Living in Australia means that we are exposed to a variety of changing, and often harsh climates. Therefore, it is vital to choose a roofing material that can cope with the unforgiving conditions and withstand the specific weather in your region. By understanding the requirements relating to your roofing and climate, you can ensure your home is protected, that the roof lasts longer, and it is energy efficient.

The diverse Australian climate ranges dramatically from dry and hot, to wet and tropical, so choosing the wrong roofing material can be catastrophic. Selecting the wrong material for your roof, to cater to the climate in your region, will lead to constant maintenance work, high energy costs, and sometimes colossal damage.

In this article, we will provide a further understanding of the Australian climate and how this relates to roofing materials, provide advice on which roofing is best for a warm climate, what roofing is best for a cool climate, and what factors to consider when choosing your roofing material.

Understanding the Relationship Between Roofing and Climate in Australia

The climate zone and weather conditions in an area will significantly influence the performance and durability of roofing materials. In Australia, we have a range of diverse climate zones, that vary in terms of temperature, humidity, and precipitation. Therefore, it is vital to understand if you live in an arid (hot and dry), tropical (hot and humid), or temperate (cool) climate, and what this will mean for your choice of roofing.

For example, if you live in a tropical region like Northern Queensland, where it is hot and humid, we strongly advise metal roofing materials. Traditional asphalt shingles struggle in this level of heat and will begin to warp and crack. On the other hand, if you live in a more temperate climate like parts of Victoria, or Tasmania, asphalt shingles is a fantastic option for you, as it will provide excellent insultation against the cold in the winter.

As with tropical regions, metal roofing is an excellent option for the intensely hot and dry climate you will experience in large parts of Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, and the Northern Territory. Metal and steel materials can withstand the harsh conditions in these climate zones, keeping your home nice and cool. Metal roofing also has very low maintenance requirements and the material is fire-resistant, which is vital in bush-fire prone areas.

Roofing Material for Warm Climates

The biggest climate challenge that a lot of Aussie’s face is the intense heat and sun exposure in large parts of the country. Warm climates also create significant challenges when it comes to roofing materials. Choosing the optimal roofing material will protect your property against the extreme temperatures, UV radiation, and heavy rainfall in more tropical areas.

Metal Roofs

Metal roofs are made to withstand the harsh Australian heat. For this reason, metal roofing is an extremely popular choice for many residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the country. These roofs are sleek, tough, and very quick to install.

Using premium metal materials when building a new home, or renovating your existing one, is an extremely effective way to combat the heat and provide energy efficiency. The insulation that you get from metal roofing reduces the need to constantly use your air conditioning, meaning you can save some money on energy bills.

The durability of metal roofs also means that they are resistant to fire, which is a crucial element to consider in large parts of Australia. Choosing the right roof will help to ensure you feel safe and secure in your home.

Colourbond Steel

Colorbond steel is also a popular roofing material used in warm Australian climates. This steel is lightweight and durable, meaning that it can handle high winds and heavy rainfall.

While metal roofing is optimal for the intense heat we experience in most of Australia, Colorbond steel can be a great option in more tropical and sub-tropical regions like in Northern Queensland. While this type of steel does provide protection from the sun of course, it is important to note that it doesn’t provide the same level of insulation as metal materials do. Additionally, the original Colorbond steel can be more prone to rust, so if you are living in coastal areas, you will need to be particularly cautious of this and choose wisely.

Roofing Material for Cool Climates

While preparing for cool climates is rarer in Australia, it is still an important consideration. Particularly if you’re living in areas such as South Victoria and Tasmania, there are various challenges to tackle. To ensure the durability and longevity of your roof, if it is vital to choose a material that can handle the harsher, more varying conditions, and the increased moisture in these regions.

Concrete Tiles

In cooler climates, concrete tiles are one of your best options. Concrete is very popular in other parts of the world, because of its ability to insulate and retain heat. Furthermore, proper concrete tiles are immensely durable, and they can withstand heavy rain, high winds, and overall harsh conditions.

Slate Tiles

Slate tiles are another great option for cool climatic regions, as they have excellent insulating properties and are also very durable. While often more expensive than other roofing materials, slate tiles do provide a classic look, and can last a long time with the right level of maintenance.

However, installation of slate tile roofs will require additional time and resources, and if any issues do occur, this will be a more difficult and strenuous process.

Final Thoughts and Advice for Your Roofing

As you can see, choosing the right roofing material is very important decision, particularly in our harsh Australian climate. It is vital when choosing a roof for any residential, commercial, or industrial property to that you feel confident in the material, and you are protected from the elements.

The main factors to consider when choosing your roof are the climate and temperature in your region, the ability of the roofing material to handle heat and sunlight, the durability and longevity of the materials, and the efficiency of installation and maintenance. Of course, you also want to consider your budget, the aesthetics, and how it will fit your overall vision for the property.

While there is a lot of elements to consider, it doesn’t need to be a stressful decision. Leveraging the advice of experts, and working with a company you can trust, will help you to find the perfect roof for you. At Vertec, we are the leading experts of metal roof installations, repairs, restoration, and maintenance. From minor roof repairs, to complete re-roofing, we’ve got Sydney covered.