The climate a roof has to handle
- Humid summers. Warm, moist air in the roof space leads to condensation, mould and timber decay if not managed.
- Heavy, short rainfall. Summer storms can drop large amounts of rain in minutes, testing gutters, valleys and flashings.
- Storm winds. Gusts in storm cells and occasional east coast lows lift poorly fixed sheets, tiles and ridge caps.
- Strong UV. Sunlight breaks down sealants, coatings and plastics, and fades some finishes.
- Salt. Within reach of onshore breezes, salt accelerates corrosion of metal components.
- Hail. Less frequent than in some other regions, but damaging when it occurs.
Pre-painted steel
Strengths here
- Light, quick to install and suits low pitches.
- Long sheets with few joints shed heavy rain efficiently.
- Lighter colours reflect a good share of summer heat.
- Wide colour range and profiles for different house styles.
What it needs
- A coating grade suited to the site's distance from the sea.
- Fixings and flashings of matching durability.
- A roof blanket or membrane for condensation, heat and noise.
- Tie-downs for the site's wind classification.
Concrete tiles
Strengths here
- Quiet in rain and good thermal mass.
- Familiar look on many established streets.
- Generally economical compared with terracotta.
What it needs
- Sarking to manage wind-driven rain.
- Periodic ridge re-bedding and re-pointing.
- Attention to moss and lichen in humid, shaded areas.
- Tiles fixed to suit the wind classification.
Terracotta tiles
Strengths here
- Colour fired into the clay, so it holds up well under UV.
- Very durable tiles that tolerate salt.
- Quiet and thermally massive.
What it needs
- Same supporting work as concrete: sarking, bedding, pointing and valley care.
- A frame designed for tile weight.
- Adequate pitch.
Beachside versus hinterland
Beachside
Salt is the dominant factor. Steel must be the right grade with matching fixings; tiles are less affected but their metal components are not. Washing sheltered areas and keeping gutters clean matter more. See coastal roof materials.
Hinterland
Cooler, wetter and often shaded, the hinterland brings more condensation and moss, and some properties are mapped as bushfire prone. Condensation control, ventilation and bushfire construction requirements take priority. See how poor ventilation affects your roof.
The parts that matter as much as the material
- Sarking or blanket: manages moisture, heat and wind-driven rain.
- Ventilation: lets humid, hot air out of the roof space.
- Gutters and downpipes: sized for summer downpours, with overflow paths away from the house.
- Flashings: properly formed and fixed, not reliant on sealant.
- Fixings and tie-downs: matched to salt exposure and wind.
Our view
For most coast homes, steel over a blanket offers the broadest set of advantages for the climate. Tiles are an excellent choice where pitch, structure and preference suit, especially terracotta for longevity. In both cases, getting the hidden parts right makes the most difference.
Practical scenarios
A 1980s brick home a few streets back from the beach. Steel over a roof blanket is usually the most practical re-roof, with a coating grade and fixings chosen for the measured distance from the surf. If the owner prefers tiles, the existing frame already suits them, and attention shifts to valley irons, flashings and gutters in suitable materials.
A timber house in the hinterland under tall trees. Shade and mist favour moss on tiles and condensation under steel. Steel with a good blanket and ventilation is common; whichever is chosen, keeping gutters clear and trimming branches matter. Check bushfire mapping first.
A modern low-pitch home on a new estate. Steel is effectively the only option at that pitch. Colour may be limited by the estate covenant, and box gutters need adequate overflows.
A heritage-style home with a steep roof. Terracotta can suit the character and pitch, and lasts well, provided the frame is designed for the weight.
These are typical patterns, not rules; the inspection decides.
Related reading
Compare the two head to head in Colorbond vs tile roofing, and see how to choose the right roof for your home.
General information for Sunshine Coast property owners, not advice about your particular roof. Rules, products and programs change; confirm with the authority named, or with Sunshine Coast Council or Noosa Shire Council, before acting.