Choosing a Roofing Installer

“A reputable professional helps to ensure the roof is installed to the manufacturer’s technical specifications to avoid any future warranty concerns, and provides peace of mind that the project is completed neatly, safely and with the least amount of inconvenience,” said Harry Tanner, product manager at Boral Roofing and Masonry. 

Boral offers the following tips for choosing a roofing installer: 

• Materials and profiles of roof tiles vary, with terracotta and concrete tiles among the most commonly chosen. Work with a roofing company that has experience with the type of tiles being installed. 
• Contact the roof tile manufacturer or check its website for recommendations. Boral works with a network of professional installers that have experience with both its terracotta and concrete roof tiles. 
• Before choosing an installer, compare at least three quotes and remember to check for a valid licence to indicate that the contractor holds current public liability insurances.  
• Consider the installer’s past work. A reputable contractor will be happy to provide examples of recent projects or contact numbers for previous customers. Drive past the houses or give their referees a call to check on the quality of the work. 
• Remember to confirm how long installation will take. It is preferable to complete the job within two or three days because once the existing roof has been removed, the house is exposed to the weather and rain can be damaging. 

“Once an installer has been appointed, it’s important to do due diligence on the roofing options available to maximise energy efficiency.

“Ceilings and roof spaces have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a home, accounting for 25 to 35 per cent of winter heat loss and summer heat gain^*. Installing proper insulation and ventilation can help to get the most out of a new roof,” said Mr Tanner. 

Insulation provides protection against radiant heat from the sun and convection heat through the ceiling. Sarking is the number one defence against the radiant heat and because it can only be installed during construction or re-tiling, it’s important to consider it early in the roofing process. Sarking is a thin, non-flammable membrane that is installed under tiles to reflect radiant heat and provide a water and dust-proof barrier. 

Installing bulk insulation between ceiling joists can also help to block heat gain and prevent heat loss. 

Whirly-birds work to reduce both heat and moisture in the roof space, which is important all year-round. Installing whirly-birds on opposite sides of the roof space allows for cross-ventilation, which facilitates greater air movement, making it more beneficial than a single-sided whirly-bird.

For more information, visit our re-roofing section.

 ^{*SEAV 2002: http://yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/insulation}