When you are choosing roof tiles, you shouldn’t only be thinking of aesthetics. Looking at roof tiles near me has helped me get an idea of what I want, but I still wanted to know more about making the correct choice. Which is the situation I think you are also in, because you are here. Climate is probably the most important element you should factor in, as a sunny region requires different tiles compared to an area with heavy rain. It comes in many materials, and each of these has different properties. In this article, you are going to learn everything about it.
The Hot and Sunny Climates
I’ve lived in a hot area my whole life, and I know how intense the sunlight can get throughout the day. With the high temperatures, all the roof tiles near me were struggling with excessive heat absorption. This is something you want to prevent, as it also increases the indoor temperatures and therefore the cooling costs. Which is why most of my neighbours were recommending me reflective materials, because they deflect solar radiation. As an example, Sydney homeowners deal with sunny summers, which means that roofs get extremely hot and their favourite option is clay tiles, because clay has a natural thermal resistance.
Another important element is ventilation. When people choose roof tiles in Sydney, they consider it even if the sea breeze provides some relief. But heat gets trapped beneath tiles anyway, which is why you need to consider ventilation too. And last but not least, durability under UV exposure is essential. The material fades and degrades over time, so you want to look for roof tiles near me that have a UV-resistant coating.
The Cold and Freezing Climates
A different set of challenges is presented when you are choosing tiles for cold climates. As you can probably guess, the primary concern is the freeze-thaw cycle. This cycle allows water to seep into small cracks, it then freezes, expands and ultimately damages the tiles. With this process happening again and again, it leads to chipping, cracking, and overall issues with the structure. Most tiles that are designed for European winters take frost resistance into account. Concrete and clay have low water absorption, which is why they are such good options. But ask about frost resistance before purchasing anything.
Something someone installing roof tiles in Sydney doesn’t consider is snow load. Now, this is a complicated topic. The heavier tiles will provide better stability under accumulated snow, but they do require a very strong supporting structure. But tiles that don’t require such a complex structure will not provide the same level of stability. Insulation also plays a role in this, so it’s best to discuss all of these details with a professional. It all depends on the area, the roof itself and also your budget. But, generally, concrete and metal are options people gravitate towards.
The Humid and Wet Climates
Moisture resistance is the top priority in any area high in humidity or experiencing heavy rain. Sydney has a subtropical climate, which means that it is humid. So, all the roof tiles near me must prevent water penetration. In places with a coastal climate, everything is exposed to moisture for long periods of time. In my journey to find the best option, I kept asking people what they chose for their own homes, and the most recommended material was concrete. To limit water absorption, it’s always best to have the tiles glazed or sealed.
Something that you should know is that smooth finishes are particularly useful in humid environments. This is because it makes it harder for moss or algae to attach and damage the tiles. If you don’t want to have to do lots of maintenance, and also have a cleaner appearance for your tiles, choose tiles that are treated with anti-algae and anti-fungal coating. Keep in mind that in this kind of climate, the roof shape is also essential. If you want to ensure that the water actually drains quickly, you need a sloped roof. But don’t worry, there are lots of professional builders in the city who know about this.
The Storm-Prone and Windy Climate
There are some countries in the world that have an average wind speed of over 15 mph, with some gusts even exceeding 100 mph. In such areas, I would wish that the roof tiles near me could withstand the significant force of the wind. I’m sure you can think of a few scenarios in which you wouldn’t like tiles flying off house roofs. As I later came to understand, concrete seems to be the best material when it’s treated for the situation. This applies here, too, because concrete tiles offer resistance thanks to their strength and weight.
Most builders will use an interlocking design as it’s very efficient when dealing with windy conditions. This design helps by distributing the pressure of the wind across the roof, which reduces the chances of individual tiles being lifted. While it’s probably obvious for most of you, it’s still worth mentioning that everything should be fixed in place using screws and clips. It’s essential that no tile is left unsecured, as that could lead to a disaster. Which is why it’s not a good idea to ever install a roof yourself, and always opt for a professional installation.
Conclusion
When the roof tiles do not withstand the weather, I know that they weren’t chosen correctly. Each climate has certain advantages and disadvantages, and we mainly have to consider the disadvantages when building a home, and therefore choosing tiles for the roof. Consider the hot weather, or on the contrary, the freezing weather, and choose accordingly. To make this process easier, always consult with professionals and opt for high-quality products. The finished result will depend on the shape of the roof, along with the ventilation, isolation and the quality of the installation.