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Melbournians are blessed to live in a temperate, oceanic climate, with relatively warm summers and cool, slightly wet winters. Its location between hotter inland areas and the sea results in its unique, changeable weather that residents fondly describe as having “all the four seasons in a day.” Unpredictable weather changes mean that your roof has to be sturdy yet adaptable.

Factors To Keep In Mind

In general, choosing roofing material is almost completely governed by the climatic conditions of the area. Other important decisions are the strength of the material, durability, longevity, maintenance requirements, cost, shape and size, design and style, appearance, energy efficiency and local building regulations if any. 

Since the weather in Melbourne is so variable, any material you choose has to be able to withstand sudden changes and still function at optimum levels, look great and last long.

Popular options include shingles, clay or slate tiles, concrete, asphalt, wood, synthetic materials or metal. All these products have their own pros and cons. If you’re planning a renovation or new build, and looking for the best metal roof restoration company in the Melbourne area – contact First Class Roofing for more information. 

The Best Roofing Products : A Quick Overview

Several roofing products fit the bill when it comes to choosing the right one for Melbourne. A glance at the available roof coverings can help you compare and contrast their qualities and make the right choice. 

Concrete, Slate or Terracotta Tiles: Elegant, timeless and classical beauty makes these tiles a popular choice. They are fire-resistant, provide great insulation and energy efficiency. They give your building an exotic Mediterranean appeal, and are available in a wide selection of shapes, sizes and colors. With regular care and maintenance, they can last for decades. The downside of these products is that they are expensive, prone to breakage, heavy and need elaborate and heavy structural support. 

Asphalt : This is the most budget-friendly and lightweight choice if you want an easy and quick to install roofing solution. On the flip side, it is not long-lasting, is less durable, less energy efficient and is high maintenance. 

Colorbond Steel or Metal Roofing: Durable, lightweight, modern and highly versatile Colorbond steel or metal roofing is one of the most popular choices in Melbourne for both residential and commercial buildings. You can apply reflective coating to keep the interiors cool although this material itself is inherently energy efficient and provides excellent insulation. It can withstand high winds with proper installation. These roofs can handle weather changes comfortably since they are treated with corrosion resistant coatings. They are relatively low maintenance, fire resistant, long-lasting and environmentally friendly. You will find this option expensive and it needs to be installed by a trained, experienced professional.

Green or Living Roofing: These are roofs that are in part covered with plants or other growing vegetation. With climate change affecting many parts of the world, green roofs are becoming more popular. They provide sound and weather insulation, fresh air and oxygen, increase self-sustaining life possibilities (by growing your own vegetables or fruits), and are highly appealing aesthetically in densely urban areas. However, they are not easy to maintain, and require a high initial investment. You will need to be a gardening enthusiast with enough time and energy to spare on maintaining a green roof.