It’s the age old question when it comes to tile choice — concrete or terracotta?
They both have benefits and downfalls, so we’ve compiled a quick guide to distinguish between the materials to help you make an informed decision.
Concrete
Concrete tiles are undeniably the economical tile choice. Although cheaper, they are still made for harsh weather elements and just like concrete bridges and structures, concrete tiles get stronger with age as they’re baked by the sun, ensuring concrete tiles also receive a tick for durability.
Made for Australian conditions, concrete tiles will not rust or corrode near salt water, unlike metal roofs. Concrete is also a great fire-safe option, making it a perfect choice for bushfire-prone areas.
It’s important to note that concrete tiles are also versatile in terms of colour range. They come in a choice of colour technologies to retain the look, beauty and re-sale value of your home. To create a more durable tile, combine Monier’s Colour Through and C-LOC technologies to retain colour for even longer.
They also require little maintenance over the life of the roof, and if a section of the roof is ever damaged or needs alteration, say for a skylight, you’ll only need to replace or remove the affected tiles.
From Monier, customers can choose between lapped or A-line ridging, the better of which will depend on your home. Lapped ridging overlaps each tile, whereas A-line ridging is seamless.
Terracotta
The Monier terracotta tile range is crafted using raw materials from the Australian landscape, making terracotta the beauty choice. The richness and depth of colour in terracotta will never fade so your home will retain its value and integrity for decades to come.
Although it undeniably wins the looks game, that isn’t to say terracotta is any less durable. In fact, the Terracotta Army in China, which is over 2,200 years old, is testament to the material’s strength. A terracotta tile 50 years down the track will be almost identical to a brand new one, and that’s going to save you money in the long run.
Terracotta tiles are also ideal for maintaining a consistent temperature in your home. It keeps the house cool in summer and hot in winter, a definite positive in terms of keeping your energy bills down. The natural materials and thermal properties enhance breathability, drastically lessening condensation and preventing mould.
Monier terracotta tiles are made from naturally occurring clays, which means the water running off your roof into rainwater tanks is clean and safe to drink. It’s also impervious to salty conditions and ideal for those living in colder climates as it is resistant to the effects of frost and ice.
The ceramic finishes in matte and glazed terracotta tiles means absorption and mildew rates are almost non-existent, making the roof essentially maintenance-free.
Like concrete tiles, terracotta tiles come in different profiles to suit myriad homes. The modern and slimline Nullarbor, the versatile Nouveau and the classic French-inspired Marseille all come in a large range of colours from rich reds and oranges to subdued greys and charcoals. Black is the new orange, so embrace the darker terracotta tones for a more modern look.
Ultimately, whichever you choose will result in a unique style that requires little maintenance and offers great street appeal, but in terms of looks and durability, terracotta reigns supreme.
Stuck on what’s the right tile choice for you? Head to Monier for a helping hand: order a lookbook or sample
