Time to replace your roof? Whether you are replacing your roof due to age or damage, or you want to give your home a facelift, roof replacement has many benefits. It improves your home’s exterior, raises its value and, depending on the choice you make, it may provide better insulation for your home.
If you are wondering which roofing material to choose for your home, you’ve come to the right place. There are a number of options to select from including asphalt composite shingles, metal shingles, wood shakes and clay tiles. Many people have a tendency of simply replacing their roofing with the same material they previously had, however, this may be the time to upgrade to a more favourable choice.
The roof material of your choice should be based on its durability, cost, appearance, and properties of the material. Two of the more common roofing materials on the market include concrete tile and metal roofing. In this article, we are going to go over the differences between these two and outline how you can determine which is a better fit for you and your family.
What is a concrete tile?
Concrete tile is a form of roofing that is an alternative to clay tile. The tiles are made from sand-mix concrete that is coloured to create the desired look. There are a variety of colours on the market with some looking more like rolled clay tiles and others, wood shakers. The detail on concrete tiles can be quite alluring when finished with a topcoat that adds more of a decorative flare.
Concrete is an affordable roofing material and is a good choice if you live in an area with high winds. You can expect your concrete tiles to have a lifespan of 50 years or more. It should be noted that concrete tiles are a heavy material, which makes them so durable.
What is a metal roof?
Traditionally, metal roofing is often associated with large buildings or institutions like schools. It was viewed as a dull choice that offered little in the way of aesthetic appeal. But times have changed, and now more residential properties are opting for metal roofing because of the many benefits it offers. You can get metal roofing as standing seam metal roofing or metal shingles/shakes.
The standing seam roof is the most common type of metal roofing because its panels interlock and prevent moisture from seeping through the roof and into the home. Metal roofs are ideal for areas that receive heavy snow or where wildfires are prevalent since metal roofing is fireproof. Another benefit of metal is that it lasts a long time. And when it does succumb to wear and tear, metal can be recycled. One challenge with metal roofing is that the installation is more complex than other types of roofs, so special skills are required for metal roof installation. Skills that not all roofing companies have. On average, metal roofs last between 30 to 50 years, however, many can last up to 75 years.
Installation Cost for Metal vs. Concrete Tile Roof
The cost of installing your roofing metal of choice will affect your decision on whether that is the best fit for you. As indicated above, installing a metal roof is a more complex process and therefore tends to be more expensive. This is because metal sheets require more skill during the process, which translates to more labour, time and manpower.
On the other hand, concrete roof tiles also come with their own complexities. They are heavier than their counterparts and must be handled with more care during the installation process. The additional time needed means a higher cost when compared to other roof materials like shingled roofs. However, when compared to metal roofs, concrete tiles are less expensive to install.
Material Cost for Metal vs. Concrete Tile Roof
The cost for metal roofing varies significantly because there are so many different options on the market and the price range is wide.
Even though concrete tile roofs also have a wide range in cost, metal sheets are generally more expensive than concrete tiles.
Versatility of Metal vs. Concrete
Both of these options are known for versatility and can be tailored to suit your preference. Metal roofs can be painted to resemble other roofing materials like wood or asphalt shingles.
There isn’t a great variety when it comes to the thickness or shape of a metal roof. Concrete also has a similar benefit in that it has plenty of versatility in style and colour.
Resistance to Fire and Extreme Weather
Metal is the superior choice when it comes to fire-resistant roof materials because it is non-combustible. It’s also categorized as Class A fire-resistant, meaning it is among the most fire-resistant materials on the market.
Concrete also offers fire resistance and can be modified to meet the standard of a Class A fire-resistant material, but concrete has a greater likelihood of burning in a fire than metal roofing – that is, if the concrete is exposed to the fire for a very long period of time.
Average Lifespan of Metal vs. Concrete
One of the disadvantages of metal is that metal roofing is prone to warping and denting due to the elements. This affects its lifespan and results in a shorter lifespan than concrete.
If proper maintenance is given, metal roofs can last up to 45 years. Concrete tile roofs come on top when it comes to lifespan. However, how long concrete tiles last is determined by the quality of the tiles and installation.
Contact Us
Both concrete and metal are great roofing materials you should consider for your home. Making a selection between two excellent choices can be hard to do, but that’s why we are here. Dream Roof is the team to hire for top-tier roofing services. We’re happy to provide lasting roofing solutions you can bank on. We’re ready to help you make the right choice for your home.
Contact us today with any questions you have and will be happy to assist you.