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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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT JARRAH FOR DECKING

Known for its unique colour range, its strength and its durability, Jarrah is an excellent choice for exterior projects, such as decking. Also known as Swan River Mahogany and Eucalyptus marginata, Jarrah grows in the iron and aluminium-rich soils of the south-western corner of Western Australia.

Jarrah trees can grow up to 40m in height, with an extensive root system that seeks out water and nutrients deep underground. Jarrah does not germinate from seed, but from lignotubers – underground swellings that store nutrients, which allow young trees to regenerate after bushfires.

 APPEARANCE

Jarrah heartwood ranges in colour from a light red or brown, to a darker, richer red or brown. This colouring tends to darken when exposed to sunlight. The sapwood is usually a pale yellow, orange or pinkish colour.

Jarrah timber tends to have a moderately course and even textured grain. Its grain can be interlocked or wavy, which can create an interesting fiddle-back figure. Some boards can contain streaks or gum pockets as a naturally-occurring defect.

 DURABILITY

With a natural resistance to rot, termites and extreme weather conditions, Jarrah is a great choice for decking. Its high density also makes it relatively resistant to fire. We’ve found that if using wider decking boards for Jarrah, it’s best to do so when your deck is covered as there can be some movement with extreme weather.

 WORKABILITY

Due to its high density and interlocked grain, Jarrah can be difficult to machine. It’s easiest to work with when green, although it can be worked with when seasoned if you are using sufficiently sharp tools (bear in mind it may blunt cutting edges).

Jarrah can be machined or turned. Jarrah timber also accepts oil, stain and polish well.

 COMMON USES

Its strength and durability make Jarrah a common choice for heavy engineering projects, as well as structure and infrastructure applications. This includes wharf and bridge construction, railway sleepers, cross arms, poles and piles.

Jarrah is also a popular choice for construction, and is used in general house framing, decking, flooring, linings, joinery and fencing. Due to its striking colouring and attractive grain, it is often used to create turned objects, cabinets, parquetry and outdoor furniture.

 WHY USE JARRAH IN YOUR DECKING PROJECT

Available in a range of beautiful reds and browns, Jarrah is a timber that becomes even more appealing as it ages, as it is exposed to sunlight and its colouring deepens to a richer hue. Choose Jarrah for your decking project if you’re looking for an attractive dark coloured decking board with more natural character than other darker decking timbers such as Merbau.

Not only does it look good, Jarrah is also strong and exceptionally durable. It can withstand extreme weather conditions, and is resistant to rot, fungi and insects, such as termites. Due to its density, it is also resistant to fire, which can be beneficial in bushfire prone areas.

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