Choosing and Installing Roof Tiles for Your Home
Roof tiles have been around for centuries, protecting homes from the elements. They are made from a range of roof tile materials including slate, clay (more commonly referred to as terracotta) and concrete. Your roof is not just a shelter but also a significant part of your home's architectural style. No matter the style of roof you’ve been dreaming about, the choice depends on various factors such as climate, budget, and the roof structure of your home.
Personalise your home with Roof Tiles
Roof tiles come in a range of beautiful colours, shapes, and sizes. At Monier, we offer a wide range of roof tile colours to suit different house designs. With our range of roof tile colours, you will be able to find roof tiles that perfectly match your home’s architectural style and your personal taste.
Installation and Maintenance
Having the best roof tiles is not enough. Roof installation should be done by professionals to ensure that the tiles are installed properly. Proper installation not only prolongs the life of your roof but also maximises the benefits of the roofing material you choose.
You can find a list of professional roofers here: https://www.monier.com.au/find-a-supplier/find-a-roofer
Diving into Roof Tile Materials
In the world of roof tiles, the material you choose plays an important role in determining not just the look but also the longevity and performance of your roof. Let’s briefly explore some popular roof tile materials.
Clay / Terracotta
Terracotta tiles, traditionally recognised for their reddish hue, have long been admired for their durability, fire-resistance, and ability to brave the Australian elements. However, Monier has reimagined this classic with an impressive collection of terracotta roof tiles in a diverse palette of timeless colours, designed to complement any style of home. Explore our range, including standout options like Mars and Comet, both boasting a contemporary metallic finish.
Monier offers terracotta roof tiles with a richness and depth of colour that will last a lifetime, ensuring the beauty, value and integrity of your home for decades to come. Over the years, with innovation and the following of design trends towards grey-tone tiles, Monier is proud to be able to offer a wide range of colours to suit any home’s aesthetic.
Concrete
A versatile and cost-effective alternative to clay, concrete roof tiles are made from a mixture of sand, cement, and water. They are fire-resistance and can be fashioned to resemble other materials like shingles or slate and are available in various colours and styles.
The Different Types of Roof Tiles
The Classic: Terracotta / Clay Roof Tiles
One of the oldest and most loved materials for roofing tiles is clay. Terracotta roof tiles, a type of clay tiles, have been cherished for their ability to retain their colour. Owing to their fire resistance and longevity, clay roofing tiles can be an excellent option for your home.
Terracotta, meaning “baked earth”, is a type of clay tile known for its reddish-brown, earthy colour, but as previously mentioned, there have been many innovations over the years and so many more colours available making your choices enviable!
New profiles are also designed and manufactured following new home design trends. Terracotta tiles are often seen with a curved surface, but flat roof tiles are also available in terracotta. These tiles are admired for their natural look and are often used in homes that have a traditional, heritage or federation architectural style.
Terracotta/Clay Roof Tiles are:
- Highly Durable: Clay tiles can last for several decades
- Fire Resistant: They are excellent in providing fire resistance
- Low Maintenance: They require relatively low maintenance compared to other roofing materials
Monier Terracotta Roof Tile Options
The Urban Shingle is the epitome of contemporary styling, delivering a flat and seamless design of premium quality. Featuring superior Terracotta characteristics, a selection of modern colours and a unique rolled nose, the Urban Shingle roof tile is perfectly suited to Hamptons and Mid-Century home designs.
The Nouveau brings a modern twist to a classic style. With clean lines, the latest in contemporary grey-tone palettes, and metallic finishes, the Nouveau is ideally suited to the sleek, ultra-modern facades of modern Australian homes.
Our French-inspired tile, the Marseille, offers practicality and simplicity for a classically styled roof. Durable, strong, and available in a wide range of grey-toned and natural clay colours, the Marseille offers an enduring look to complete any design.
Concrete Roof Tiles: A Versatile Option
Concrete roof tiles have gained popularity as an affordable durable option.
Concrete roof tiles and concrete roofing tiles - these terms are often used interchangeably. Whether you call them concrete roof tiles or concrete roofing tiles, these tiles are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. These tiles can be made to mimic other roofing materials, such as slate and shingle, making them quite versatile.
Concrete Tiles are:
- Versatile: They are able to be made to mimic other materials. Available in a variety of profiles to suit different home styles
- Durable: A long-lasting option for a solid roof
- Provide superior thermal and acoustic performance
- A more affordable tiling option
Monier Concrete Roof Tile Options
Monier has two collections of concrete tiles, both collections are made in Australia and offer different tiles to suit your homes design and budget.
The Monier Premium Collection
Offers a diverse palette of colours and distinctive profiles, architects and homeowners alike can find a seamless fit for every design vision.
Madison is best described as 'Sophisticated’. Featuring a centre shadow line that radiates elegance and enhances its aesthetic appeal, the Madison is an unashamedly minimalist, stylish tile. The Madison tile replicates the shingle look and is the best tile to choose if you want the shingle style.
With its 'hewn stone' finish, Cambridge is the perfect choice to replicate a classic slate look. Its unique, elegant style immaculately complements both contemporary and traditional architecture.
Horizon is the ultimate flat profile flawlessly designed to deliver a streamlined style that integrates seamlessly with contemporary architecture. It is available in an extensive range of inspirational colours formulated to enhance the look of any home.
The Monier Classic Collection
Offers a more traditional range of profile with a wide selection of colours that will enhance any Australian home.
Atura tiles are exceptionally versatile with a timeless and enduring look, the Atura retains an authentic charm that perfectly complements contemporary and classic Australian homes.
With geometric, defined lines, the Tudor roof tile is the perfect choice for both traditional and modern home designs. Available in 5 breathtaking colours and designed for a variety of roof pitches, the Tudor profile offers an aesthetic style with outstanding performance. VIC, SA and TAS only.
Experience endless versatility with Elabana's perfect combination of traditional aesthetics and exceptional performance. Available in a wide range of colours to suit homes of every style.
Weighing the Options: Crucial Factors in Choosing Roof Tiles
Ensure that you make the most well-informed decision when selecting roof tiles for your tiled roof by taking the following factors into account:
Budget and Cost Considerations
When thinking about installing a tile roof, your budget is one of the first things to consider. It's essential to weigh the upfront costs against the long-term value. For example, while a clay roof tile might be more expensive initially, its durability and low maintenance may make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Climate Compatibility
In areas prone to heavy rainfall, it's crucial to have materials that efficiently channel water away, reducing the risk of leaks. This is where the design and finish of concrete and terracotta tiles come into play, as they can be crafted to shed water effectively.
The region's temperature profile is equally significant. For those residing in warmer zones, terracotta tiles are a standout choice because of their natural ability to reflect sunlight and reduce heat absorption. This can help keep your home cooler. On the other hand, for chillier areas, concrete tiles, being denser, might offer a bit more insulating capability, helping to retain warmth inside the home. Both types of tiles can help improve the energy efficiency of your home.
Colour Matters
Beyond material type, the colour of your roof tiles can influence their performance in different climates. Lighter colours tend to reflect more sunlight and can be ideal for hot regions, ensuring the home remains cooler. In contrast, darker hues can absorb more heat, which might be beneficial in colder areas, aiding in keeping the home warm. Both concrete and terracotta tiles come in a variety of shades, allowing homeowners to choose based on both aesthetics and functionality.
Assessing Roof Structure
Roof Pitch
The pitch of your roof is another structural aspect to consider. Certain tiles are better suited for steeper pitched roofs, while others are ideal for more shallow roof pitches. Our Terracotta Nouveau for example can go as low as 12 degrees while most of our concrete tiles can be used as low as 15 degrees. Consideration needs to be given to the rafter length, wind speed, terrain category and the tiles profile.
Aesthetic Appeal and Architectural Style
Creating a harmonious look that complements the architectural style of your home is an essential factor in selecting roof tiles.
Traditional vs. Modern
The architectural style of your home is another factor to consider. For instance, if your home has a more traditional architectural style, you might want to consider using a clay roof tile which adds a classic touch. On the flip side, for a more modern look, concrete tiles can be used to achieve clean lines and a contemporary finish.
Colour and Texture
The aesthetics of a home is greatly influenced by the colour and texture of its roof. A roof's colour can either complement or contrast the main body of a home, creating a harmonious facade or a striking statement. Texture, on the other hand, gives depth and character, transforming a plain roof into a captivating one. Together, the right blend of colour and texture can not only elevate the beauty of a home but also significantly boost its value.
Environmental Considerations
Roof tiles not only have impressive thermal performance, but they also have long life and can be recycled or reused after they have lived out their life on your home.
Local Regulations and Codes
Lastly, always check the local building codes and regulations. Some areas have specific requirements or restrictions on the types of materials you can use for your roof.
Horizon concrete tile in Salt Spray is only available in QLD and parts of Northern NSW.
The Best Option for Your Home
Choosing the right tiles for your roof requires a thorough evaluation of various factors including budget, climate, roof structure, aesthetic preferences, environmental impact, and local regulations. Whether you choose clay roof tiles or another material, ensuring that it is in sync with these factors will result in a durable, visually appealing, and efficient roof for your lovely home.
Monier - Over 100 years of Roofing Experience
At Monier, we understand the importance of finding the perfect roofing solution that meets all your requirements. Our wide range of high-quality roof tiles caters to diverse needs and preferences, providing you with options that combine durability, style, and sustainability.
Connect with our Monier roofing specialists who can guide you through the selection process, providing personalised recommendations based on your specific requirements. They will answer any questions you may have, ensuring that you make an informed decision for your home.
You can also order a tile sample to experience the quality and aesthetics of our tiles first hand, or you can download our comprehensive look-book to explore our range of designs, colours, and styles.
Give your home the perfect crowning touch with Monier roof tiles. Find a Monier roofing specialist near you today!
