Why this decision comes up so often
Walk around almost any Perth suburb built in the second half of the twentieth century and you will see row after row of concrete tile roofs on double-brick houses, with terracotta mixed in. Many of those roofs are now old enough that the ridge capping has cracked, tiles have become porous and leaks have started appearing in winter. At the same time, newer houses nearby are going up with COLORBOND steel.
So when it is time to replace a tired roof, the natural question is whether to stay with tiles or move to steel. Below we compare the two across the things that matter most in Perth.
Round one: weight and structure
Steel sheeting is a fraction of the weight of tiles. That has a few practical effects:
- Moving from tiles to steel takes load off the frame, which can help on older homes with tired timber.
- Moving from steel to tiles may mean checking, and sometimes strengthening, the frame.
- Lighter material is quicker to lift and install, which usually shortens the time on site.
Tiles' weight is not all bad. It helps them sit firmly, and some people simply like the solid feel of a tiled house.
Edge: steel, especially on older frames or extensions.
Round two: heat and energy
Perth summers are long, hot and bright. Lighter COLORBOND colours with Thermatech solar-reflectance technology reflect a good share of the sun's energy, and steel cools quickly once the sun goes down. Tiles absorb heat and release it slowly, which can keep the roof space warm into the evening.
That said, what sits under the roof matters a great deal. A steel roof with no roof blanket can feel hot under the ceiling; a tile roof with good sarking, insulation and roof-space ventilation can perform well. Our guides to roof underlayment and insulation and roof ventilation in Perth explain how these layers work together.
Edge: roughly even, with colour and insulation deciding most of the result.
Round three: noise
Rain on bare steel is louder than rain on tiles. A properly installed roof blanket and ceiling insulation reduce this considerably. If you work night shifts, have a bedroom under a low ceiling or simply enjoy quiet, raise this with your roofer.
Edge: tiles, though the gap narrows with good insulation.
Round four: wind, rain and storms
Perth's winter cold fronts arrive with strong north-westerly then south-westerly winds and heavy showers, and summer can bring the odd thunderstorm with hail. Both materials cope when installed well:
- Steel sheets are long, with fewer joins, and rely on correct screw spacing and well-sealed flashings.
- Tiles rely on correct fixing and sound ridge capping; poorly bedded ridges are a common source of leaks and storm damage.
Hail can dent steel and crack tiles. After any big storm, it is worth a look from the ground for lifted sheets, slipped tiles or displaced ridge capping.
Edge: even; workmanship is the deciding factor.
Round five: low pitches and modern designs
Tiles need a minimum roof pitch to shed water. Steel can go much flatter, which is why skillion and low-slope roofs on modern Perth homes are nearly always steel. If you are extending or changing the roof shape, steel opens up more options.
Edge: steel.
Round six: coastal and bushfire conditions
Near the coast, salt-laden sea breezes are hard on metal. Steel close to breaking surf needs a grade suited to severe marine conditions, and BlueScope publishes guidance on matching product to environment. Fixings and flashings need to suit the exposure too. Tiles are less affected by salt, though their fixings and flashings still need care.
In bushfire-prone areas mapped by DFES, such as parts of the Perth Hills, new work may need to meet a Bushfire Attack Level under AS 3959. Both steel and tiles can be used, but sarking, ember protection and how gaps are sealed matter. Check requirements with your local government early.
Edge: tiles near the beach unless the right steel grade is used; even in bushfire areas when built to the rules.
Round seven: maintenance
| Task | COLORBOND steel | Concrete or terracotta tile |
|---|---|---|
| Ridge capping | Fixed steel capping, rarely needs attention | Mortar needs re-bedding and re-pointing over time |
| Surface wear | Paint finish lasts well; wash sheltered areas | Concrete tile surface erodes and becomes porous |
| Broken pieces | Dents rather than breaks | Cracked tiles need replacing individually |
| Moss and lichen | Uncommon | Common in shady areas on older tiles |
| Walking on it | Possible with care | Easy to crack tiles underfoot |
Whatever you choose, keeping gutters and valleys clear before winter makes a big difference. Our seasonal roof maintenance tips set out a simple routine.
Edge: steel for lower upkeep.
Round eight: looks and the street
This is personal. Tiles suit many established Perth streets and heritage-style homes. Steel suits modern designs and comes in a wide colour range, from pale greys to deep charcoals. Some estates and heritage areas have guidelines on roof colour or material, so check before you settle on a choice.
What changes when you switch from tiles to steel
Converting a tiled roof to COLORBOND steel is one of the most common re-roofs in Perth, and the work follows a fairly predictable path. Knowing what is involved helps you compare quotes on equal terms.
- Tiles come off. Old tiles and ridge capping are stripped, usually a section at a time so the house is not left open.
- Battens are checked. Tile battens are spaced differently from steel battens, so new battens or extra battens are often fitted, and any rotten timber is replaced.
- Underlay goes down. A roof blanket or sarking is laid to manage heat, noise and condensation.
- Sheets and flashings are fixed. New sheets are screwed down, with valley iron, hip and ridge capping, and wall and chimney flashings made to suit.
- Gutters and downpipes are reviewed. Many owners replace them at the same time so everything matches and drains properly.
Ask each roofer to spell out which of these steps their quote includes. Gaps between quotes are often explained by battens, insulation or gutters rather than the sheeting itself.
So which should you choose?
Steel tends to make most sense if you:
- want lower ongoing maintenance;
- have an older frame you would rather not load up;
- have, or want, a low-pitch or skillion roof;
- are happy to use a roof blanket to manage noise and heat.
Tiles tend to make most sense if you:
- want to keep the look of a traditional brick home or match the street;
- live close to the ocean and prefer not to manage steel grades;
- value quiet in heavy rain;
- have a frame designed for a tiled roof.
Cost depends heavily on roof size, access, the condition of battens and frame, and whether asbestos is involved, so it is hard to generalise. Our roof replacement cost guide explains the main factors.
Talk it through with a local roofer
Seeing your roof in person is the best way to settle the steel-or-tile question. Roofing Perth can arrange a free on-site quote from an independent local contractor through our COLORBOND roofing or tile replacement services. Get in touch here.