7 Best Roofing Materials for Your Armadale Home: A Comprehensive Guide

A hardy roof should fit well, look good, and be able to withstand whatever life – or rather, the sky – throws at it. And so much of it all depends on one thing: the roofing material.

With a plethora of options available, it can feel a bit tricky to decide which one is best for your humble abode. But don’t stress, we’re here to guide you through the maze of roofing materials and help you find the perfect fit.

As soon as you start looking into materials, you’ll quickly realise that there’s NO perfect choice. Whatever you pick, you’ll have to accept the bad with the good. So the trick is to find the one that aligns best with your needs, budget, and personal style.

Let’s dive into some of the most popular options and see what makes them tick.

1. Asphalt Shingles: Popular for a Reason

You’ll see them wherever you look, and it’s easy to see why.

They’re relatively cheap, (almost) a piece of pie to install, pretty customisable and pleasing in terms of looks too. But what really sets them apart is their durability.

Asphalt shingles are designed to typically last around 20-30 years with minimal fuss, whatever you throw at them. (Even though as of late, more and more gets thrown at roofs every year.)

Moreover, class A shingles are resistant to fire and wind, making them a solid choice for areas prone to wildfires or storms.

Plus, if a shingle gets damaged, you can go ahead and only replace that one. Which means that maintenance is a cinch.

But here’s where it gets even better – asphalt shingles have come a long way in terms of eco-friendliness. Even though eco-friendly isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the word “asphalt!” These days, you can find energy-efficient varieties that help reduce your carbon footprint and even lower your energy bills.

True, the sticky ingredient in asphalt is bitumen, which is a byproduct of petroleum. But they have actually become recyclable and further used in roadworks. There are also manufacturers who are developing varieties made of recycled old tyres and other types of rubber or plastic.

So, if you’re looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on performance, asphalt shingles could be the thing.

2. Metal Roofing: Durable & Customisable

Now, if you’re after something that’s truly built to last, metal roofing is worth a serious look.

This tough, reliable material can handle just about anything, so the lifespan of up to 70 years isn’t a surprise. That’s right, you could be enjoying the benefits of your metal roof well into your golden years.

Metal roofs are resistant to fire, wind, and even hail, and they don’t rot or warp like some other materials.

But durability isn’t the only pro of this type. It’s also incredibly energy-efficient. Metal roofs are great at reflecting heat, which can help keep your home cooler in the summer and cut down your energy bills.

Some would argue that they aren’t exactly the most beautiful thing in the world. But the fact is, they come in a variety of styles from standing seam to shake-like designs, so you don’t have to sacrifice the looks for performance. In fact, they can even mimic other types such as shingles or tiles if you want them to.

Plus, you can have choose them in any colour you want. Okay, we don’t exactly mean ANY. It needs to be allowed by the building codes.

Many brands have become famous for metal roofing – think Colorbond, which many people mistake for a material instead of a brand.

3. Clay and Concrete Tiles: The Classic Choice

You’ll spot clay and concrete tiles all over Australia, especially in our sun-drenched neighborhoods, where they bring that gorgeous Mediterranean flair to our local architecture.

These tiles aren’t just about looks though. They’re tough as nails – they’ll shrug off everything from scorching heat to nasty hailstorms. And when bushfire season rolls around, you’ll be glad to know they’re highly fire-resistant. The best part? With a bit of TLC, these tiles could still be protecting your grandkids’ heads – they can last a solid century.

Now, let’s talk brass tacks.

Fair warning: they may not be the costliest thing on this list, but quality like this still doesn’t come cheap. These tiles pack some serious weight, and they’ll make your wallet a bit lighter too. But if you’re after that perfect mix of head-turning style and built-to-last durability, and you’ve got the budget to match, clay or concrete tiles could be your perfect match.

4. Wood Shakes and Shingles: Like a Cottage

If you want your home to look like a forest cottage, you can opt for wood shakes and shingles.

Usually made from cedar, more rarely from pine or spruce, these roofing materials offer a unique, organic beauty that’s hard to replicate with man-made alternatives. They weather to a lovely silvery-gray over time, blending seamlessly with the natural environment.

Plus, wood is a renewable resource, making it a more eco-friendly option than some other materials.

However, all this natural charm does come with a few trade-offs.

The first is maintenance, of which wood shakes and shingles require more than any of the above materials. If something is wooden, it can (and will) be eaten. So they need to be treated to resist moisture and pests. Not to mention rot and, especially, fire. They are hands down the most flammable roof material.

They are also a significant investment. But if you’re willing to put in the extra effort, the rustic charm of a wood roof is hard to resist.

If you’re worried about fire but still want your roof to look wood-y, you can opt for synthetic cedar shakes. They have none of the downsides that wood has: from being more resistant to fire, to requiring much less babysitting in terms of maintenance, to being significantly durable and more affordable.

More on synthetic options in a separate section below!

5. Slate Roofing: Luxury and Durability

For the ultimate in luxury and durability, look no further than slate roofing.

This natural stone material is the Rolls-Royce of roofing, offering unmatched longevity and a timeless, upscale look. Slate roofs can last over 100 years, making them one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available. If you’ve ever been to European countries such as Spain, England or Wales, you’re bound to have seen slate roofs in their hundreds, every single building older than the next one! From Downing Street to Westminster Hall or, on our own soil, the Royal Exhibition Building in Melbourne, these are all slate.

They’re resistant to fire, wind, and just about everything else, and they come in mostly grey-ish natural colors that are truly stunning.

But all this luxury comes at a price – slate is one of the most expensive roofing materials. As you may expect, it’s also heavy, which can require additional structural support. But if you’re after a roof that’s as much a work of art as it is a functional part of your home, slate is in a league of its own.

6. Synthetic Roofing: The Modern Alternative

If you love the look of natural materials but want something a bit more weather-resistant yet much cheaper, synthetic roofing might be the way to go.

Mostly made from rubber or plastic, the point of synthetics is to mimic whichever natural look you want (meaning ANY from this list) while giving it features it normally wouldn’t have had.

In other words, synthetic roofing materials are as versatile as you need them to be. But there’s a catch: even the best rubber or plastic materials can’t be as durable as their natural counterparts. Especially if recycled.

So don’t expect them to last more than 4-5 decades.

Still, they’ll earn their keeping several times over during that period, especially with violent weather events. They are typically highly resistant to fire, wind, and impact damage, making them a great choice for wherever you are on our continent.

Plus, many synthetic roofing materials are made from recycled products, which means they are relatively sustainable. And when they reach the end of their lifespan, they can often be recycled again, reducing their environmental impact even further.

7. Green Roofs: As Eco-Friendly as They Get

Say hello to the roof that doesn’t really look like one.

In fact, it actually looks like there’s no roof at all.

This means covering your deck or roof with vegetation so that a living and breathing ecosystem can grow right above your head. Greenery, of course, means better air quality for you and less CO2 for the atmosphere. But livings roofs, which is how they are also called, also provide insulation of sorts, which can lower your energy bills and make your home more comfortable year-round.

But the benefits of green roofs aren’t just environmental.

There’s hardly a more refreshing thing than seeing a full-blown garden nesting on top of a house. If you’re into landscaping, you can customise the roof with a variety of plants. Plus, you’ll make a habitat for local wildlife, making your home a little oasis in the urban jungle.

However, this eco-friendly innovation does come with some challenges.

First off, it’s a roof you have to water and weed, and do it quite regularly. And when something drinks water regularly, it needs to let some of it through too. In other words, you’ll need a specialised waterproofing system so all the moisture doesn’t make it into your home. But if you’re willing to put in the effort, a green roof can be a truly rewarding and environmentally responsible choice.

Wrap Up: Which Right Roofing Material is Best for Armadale?

It’s a question only you can answer, depending on your budget, climate, and what exactly is that you need.

But as you weigh your options, consider things like cost, durability, how much work you’re willing to put into maintenance, and finally, how well it will fit into your home’s overall context. Don’t forget to also think about how each material would hold up in the local climate.

If the price stings a bit, remember that the roof will be a big part of your home’s curb appeal, so choose a material that makes you happy every time you pull into the driveway.