Monier Roofing has developed a new guide to help homeowners select the
right roofing tile to suit their home’s architectural style.
The home is probably the single biggest investment most people will make
in their lives. Visually, the roof accounts for 30% of the facade, contributing
significantly to the overall appeal of the home. Serving both functional and
aesthetic objectives, the roof plays a major role in improving the home’s
performance, energy efficiency and overall appearance.
Be it a new construction or a renovation, ensuring the correct style of
roof for the home is crucial in maintaining its design aesthetic and appeal.
Monier Roofing’s new roofing guide serves as a ready reckoner for homeowners to
match their roof style to the right roof tile with options on profile, colour
and budget.
The timelessness of terracotta tiles has led to their widespread use in
the evolving architectural styles of Australian homes right from the late 1800s
through to the present. The Federation period homes built from 1890 to 1915
featured complex roof forms for the first time; one of the most popular styles
of the Federation period was the Federation Queen Anne, characterised by
steeply pitched roofs made of terracotta tiles or slate with extensive
decorative embellishments, which included terracotta ridge cappings, finials,
dragons and gargoyles.
The Edwardian style of architecture, another from the Federation period and
popular between 1901 and WW1 is easily recognised by the square shape of the
roof made from terracotta tiles or slate.
Australian homes built between 1915 and 1940 were influenced by American
architects and were usually freestanding single-storey houses with informal
lawns and gardens, also known as Californian Bungalow houses. A low-pitched
gabled roof emphasising horizontal lines covered with terracotta tiles was a
design highlight of these homes.
Australians were also influenced by the Old English style of architecture,
which included textured red or ‘tapestry’ multi-coloured brickwork,
dark-stained half timbering laid over brickwork, Gothic or Tudor styles
sandstone trims to major doors and windows, centred or flattened ‘Tudor’
arches, steeply pitched terracotta tiled roofs and diagonal shaped chimney
stacks with multiple ribs and elaborate stepped tops.
The Spanish influence, which pervaded Australian architecture from 1925
to 1939, had a true terracotta tile focus on the roof.
Concrete roof tiles began to make an appearance in the 1950s, reflecting
the financial limitations, material shortages and building restrictions in the
years following World War II.
Regardless of the architectural style, there will be a Monier roof tile to
complement the design and ensure a striking facade for years to come.
Terracotta roof tiles are a great investment decision for their
inherent, long-lasting and quality features. Adding value to any home, terracotta
roof tiles possess lasting strength, durability and aesthetics, and also
enhance the marketability of the home. Terracotta is, therefore the wisest
choice in any roof replacement or re-roofing project, besides being the best
option for long term low maintenance.
Key qualities of terracotta tiles include superior thermal insulation,
keeping the home comfortable all year round with great energy savings; excellent
acoustic insulation, keeping unwanted noise out; resistance to frost and ice,
eliminating any warping; ability to endure wind, spray and salt in marine
environments; 50-year colour and performance warranty; resistance to rust, warping
and corrosion; natural clay construction keeping water run-off from the roof
into rainwater tanks clean and safe; and simple cleaning to remove lichen or
dirt build up.
Monier’s terracotta tiles are available in three profile ranges:
Nullarbor, Nouveau and Marseille.
While the Nullarbor terracotta roof tiles create a streamlined, sleek
and sophisticated roofline, suit both modern and classic architecture, and come
in three colours, the Nouveau range features three beautiful colours with a
satin finish providing durability along with excellent depth and non-fade colour.
The Marseille range is ideal for creating a heritage style with the classic
French-inspired roof tile offering an extensive palette of colours.
Monier’s concrete roof tiles are a great option when the roof style does
not suit terracotta tiles or there are budget constraints.
Considered as an alternative to slate, Monier’s concrete roof tiles such
as Cambridge, Madison or Georgian can recreate the slate look without the cost.
Monier terracotta and concrete roof tiles are available in various
profiles with a selection of colours for each profile.