Queensland’s subtropical climate gives us our glorious blue sky weather and our warm summers, but our summers can also be grueling with long, hot sunny days, and a strong sun beating down on your roof, making you want to take cover indoors to escape the heat of the day. Your roof gives you that escape, and your choice in roofing material, colour, and sealants will impact how cool your house stays in the heat of summer. Make your home more energy-efficient and cut down your electric bill by choosing the right roof. Not only will you tone down the blazing heat of summer inside your home, but you can also enjoy a warmer house in the winter.
Choosing the type of roofing and colour for your property should go beyond preferences or aesthetics, it should match the climate of the area where you live in because your choice in roofing affects your home’s thermoregulation. In this article, we will explore the types of roofing available to you and what you need to consider when choosing your roofing in a hot climate like ours.
Roof Material
In choosing the roofing material suited for our hot Queensland summers, it’s best to opt for materials that would reflect heat, instead of absorbing it.
Historically, terracotta tiles are a very popular choice of roofing material, and they continue to dominate today’s streetscape. Chosen not only for their natural and aesthetic value, terracotta is an effective cooling agent for your roof. Considered one of the best options for homes, terracotta tiles are unmatched in durability and can withstand a lot of external factors. Some tiled roofs could even last for over a century, if well maintained! The tiles themselves have even been known to outlast the supporting beams! Though tiled roof installation may take a little longer and is more labour intensive than metal sheeting, the benefits you can get from terracotta tiles are worth it. But there are also some downsides to it as not all homes are designed to carry the weight of the roof tiling. Terracotta roof tiles need stronger structural support. If you have the budget to invest, consider choosing terracotta tiles for your roofing material.
Concrete tiles are a cheaper option for those who are looking for terracotta alternatives. They are durable too, but compared to terracotta, they need more supervision in handling as they are way more fragile. They are also eco-friendly because they don’t really need much attention when it comes to maintaining. The material itself is pretty durable, having been certified as Class A in fire resistance and is built to withstand strong winds. As a material, concrete has a higher moisture absorption rate than terracotta, which could lead into mildew and algae growth in the cavities of cement tile roofs, and will result in the need for constant maintenance. Terracotta doesn’t require as much maintenance and is the choice tile when it comes to durability.
Lastly, metal roofing may be the most conventional for every home as it is readily available. It is also now a crowd favourite for its fast cooling properties, versatility, and installation speed. Metal roofing is more UV reflective than tiled roofs, helping keep your energy bills low all year round. Generally, metal roofing also requires less maintenance than tiles as metal is harder wearing than tiles, making it ideal for the strong wind and heavy rain in the storm season. Colorbond is the most popular type of metal roofing and comes in a wide range of colour choices.
The colour of your roof matters
Roof materials are built differently, not only by features but also by design. Keep in mind that colours play a big part in thermoregulating your home. For a cooler home, it is recommended to choose lighter colours for your roofing as there is less heat absorption than with darker shades, even on the hottest of days. Lighter coloured roofs are mostly designed to reflect the sunlight and heat instead of absorbing it directly. A light coloured roof, in combination with other technologies such as insulation and added membrane coatings would definitely go a long way in keeping your house cool and energy bills low.
The most energy efficient roof colours are:
- Shades of white (there will be more cleaning required with this colour choice)
- Light tan
- Light grey
- Light blue
Roof coatings that reflect the sun’s rays
In addition to choosing the appropriate roof colour, and the combination of an added layer of protection like roof coatings, this forms a strong membrane that will help extend the life or your roof system. Without a durable coating, being exposed to the elements will lead to faster deterioration and damage to your roofing materials. Sooner or later, it will be taxing on your electricity bill also. Again, keep in mind to talk to the roof restoration team, as not all roof coatings would be suitable for roof materials.
Be on the lookout for roof sealants that provide UV coverage and protection. One example would be ethylene propylene diene monomer. This synthetic material is widely used for buildings and automotive industry, known for its durability. Many industries like automotive companies, boat companies, playgrounds, and more. The advantages of using this kind of sealant are it is both for commercial and residential spaces, lasts a long time, and lightweight. It also withstands different kinds of weather. The material is also efficient in installation, as it takes less time to be installed.
To top it off…
Whether you’re a terracotta fan or a Colorbond fan, we know that all you want is to stay cool during our blazing summers and enjoy peace of mind knowing you’ve made a wise decision in your roofing material, not only during summers, but all year round. With the unpredictable weather Queensland experiences, it’s best to invest in high quality roofing materials that will protect you and your family from these elements. Opt for roofing materials that will aid in your home’s thermoregulation, which enables you to be comfortable all the while keeping your energy bills low.
Recent Comments