+ Are concrete or terracotta roof tiles better for my roof?

Roof tiles are Australia’s most popular choice of roofing material. They come in a range of colours and profiles and offer great value for money. Monier produces both concrete and terracotta roof tiles in a comprehensive range of on-trend colours and in both modern and classic profiles.

Monier’s concrete roof tiles are made from selected concrete, sand and pigments. The concrete used is made to strict specifications and independent testing shows that concrete actually becomes stronger and less porous with age, which is why it is used to build bridges, roads and skyscrapers. With added features such as seamless A-line ridging, concrete tiles can create the ultimate, sleek, clean-line look.

Terracotta roof tiles have been in use for centuries throughout most of the world and it is not uncommon for them to provide more than century of service. Monier’s Terracotta roof tiles are a natural, kiln-fired clay product that provides a strong, high quality roofing material with good looks and long-lasting resistance to the elements. The fired-in colour of Monier Terracotta roof tiles will never fade and their vitreous coating makes them impervious to moisture, harsh UV rays and corrosive airborne pollutants.

Depending on your specific needs, Monier will have a roof tile in either concrete or terracotta that suits your tastes to a T.

+ Concrete & Terracotta tiles for coastal environments

Roof tiles are ideal for coastal locations that endure the wind, spray and salt of the ocean. All Monier concrete and terracotta roof tiles are salt safe and will not corrode over time, however Terracotta is the ultimate roofing product in these conditions given its performance and also colour warranty of 50 years. Some other roofing product are not warrantied if you live near the coast.

Tiles are ideal for coastal regions as they are suitable for the high salt content of marine environments. In the absence of rain, metal roofing may require hosing down in high salt concentration areas, which means extra maintenance, and can pose difficulties with water restrictions.

Roof tiles are a low maintenance option in coastal areas.

+ What if I live in a cyclone, high wind or storm prone area?

Terracotta and concrete roof tiles offer unique protective qualities during extreme weather events.

Even during a severe downpour, roof tiles absorb negligible amounts of water. This absorption does not affect the tile’s weatherproofing and in fact, independent research indicates that roof tiles absorb less water as they age, improving performance over time.

The weight of concrete and terracotta roof tiles offer more resistance to high winds than lighter weight materials such as metal sheeting. If damage is sustained during a storm, you only need to replace the individual damaged tiles rather than entire sheets, as in the case of metal roofing.

Flexible pointing material is used to fix ridge capping, enhancing security in high winds. In addition, roof tiles are clipped to secured roof battens to ensure stability in a range of weather extremes. There are clip systems tailored to different roofing pitches and configurations, so you know you are getting the best solution for your home.

For maximum protection, ensure you have a high quality sarking, professionally installed roof tiles and the correct clips to keep everything exactly where it should be – on the roof!

+ What if I live in a bushfire prone area?

Non-combustible materials like terracotta and concrete provide excellent protection against radiant heat from bushfires. Tile roofs have been tested and pass the requirements of AS3959-2009 for flame zone construction.

Given that a large percentage of house fires start after the fire-front has passed, and the majority of these start on the roof, it makes sense to select the most fire proof materials possible.

When used in combination with a fire retardant sarking such as Safety Sarking, roof tiles provide a high level of fire safety and security.

+ Are roof tiles suitable in colder areas?

Yes. Monier’s concrete and terracotta roof tiles are impervious to frost and ice and so are ideal for those living in colder climates. Made from durable materials, they will never warp, no matter how cold it gets.

+ Do Roof tiles help to reduce noise?

While most roofing materials will reduce noise, the natural density of tiles significantly reduces external sound, such as aircraft and road noise and particularly rain. A tiled roof has a noise reduction rating of 30 decibels - a significantly higher sound reduction potential than common alternative roofing materials. In addition to blocking out external noise, roof tiles themselves are noiseless – they don’t creak and groan in reaction to changing temperatures, as other roofing materials are known to do.

Your home is your sanctuary and for peace and quiet, Monier’s roof tiles are a great choice.

+ 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. The colour of your roof will also affects its relevant thermal insulation performance.

+ Is water collected off a tile roof safe to drink?

The raw materials used to manufacture tiles are non-toxic, so the water that runs off a tiled roof is potable, however, other factors including atmospheric fallout needs to be considered and the inclusion of a ‘first flush diverter system’ is recommended.

+ Do tiled roofs require ongoing maintenance?

Although your roof tiles are structurally guaranteed to perform their function for 50 years, there are still some things to look out for when it comes to caring for and maintaining your roof.

The number one maintenance issue is cleaning the gutters, downpipes and valleys of your roof. Gutters, downpipes and valleys can become easily built up with debris such as leaves and twigs from trees.

When gutters, downpipes and valleys become blocked, you get a build up of water that overflows back into your roof, which can create an enormous amount of water damage. This kind of build up also represents a potential fire hazard, as dry leaves and twigs are extremely combustible. This is easily preventable by a regular check to make sure your gutters, downpipes and valleys are free of debris. You should try to check and clean your roof at least once a year, twice if you live in a particularly tree lined area.

By regularly maintaining your roof you will go a long way to preventing any major problems occurring.

+ Are roof inspections necessary?

Every five to seven years you should have your roof checked by an expert tradesperson.