them more suitable in certain situations. These flat roof advantages are outlined here for you to consider before you draw up your pergola design.

• Flat roofs are simpler and easier to build. They also require less material given the same area. This translates to a quicker build, lower cost of materials and lower overall cost of your pergola.

• Although it’s certainly nice to have it, roofing is optional for flat roofs and almost always required for pitched or gable roofs. This is a potential further cost reduction for your pergola project.

• A flat roof offers additional space. You can use this extra space, for example, to install solar panels. Or you can look into the possibilities of a garden!.

• Flat roofs are better at resisting wind pressure. There’s less surface area exposed to wind so there’s less danger of the wind tearing a section of your pergola roof away. The danger is still there, of course. There’s just less of it.

If you intend to build your timber pergola in an area that is known to be extremely windy then a flat roof is almost certainly the way to go. You should also seriously consider building a flat roof if rainfall is not excessive and you are looking to realise significant savings on the cost of building your outdoor extension.

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TYPES OF PERGOLA

A pergola was originally a garden feature; essentially a shaded walkway or sitting area with vines trained on horizontal beams and lattices sitting atop vertical posts. Today the essence of the Italian pergula (a projecting eave) remains more or less the same, but its functionality has grown as it has evolved into an essential component of outdoor living. Here is our take on the different types of contemporary pergola.

FUNCTIONS AND BENEFITS

One way to classify pergola is by the functionality and benefits it offers.

• The original and overarching function of the pergola is to provide shade. However, you yourself may have experienced that the pergola structure alone does not offer much protection against the full force of the summer sun. You need to add other elements in order to enhance the structure’s ability to block sunlight. In the olden days, people would train woody vines around the horizontal beams and lattices atop the structure. The resulting foliage helped provide more shade. These days, we can now lay roofing on top of the structure, or install shadecloth or other coverings for protection.
• Pergolas may also be built to enhance the beauty of the property and its surroundings. Trained vines produce attractive flowers and foliage, but even without plants modern pergolas employ a host of design and decorative components that make them attractive.

BY MATERIAL

Another way you can characterise different types of pergola is by the dominant material used to build them.

• Timber

Pergola have traditionally been built with timber, and this is what Softwoods specialise in. Timber’s warm hues and natural grain enhance any setting and are amazingly durable not to mention an outstanding environmental choice. However, timber pergolas require some maintenance and need to be painted to ensure their longevity.

• Metal / Steel

Metal — such as steel, wrought iron and aluminium — is another popular material for building pergolas. Metal pergolas tend to be more resistant to weather and movement, and require similar levels of maintenance to timber. Metal does tend to be more expensive than timber.

• Wood Plastic Composite

Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) looks like wood but are made out of synthetic plastic polymer. WPC is durable, versatile and highly resistant to moisture and insects. It is light and easy to install, requiring virtually zero maintenance other than regular cleaning. The disadvantage, though, is that WPC will NEVER look as good as timber and it has been known to degrade on cut ends.

BY DESIGN

Two types based on their design:

• Gable Roof Pergola

A gabled pergola has a two-sided roof that forms a peak where the edges of the two sides meet. The triangular space at the end of the roof is the gable.

• Flat Roof Pergola

As the name says, these pergolas have a single flat roof.

BY STRUCTURE

Pergolas used to connect two structures together by providing a shaded walkway between them. Or they could have been used to shade and protect a specific area in the garden or courtyard. Modern pergolas continue to honor these functional traditions to this day, which could be used to classify them.

• An attached pergola is exactly that: a pergola where one side is connected to the main structure such as a house.
• A detached pergola is a free-standing structure located within the garden or backyard.

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READY-MADE PERGOLA? NOT QUITE BUT…

If you look hard enough you can probably find a ready-made pergola you can buy and plant in your backyard or install on your deck. But we feel strongly that you won’t be happy with it. At least not for long and not the way you will be with a custom-made pergola to provide you with endless hours of outdoor entertainment and socialising.

That’s because your pergola should match your needs and the space you have available, factors that are widely unpredictable and different from one homeowner to the next. No two needs are ever exactly the same, and no prefabricated pergola can ever completely anticipate all your needs and preferences.

PERGOLA DESIGN FACTORS

The final configuration of your pergola depends on the following factors.

• Your Budget. Naturally, how much you are willing or are able to spend determines many important details, such as the size of your pergola and the materials to be used in constructing it.
• The Size and Shape of the Area. The available area within which to build your pergola matters. You cannot build large when all you have are 10 square meters of backyard space.
• The Orientation. Your home’s location plays a big part in how your pergola should be designed to take advantage of the weather. Shade, Sun and prevailing winds can all be controlled or mitigated with good design.
• Your Purpose. Why do you want to build a pergola in the first place? Is it to have a quiet, private nook where you can contemplate life’s mysteries in peace and isolation? Or is it to provide a place where you and your friends can party all year? Or is it both? And more? The uses you envision for your outdoor extension will influence its design and construction.

As you can tell, none of these factors are ever exactly the same for any two people. And the tiniest differences in these controlling factors translate to significant differences in how the pergola is built.

MODULAR PERGOLA KITS

The closest thing to a ready-made pergola Softwoods can offer is a pre cut pergola kit. Our kits are cut to precision according to your design specifications. We have even made this process as easy and as simple as entering the measurements of your planned structure into our Online Design Tool.

These pre-cut timber pieces and the corresponding accessories are delivered right to your doorstep. Detailed instructions are included so that even the greenest of novices can build the structure without any major problems. But even then, our expert designers are always on-hand to answer your questions and guide you through troublesome areas of your build.

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