Factors to consider when choosing roof tiles
Location
Where you live is an important consideration when choosing roof tiles.
If you live in a wind or bushfire prone area concrete roof tiles are strong options as they have fire resistant properties making them more durable, as well as having a high wind resistance.
Their superior wind performance is due to the heavy weight associated with roof tiles, allowing them to better repel against high wind speeds, something that lighter roof materials struggle to combat, particularly in emergencies.
The tile profile
A tile’s profile refers to its shape and design.
Midland Brick roof tile profiles range from smooth and flat, to having prominent undulations (waves) on the surface.
Key considerations when choosing a profile will be the angle of your roof (also known as the pitch), as well as its style.
Some profiles interlock differently depending on the pitch, so you need to determine the pitch of your roof before making your selection.
Concrete
Villa
Villa tiles have a versatile wave profile that combines traditional good looks with exceptional product performance.
Concrete
Shingle
Contemporary shingle tiles will be the envy of your neighbours with a modern flat, smooth concrete roof tile that delivers a streamlined look.
Ridge capping is a finishing product that’s included in your roof tile purchase. The type of ridge capping you receive will depend on the roof tile profile you choose.
For roof tiles with a Shingle or Villa profile, ridge caps are collarless. This type of ridge cap gives you more flexibility in deciding how you want to lay your tiles.
There are two choices for laying these tiles: Stepped (which is standard) or a Butt Ridge. A butt ridge costs extra to install, however it can provide a more streamlined look if that’s what you’re after. The choice is one to discuss with your builder, architect or roof tile installer.
Colour considerations
When choosing the colour of your tiles, it’s important to note that most colour pigments tend to mellow over time due to the constant high levels of ultraviolet light and solar radiation exposure.
To alleviate these conditions, concrete tiles are produced in a range of intensely pigmented colours, selected for their limited reaction to ultra-violet.
Another factor which can affect the colour of roofing materials is the growth of moss or lichens. If there is a high likelihood of moss or lichen growth, you may wish to choose a darker tile so these are less noticeable.
Lichen spores are normally present in the air and can grow on most roofing materials. Moss grows only where there is a sufficient build-up of dirt particles to support the root growth of the plant. Therefore, flatter roofs and granular surfaces are most prone to this growth.