Comparing Concrete and Terracotta Tiles for Your Roof

When it comes to the roofing of your house, there is too much to choose from, and it can often be overwhelming. You want something that will be elegant, strong, and, naturally, worth the money. Two popular choices are concrete and terracotta roof tiles. Each has its advantages, and both can change the appearance of your house and help you endure bad weather. But which of them is more beneficial for you? 

In this article, we will differentiate concrete and terracotta roof tiles Melbourne head to head, considering each characteristic so that you can understand what kind of roofing is going to be the perfect fit for you.

What Are The Common Differences Between Concrete And Terracotta Roofing Tiles?

Overhead View 

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete tiles are roofing products made from a process where concrete is mixed with cement, sand, and water moulds. They are moulded into specific shapes, dried, and cured to harden the tiles. Usually, they are applied with a special coat or glaze that enhances their durability or resistance to weather elements. Concrete roof tiles are flexible in scope as they can be coated to mimic other roofing materials, for instance, clay tiles or even slates, and they come in varieties of colours.

Terracotta Roof Tiles

The term terracotta, meaning ‘cooked earth’ in Italian, comes from the use of natural clay, which is then shaped and heated in a kiln. This method results in the typical reddish brown of terracotta roof tiles. However, other colours can be produced by incorporating different materials in the clay before firing. Terracotta tiles Melbourne have a long history and are beautiful because of their earthy elegance.

Look and Aesthetic Value

Concrete Tiles

This is also very versatile because concrete can be produced in various shapes, sizes, and styles. They can be found in solid colours such as neutral grey and brown to bold red and green. Some concrete roof tiles Melbourne resemble clay or wood, thus offering homeowners a large range of design options. However, the colours used on concrete tiles fade quickly, especially if it is exposed to direct sunlight.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta gives a warm, earthy look that makes the homes appear Mediterranean or Southwestern. The traditional red-brown colour of terracotta tiles works very well with natural landscapes and lasts because it is a naturally pigmented material. Concrete does not offer the variety of colours that terracotta does, but the earth tones of concrete do not fade much after many years of sunlight exposure.

Durability

Concrete Tiles

Concrete is rigid and will last easily from 30 to 50 years or more with proper care. It's a bit porous, though, so it sucks up the water and will crack with frost. Modern sealers cut this down somewhat, but the seals wear off and must be reapplied over time. Concrete tiles will also erode surfaces in extreme weather and fade with age.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta is incredibly strong and, surprisingly, can last from 50 to 100 years or even longer. For this reason, it is regarded as one of the most long-lasting roofing materials. This is because terracotta is fired under extreme heat and therefore is very resistant to high moisture and temperature variations. Tempting as it may be, terracotta tiles can also be very brittle, significantly when stepped on hence, great care should be taken

Weight and Protection of Structures

Concrete Tiles

Concrete roof tiles often weigh more than terracotta, and therefore, some additional support will be necessary in almost all instances where there has been a switch from a different roofing material, such as asphalt shingles. There is an additional cost of installation attributed to this because the roof structure may have to be reinforced to accommodate the extra weight.

Terracotta Tiles

Terracotta is heavy as well but it tends to be less dense compared to concrete. That said, you will still have to make sure that the walls and roof of your home can bear the weight. Similar to using concrete, modifications on the building framework can be imposed for terracotta tiles Melbourne but in most instances, not to the same extent.

Energy Efficient

Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles possess a certain degree of thermal mass, which enables them to store heat by day and release it back at night. This is an advantage for keeping houses warm during the cold season, whereas, in hotter regions, it may present a challenge when cooling. Most concrete tiles, when used in construction, are coated with reflective finishes for energy efficiency purposes.

Terracotta Roof Tiles

It is no surprise that terracotta has excellent insulation properties. Almost all traditional terracotta roof tiles offer a better cooling system. The material, very organic in nature, along with the design of the tile that has a slope, allows the hot air out – thus keeping the houses quite cool during scorching summers. This feature makes terracotta one of the Best roof tiles Australia.

Expenses

Concrete Tiles

Concrete roof tiles Melbourne are considerably cheaper in price as compared to terracotta. For the most part, when installed, they range from ten to twenty dollars per square foot, together with the cost of labour, style, colour, and region, among other factors. However, cost-effective and long-lasting as it is, concrete may not be the best option, as it is prone to wear out faster and thus requires more repairs than terracotta.

Terracotta Tiles

In contrast, terracotta roof tiles Melbourne tends to be pricier, measuring at around twenty to thirty dollars per square foot installed. This cost can be attributed to the innate properties of terracotta and the resultant beauty. This is more costly over time but terracotta does not require much maintenance and given its durability, it may be a sensible option in the end.

Final Thoughts: How to Make the Right Choice

In case you are after a more reasonable roof that comes in various designs, shapes, and colours, you'll find concrete tiles a better choice if all aspects are to be considered. They are long-lasting, reasonably priced, and can provide several aesthetics. Do keep in mind, however, that such roofs may need extra attention and would tend to wear off.

But if you want an upscale solution that is worth the price for its timeless beauty, tile roofing made of terracotta is quite challenging to replace. They do not lose colour in hot weather and do not require much care, but they are expensive.

Both systems are beneficial to some extent, and the decision rests purely on the budget aesthetics and the climatic conditions. With long-lasting roofing materials, the end product will be aesthetically pleasing and durable roofing that will last for many decades.