Step 1: Start with the site
Distance from the sea
On the coast, salt is the biggest single factor in material choice. Houses close to breaking surf need materials and fixings rated for marine exposure. Further inland, standard grades usually suffice. See coastal roof materials.
Wind exposure
Hilltop and beachfront sites face stronger winds than sheltered valleys. The site's wind classification affects fixing and tie-down requirements for any roof.
Bushfire mapping
Parts of the hinterland are mapped as bushfire prone. New roofing there may need to meet construction requirements for the site's bushfire attack level.
Trees and shade
Overhanging trees drop leaves into gutters and valleys and keep the roof damp. That matters for tile roofs prone to moss and for valleys on any roof.
Step 2: Look at the house
Pitch
Low pitches suit steel; tiles need steeper pitches. Your existing pitch narrows the options straight away.
Frame
A frame built for tiles can almost always carry steel. A frame built for steel or fibro may need assessment before tiles go on.
Style
A 1960s fibro beach house, a 1980s brick-and-tile home, a timber Queenslander and a modern skillion house each suit different roofs visually. Think about how the roof will look from the street.
Step 3: Check the rules
- Does the change of material or structure need building approval?
- Is there a body corporate or estate covenant on roof colour or material?
- Does a heritage listing or character overlay apply?
Our guide to roofing regulations in QLD explains each.
Step 4: Decide your performance priorities
Heat
Lighter colours reflect more heat. A roof blanket or good sarking and ceiling insulation reduce heat gain. Tiles have more thermal mass. See energy-efficient roofing options.
Noise
Tiles are quieter in heavy rain. Steel with a blanket underneath is much quieter than bare steel.
Moisture
In humid conditions, condensation control matters. Steel needs a blanket or suitable membrane; any roof benefits from ventilation.
Storms
Steel's long sheets have fewer joints for wind-driven rain. Tiles must be properly fixed and their ridges well bedded and pointed.
Step 5: Budget and long-term costs
Steel is usually the lowest installed cost for a full replacement, concrete tiles are in the middle and terracotta is the highest. Long-term costs depend on suitability for the site and maintenance. See cheapest roofing materials for long-term value and the cost guide.
Step 6: Maintenance you are willing to do
Steel near the sea benefits from washing sheltered areas. Tile roofs need periodic ridge re-pointing and valley checks. Every roof needs clear gutters. Choose a roof whose upkeep you will actually do.
Step 7: Narrow it down
For most Sunshine Coast houses, the choice comes down to:
- Steel, with the profile, colour and grade chosen for the site, over a roof blanket.
- Concrete tiles, for owners who want the tile look at a lower cost than terracotta.
- Terracotta tiles, for long-lasting colour and a traditional finish.
Read Colorbond vs tile roofing and best roofing materials for the Sunshine Coast climate to compare in detail.
A simple decision table
If you are still weighing options, score each one against the factors that matter for your house. A quick example:
| Factor | Weight to you | Steel | Concrete tile | Terracotta |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suits the pitch | Must have | Yes | Check | Check |
| Coastal exposure | High | Needs right grade | Good | Very good |
| Rain noise | Medium | With blanket | Quiet | Quiet |
| Upfront cost | High | Lowest | Middle | Highest |
| Street look | Medium | Depends | Traditional | Traditional |
Fill in your own weightings and let the roofer correct any assumptions about your site. The exercise often shows that one option clearly fits better, or that two are close and the decision can come down to preference.
Step 8: Test the decision with a roofer
Bring your shortlist to the inspection. Ask the contractor what they would put on this house and why, and whether anything about the site or frame changes the picture. A good roofer will explain the trade-offs plainly rather than steering you toward whatever they prefer to install.
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.