Most re-roofing jobs start with a problem, not a plan. Tiles crack, sheets rust through, or an inspection turns up something nobody wanted to find. On older Australian homes that something is often asbestos cement sheeting. Asbestos roof removal and replacement is one of the more common reasons owners end up choosing a new roof material from scratch. The old roof has to come off, and a licensed removalist has to handle it. After that comes the same question every re-roof faces: what goes on instead?
On residential work in Australia, the three main options are sheet metal, concrete tiles and terracotta tiles. Each has its place. The right choice depends less on looks than most people expect. It depends more on the building underneath, the local climate and how long the owner plans to stay.
Start with the structure
Before comparing colours, check what the frame can carry. Tiles are heavy, and metal sheeting weighs a fraction as much. Going from tiles to metal is rarely a structural issue, and it can take load off an ageing frame. Going from sheet roofing to tiles is different. A builder or engineer usually needs to confirm the rafters and battens can take the extra weight. Sometimes ...