Roof Types: Advantages and Disadvantages in Newcastle Roof Repairs

If you’re planning on building your own home here, thinking of buying one, or getting a roof replacement for your current home, consider the type of roof it will have. This is important since you may or may not be willing to inspect it as often as needed, or pay too much (or too often) for roof repairs in Newcastle, etc. In this blog, we’ll go over some common roof types used in Australia. Now, the purpose of a roof is to shelter those inside the building from the elements. Functional and aesthetically pleasing, a roof prevents dirt, trash and water from entering the dwelling, and keeps it structurally sound.The roof style you’re considering should complement the rest of the structure, and take into account the climate and topography, the possibility and frequency of natural disasters occurring. It will have to comply with Aussie building codes and your specific council’s requirements, as well. There’s a big push by the government encouraging potential homeowners to favour energy-efficient or sustainable homes when purchasing, building a new one, etc. These considerations will help you decide the best roof type for your home.Newcastle conditions to keep in mindNewcastle, NSW is classified by the NCC as climate zone 7 – that is cool temperate. According to the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), of the more than 450,000 residences (or dwellings) in NSW, nearly 40% use concrete roofs, and 29% have metal clad roofs. While 12.4% of homes here have tiled roofs, 12.7% use some other type, and the roof type of another 6% (about 28,800 homes) is unknown. What implications does this have for your chosen roof style?7 roof types found in AustraliaHere are the most popular or common types of roofs (barring the green roof) found in Australia:

• Gabled or Peaked Roof
• Flat Roof
• Butterfly Roof
• Skillion Roof
• Curved Roof
• Green Roof
• Hipped Roof

What roof type should you choose for your home? Keep in mind that any roof will require regular maintenance to avoid more costly fixes later one. If your roof has shingles missing or broken, call us for roof repairs (in Newcastle, NSW). We advise the same when it comes to leaks: get your leaking roof repaired before the problem exacerbates. Let’s go over the advantages and disadvantages of the roof types listed above.Roof construction and material, advantages and disadvantages

1. Gabled or Peaked Roof – This is the classic triangular roof, made up of two steep planes that connect at the top in a ridge, that allows you attic space. Less expensive, and easier to construct than a hipped roof, a gabled roof is cost-effective, easy to restore, good for regions that get a lot of snowfall, and not recommended for windy regions.

It can be constructed of metal, concrete tiles, terra cotta tiles, and most other roofing materials. However, you’ll need to call a roofer for roof leak repairs several times a year just to be sure there are no leaks, and if they are, to repair them.

1. Flat roof – This type is popular in modern residences and has a slight pitch to it so that water doesn’t gather on it. It’s inexpensive and easy to build, but more difficult to maintain than other roofs since someone has to remove the debris that can gather on it. The roofing material can be cement or different types of metals. This roof type isn’t suitable for areas that see a lot of rainfall because it only has a slight pitch to it.
2. Green roof – This is a relatively new flat or pitched roof style, and aids in lowering urban air temperatures. It is either partially or fully covered with plants growing on a soil-covered, water-proof diaphragm. It can provide insulation, absorb rainwater and redirect it.
3. Butterfly roof – This is an expensive roof to construct, install, and maintain. A type of skillion roof, it somewhat resembles a butterfly with its wings slight spread out. Basically, it’s formed of two skillion roofs with a box gutter going down the middle. The box gutter is expensive and performs the functions of a gutter system and downspout.
4. Skillion roof – a popular choice for modern homes, this type of roof has only one flat surface that’s steep and has an obvious pitch. You can install solar panels on it. If constructed with durable, weather-resistant roofing material, this roof type lasts longer than other flat types.

The roofing material for this roof type makes use of metal finishing or rubber skins. Rainwater can easily slide off a skillion roof, making it easier to maintain than other flat roofs. This roof type adds a level of sophistication to a home.

1. Curved roof – Such a roof type is often found on houses in Australia’s coastal regions. It has a thicker base, a rounder appearance, and is costly and hard to install and repair. These roofs are usually made of advanced coated steel in (corrugated or bullnose roof sheets) modern houses.

Great for innovative design, corrosion-resistant, and durable, unfortunately, a curved roof is also difficult and expensive to maintain. It requires you to regularly check for debris that might otherwise damage the entire roof structure.

1. Hipped roof – Extremely popular in the Land Down Under, hipped roofs are structurally robust and comprise of three or more pitched planes connected at the top by a ridge. All these planes slope downwards and connect to the walls of the house with horizontal joints.

This type of roof usually has eaves and a gutter that runs around the roof in a continuous strip. These roofs are usually made of steel, or concrete tiles or terracotta tiles, and can be used in any climate. Since they can resist strong winds, they are most useful in windy, cyclone-prone regions or coastal areas. Hunterline Roofing can create a custom roof that meets your specific needs and budget. We offer a host of construction services, including guttering and roof repairs in Newcastle, NSW. Contact us on 0411 575 866 today to request a quote, or fill out a web form. We’ll get back to you at the earliest!

At Hunterline Roofing, we offer roofing services to Newcastle & hunter valley the greater Hunter region, relating to the repair, replacement and installation of a wide selection of traditional and modern roofing solutions.