Melbourne’s borders have been expanding for decades, with Metropolitan Melbourne now covering an enormous area from Whittlesea in the North to Portsea in the South and the Yarra Valley in the East to Melton in the West. Each region comes with its own geographical and climatic conditions and challenges. Beachside towns around Port Phillip Bay from Altona to Portsea have to deal with strong winds and sea spray, the Dandenong Ranges and Yarra Valley are surrounded by trees and are susceptible to bushfires in the harsh Summer and snow in the freezing Winter, and the city’s North-West endures drier conditions than any other region.
Melbourne is usually referred to by its residents as having four seasons in one day, but climatic shifts are making weather patterns in the city and its surrounding suburbs even less predictable. Climate plays an important role in the decision of choosing roofing materials and how long said materials may last. For example, Colorbond® steel is usually a great option, regardless of climate and location, but it may be the absolute best option in regions that carry a bushfire risk, due to the fact that the steel has been tested against fire and extreme heat. Terracotta tiles on the other hand are susceptible to moss and lichen, so they may not be well suited to wetter regions, however, they may be a great option for cooler, drier regions, due to their ability to regulate thermal energy.
Each of the major roofing materials used in Melbourne has its own pros, cons, and life expectancy. Cement tiles, terracotta tiles and Colorbond® steel are the most commonly used of these materials. Each can last for decades, depending on the climate and how well they are maintained, but generally speaking, cement tiles require the most maintenance, while Colorbond® requires the least. Depending on how well a roof is looked after by the owner of the home, you can get about 20-30 years out of tiled roofs before they need a major restoration, but up to 50 years out of Colorbond®.
Life in Melbourne presents unique opportunities and challenges when it comes to roofing. The city and its surrounds are constantly growing, with Melbourne now being the fastest growing major city in Australia. The building industry has also evolved with the city. Prior to the early 1980’s, many builders used asbestos as a building material, which we now know to be extremely toxic when accidentally inhaled or ingested. This is another consideration that Melburnians must consider when having their roof restored. It is always best to hire a professional roofing company that knows Melbourne and roof restoration inside and out to take on your roof works.
Top Glaze Roofing Systems® are a licensed and experienced roofing company that have been servicing Melbourne and its surrounding suburbs since 1987. To organise a professional assessor to come out and provide a free no obligation roof report and quote for all your roofing needs, call 1800 88 77 98 anytime.