Homeowners have a number of choices when it comes to roofing materials and your final decision will mostly rely on the style of home you have chosen and what suits the design best. When weighing up your choices keep in mind how long the material can be expected to last and whether there are any specifications in relation to bushfire ratings within your local government area.

Another good question to ask is whether the materials are eco-friendly and are they made from a recycled product or able to be recycled at the end of their life cycle. Some factors that may limit your choices include the size and shape of the building, the slope of the roof and the type of framing you have chosen.

When choosing a colour for your roof remember that lighter colours will generally reflect heat better but lighter colours also stand out more which may draw unwanted visual attention to that area of the house. We generally recommend opting for a light to mid-light colour that will match with the other external fittings such as windows, brick work and cladding.

Metal roofs such as Zincalume and galvanised iron are a popular choice for those building contemporary or modern homes while corrugated steel tends to match with more traditional homes. But the range of range of colours available and new advances in building design mean these products are being applied across a wider variety of styles. Note: these roofing products will require additional insulation which should be added to the cost. Colorbond is available in a range of grades to suit different environments so be sure to ask your builder about which grade is required for your home.

Tiles are a traditional choice and have been used for decades for a simple reason: they work effectively and they look great. Homeowners now have a choice of fibre cement tiles, slate tiles, shingles (for the American-style homes), terracotta tiles and cement tiles. Each will have its own benefits when it comes to range of colours and styles as well as durability and longevity so it’s best to ask the advice of your building designer to understand which would be best for your home.

We invite you to join us for a coffee to chat about your new home and how we can help you choose a roof that suits your lifestyle and your home. Natura Homes employs a range of specialists who are experts in their field and can help you at every stage of the process.