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.

Architecture & Design Team

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Monier Roofing

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