Is It Time To Replace Your Old Terracotta Roof Tiles with Colorbond Steel? 

If you own or live in a building with a terracotta roof, it has probably lasted you a good number of years. These roofs are known to even outlast their original builders and there are instances where terracotta tiled roofs have made their way into a century. The caveat is that they do need constant care and tiles have to be replaced as often as they get broken or cracked. 

With these factors in mind, there is an ongoing debate about whether terracotta roofs are a good investment compared to other roofing products such as Colorbond steel, asphalt, wood or concrete. To put things into perspective it’s good to know the pros and cons of terracotta before we do the comparison.

You can find more information about replacing a tile roof with colorbond at First Class Roofing

Terracotta Tiled Roofs: What’s Good and What’s Not

With their unmistakable brick-red coloring, terracotta roofs are no doubt one of the most attractive looking roofing options available. They are made from natural clay that is mixed with water, kneaded smooth, pressed into molds, dried and then baked in a super-hot furnace. Different additives are used to give color variations, and you can get grey or blackish tiles, or a combination of grey, red and black with a marbled effect. 

Tiles can also be hand-shaped and baked, but this would make them much more expensive. They can be painted in the color of your choice. There are plenty of sizes, shapes and qualities that you can opt for. 

On the plus side, terracotta roofing is highly durable and though you may have to replace damaged or cracked tiles, this product is long-lasting. It gives a cooling effect to the building, is aesthetically pleasing, and blends with almost any architectural style. They give your building a timeless, classic look. Terracotta roofing is easy to repair and clean. It is fire and UV-ray resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions. 

However, building owners do find that on the flip side, terracotta roofing is heavy, and needs very sturdy structural support. Wooden rafters usually form the framework of the roof on which these tiles are made. This raises the costs and the maintenance requirements significantly. 

Terracotta doesn’t come cheap as they are now seen as a luxury item. They need specialized labor to install and the work is time-consuming. You may not find the right workers for this project as this is a fast vanishing skill. The tile color tends to fade over time giving the structure a shabby and neglected look. Painting or color washing has to be done regularly to maintain the gorgeous appearance. Terracotta tends to attract algae, moss or fungi build-up especially in wet weather. Loose tiles can become a breeding ground for pests and vermin. This can also pose a safety issue, as it enables easy entry into the building via the roof. 

Replace Terracotta Roof With Colorbond: A Better Choice?

Colorbond steel roofs have been gaining huge popularity across Australia in recent years. They have been tested rigorously for more than 50 years,  in Australian weather conditions. Made from a tough base material of good quality steel, a pre-painted layer of anti-corrosion products in different colors is then applied. Other layers such as PVDF resin may be applied for use in harsh weather conditions. 

Building owners have a choice of more than 20 different colors to choose from. They are lightweight, durable and weather resistant, fire resistant and backed by modern technology. With a coating of reflective paint, they increase the thermal efficiency of your building and lower your energy bills significantly. 

These roofs are low maintenance, quick and easy to install, and easy to clean. Colorbond steel can be recycled and repurposed so it is also eco-friendly. There is a manufacturer warranty for up to 25 years against workmanship and material defects. 

Time to Replace Terracotta Roof with Colorbond?

If your terracotta roof is severely damaged or is not efficient or safe enough, it certainly has to be replace terracotta roof with colorbond. This is the first priority in terms of safety of occupants and property in the building. 

Signs to Replace Terracotta Roof with Colorbond:

1. Structural damage: If the roof is sagging or it looks warped or lopsided, you need to address the issue immediately to avoid a safety crisis. Terracotta is heavy and can put a huge weight on the rafters and walls. Wooden rafters may rot or be attacked by pests, making them incapable of supporting the roof. 
2. Broken, Missing or Cracked Tiles: If your roof is older than 20-25 years, there’s a fair chance that you may have already replaced, restored or repaired it a few times. Broken and cracked tiles are a safety issue as they may work loose and drop on people and animals causing serious injuries. It may be a good idea to replace the entire roof rather than invest in piecemeal repairs. 
3. High Energy Bills: One of the first signs that your roof isn’t doing its job is higher energy bills. Gaps in the roof allow air to escape or enter the building due to lack of thermal insulation. Your HVAC system has to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature inside, and your bills will spiral out of control. 
4. Puddles and Pooling: Water may collect in sagging portions, leading to leakage, growth of algae, moss, fungus or wild plants. 
5. Leakage: If the roof is not in good condition, rainwater can leak through. You may also notice damp patches on the ceiling or upper walls with growth of mold. Colorbond steel does not allow such growth and leaks in this product may be due to faults in installation or joints. 
6. Decramastic Tiles: Many older Australian homes have terracotta roofs with parts that are made of decramastic tiles. These are metal tiles shaped and colored to resemble terracotta and considered to be a cheaper alternative to terracotta. However, they are flimsy, lightweight and get corroded easily. If  you have these products on your roof, it’s time to replace them. 
7. Rusty or rotten roofing components: Fascias, gutters, fasteners and joints may rust or rot, leading to structural instability. Since these have to be replaced, it may be cheaper in the long run to replace terracotta roof with colorbond.

Once you notice these signs, it’s wiser not to delay replace terracotta roof with Colorbond steel one.