Terracotta roof tiles have proven to be a timeless feature in Australian homes, dating back to the Federation era through to today’s modern homes. The re-roofing of a European-style home in Netley, South Australia, showcases the ageless beauty of terracotta. The original roof was dull and dilapidated. After using modern re-roofing methods, the house now stands as a striking homage to a classic and traditional style.
Boral Roofing in South Australia is the only roofing organisation that almost exclusively uses steel battens. Michael Grantham, area manager for Boral South Australia, helped to develop the steel batten as a cost-efficient alternative to timber battens. “Timber is a finite source that is only becoming more expensive. Using steel battens means we aren’t at risk of timber increasing in price or lacking in stock,” Grantham commented.
Using steel battens also makes the construction process more efficient, as steel battens do not need to be screwed in, they are simply nailed to the timber frame. Boral has also developed a special nail that fixes the tile to the steel batten.
The mahogany shade of the terracotta stands out against the white rendered walls of the home, reminiscent of a European country homestead. The traditional French profile of the tiles gives the home a timeless look that will last for generations. “With a terracotta tile, what you see today is what you’ll see in ten years,” commented Grantham.
The project was a gable to gable, standard pitch roof completed over two days. The construction team worked efficiently, with safety as the main priority. As they were constructing in a built-up suburban area, the roofers had to be mindful of passers-by on the footpath. They also had to be conscious of the home-owner who was still living in the house during construction. “We won’t pull a roof right off, we only pull off as much as we can replace in a working day,” commented Grantham.
This European-style home in Netley is a testament to terracotta, celebrating its classic aesthetic with innovative construction to transform the property.