While many people believe that roof materials are an aesthetic or budgetary decision, the reality is it’s a critical business decision. The roof is key to maintaining the structural integrity of your building and as a commercial property or strata manager, you have to consider all the aspects of a roof replacement.
You have to consider which roofing material offers you the durability and energy efficiency you need, while still being compliant with local regulations. It’s also important to consider the required maintenance and how a specific material will stand up to the weather and climate.
While the south has cooler weather, the north experiences a more tropical climate, and there are coastal corrosion zones and winds to consider. The material choice has to reflect your specific environmental needs.
Ivy Roofing Specialists has the local knowledge and commercial expertise to deliver quality roof and gutter replacements.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Materials
As the manager of a commercial or strata building, there are several important factors to consider when making the decision on the roofing materials.
The first is climate and location. A building in a windy region is going to have different needs from the coastal corrosion or bushfire prone zones.
Roof design and slope are also important considerations because flat versus pitched can have drainage and waterproofing consequences.
As important as cost is, you have clients to answer to, so you have to consider the longevity in the lifecycle cost analysis. The energy efficiency of certain materials is part of that analysis, and can influence insulation, reflectivity, and heating and cooling costs. It’s worth learning more about the maintenance requirements, what type of cleaning is required, how often an inspection should be carried out, and how easy roof repairs are. If you’re roofing an office or storefront, you need to consider the visual impact for aesthetics and branding.
Always speak to your commercial roofer about fire rating and compliance to ensure it complies with BAL ratings and AS 1530.1 standards (specific to a location and specified by local council/government). You’ll also need to find out the facts of warranties and check the insurance policy fine print.
Overview of Commercial Roofing Materials
There is a wide range of commercial roofing materials to consider, and each comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Colorbond® Steel
Colorbond® Steel is a popular roofing material for commercial and industrial buildings because it’s corrosion-resistant, highly durable, low maintenance, and recyclable. It’s available in a range of light colours for optimal solar reflectivity, offers BAL-compliant choices, and is suited to low-pitched roofs. It generally has a 20-30 year lifespan.
Concrete Tiles
If you’re looking for a highly durable, fire-resistant roofing material, concrete tiles are a good choice. However, they’re heavy, so they’re no suitable for every structure and you’ll generally see them used in strata complexes because of their aesthetic suitability. Concrete tiles provide good soundproofing and have moderate maintenance requirements.
Terracotta Tiles
For a traditional look with a premium feel, terracotta tiles are a fade-resistant option that come with a long lifespan. These are typically reserved for heritage strata buildings due to their high cost and weight. Terracotta tiles require regular maintenance to avoid moss growth.
Polycarbonate Roofing
Polycarbonate roofing is typically reserved for commercial awnings, walkways and other covered areas. It’s ideal for use outdoors and in public spaces because it has a high light transmission. It doesn’t have the longest lifespan, and it’s generally used in combination with metal roofing.
Green Roofs/Solar-Integrated Systems
If you’re looking for a sustainable option and your commercial building is in an urban area, your clients may be interested in a green option. However, you need to consider weight, drainage options, and how it impacts the insurance policy. This is ideally suited to a new building or if you’re undergoing major refurbishments.
Matching Materials to Property Types
| Type of Property | Recommended Materials | Why it’s a good choice |
| Heritage Buildings | Terracotta Tiles | They have a long lifespan and meet strict aesthetic requirements |
| Medical Centres | Colorbond®, Solar Integration | Clean designs and energy efficient |
| Retail Spaces | Colorbond®, Polycarbonate | Energy efficient with a clean aesthetic |
| Strata Buildings | Concrete Tiles, Colorbond® | Highly durable, low maintenance, compliant with local regulations |
| Warehouses | Torch-on membrane, Zincalume® Colorbond® | An affordable solution and minimal slope |
Compliance, Codes, and Warranty Considerations
It’s important to work with commercial roofing specialists to ensure the materials comply with local and national codes and how your decision can impact your warranty and insurance policy. Roof contractors deal with this every day so they can provide guidance on Australian standards for roofing and what regulations you need to comply with and which materials best suit, whether it’s BAL ratings for bushfire zones or NCC compliance for refurbishments or new builds.
Always check the warranties – how long is the warranty to cover the material itself, and how long is the warranty to cover workmanship? Issues can crop up during the installation phase, and that’s a reality of any type of contracting work, which is why it’s so important to rely on a professional commercial roofer. Like Ivy Roofing Specialists.
Working with Roofing Specialists: Why It Matters
Professional advice is a must, and calling reputable roof contractors guarantees advice tailored to your needs and building requirements. Establishing an ongoing relationship with a reputable, local roofing company near you gives you a partner in inspections and roof maintenance, whether you need roof and gutter repairs or a replacement.
The team at Ivy Roofing are more than contractors, we’re experienced professionals who can partner with you for years to come. We have a long history of working with commercial and strata clients and are always happy to help with material recommendations, maintenance, regular inspections, lifecycle planning, and can serve as your insurance liaison.
Final Thoughts
There’s more to choosing the right roofing material than how good it looks; the long-term performance is just as important. As a property manager, you have a big decision to make and the weight of many peoples’ expectations on your shoulders, which is why it’s so important to enlist trusted roofing experts before you make a decision.
If you’re planning a project and you aren’t sure which roofing material is right for you, get in touch with Ivy Roofing Specialists to schedule a consultation and free quote.
