FAQ
If you have a specific question about roofing, please contact us for expert advice.
- How do I best maintain my roof?
- Maintaining tiles requires minimal effort. However if your roof is old or you'd like to get it checked after storm damage, we recommend contacting a roof maintenance specialist who understands the correct safety procedures to inspect your roof.
- What is lichen?
- Lichen or moss can start to grow on tiles after long periods but does not in any way indicate deterioration or affect the performance of tiles. It can be easily removed with a high pressure cleaner by a professional cleaning contractor.
- Can you respray tiled roofs?
- Depending on the material and method used it is completely acceptable to spray concrete
roof tiles. However never spray terracotta as it would interfere with the natural quality of the
clay and over time will peel away from the glazed surface.
Before you paint your roof, contact us to give you advice about spraying and cleaning your roof.
- How expensive is it to re-roof?
- Bring your plans into a Victorian Roofing Outlet or contact us on 9752 8877 and we can provide an accurate cost estimate on site. There may be surprisingly little difference between the cost of respraying and installing new roof tiles.
- Why is concrete not as colour-fast as terracotta?
- Concrete tiles are not glazed so like all exterior building materials they are subject to UV radiation and atmospheric pollutants. As a result they will weather with age to a matt finish and will lose some colour over time. Terracotta tiles are kiln-fired with a vitreous coating that makes these tiles resistant to harsh UV exposure and pollutants.
- Do you recommend sarking?
- A new home is an investment for your future. It makes sense that people protect their investment
from damage and deterioration from the very start.
Sarking is a thermal barrier, water-resistant, dust resistant and a fire retarded membrane; its use is recommended under all roofing materials. This reflective foil insulation is recommended for all tiled roofs to enhance energy efficiency and weather-proofing.
- What are the white streaks apparent on some roofs?
- Sometimes the natural mineral salts in concrete can migrate to the surface in the form of a whitish grey discolouration called efflorescence. This is not harmful, has no impact on the performance of the tile and will weather away over time.
- What is the 5 Star Standard?
- This is the Victorian standard for all new homes and apartments from July 2005. Collaboratively established by the Building Commission, Sustainable Energy Authority and Plumbing Industry Commission, it requires that all new houses and apartments meet a 5 Star energy efficiency rating plus either have a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system.
- What is NatHERS or BERS?
- The Nationwide Housing Energy Scheme (NatHERS) and Building Energy Rating Scheme (BERS) are energy simulation computer programs that provide thermal ratings for homes. They are employed during the design stage to enhance the energy efficiency of a new development.
- How long will it take to fix my roof?
- The average roof is around 210 square metres, which takes approximately two days to install and fix. Allow another day for every additional 100 square metres.
- Rainwater and Tank Safety - Is it safe to drink?
- Have peace of mind in collecting water from tiled roofs, as it will be compliant with World Health Organisation standards for drinking. Water collected on new roof tiles is non-toxic and safe to reuse.
- What roof tiles should I use in coastal regions?
- With advanced firing techniques and the extreme firing kiln temperature, both concrete and terra cotta are available for use in coastal areas.
