In this article, we discuss the following roof decking materials:
1. BALI STYLE TERRACOTTA ROOF TILES2. WOODEN SHINGLES3. THATCH4. CORRUGATED ZINC-ALUMINUM BARREL TILES
SUMMARY OF THIS ARTICLE
Following our more than 20 years of experience, the order of sequence for the most economic (i.e. price-quality index) roof decking would be:
1. Terracotta tiles,
2. Corrugated zinc aluminum barrel tiles,
3. Wooden shingles,
4. Thatch.
Click on your choice from one of the categories mentioned above in yellow or browse through the pros and cons of roof materials section below if you are interested in knowing more about the advantages and disadvantages of the materials used.
Red Bali-style terracotta tile (original color)
Black Bali-style terracotta tiles (coated)
Zinc-aluminum barrel tiles
Iron wood shingles
Thatch roof as seen from the inside of the roof
Typical Bali style roof
Gazebo with thatch roof
Roof with installed wooden shingles
Tea house with Bali-style terracotta roof tiles
Available colors for zinc-aluminum barrel tiles
THE PROS AND CONS OF ROOFING MATERIALS
1.. BALI STYLE TERRACOTTA ROOF TILES
For hundreds of years, the Balinese have used clay to make terracotta clay tiles, known for their distinct red color. The unique style, color, and durability of terracotta clay tiles add refined, old-world elegance to a home or building. They enhance a structure's curb appeal and meet many families and commercial buildings' design goals.
However, several issues can make terracotta clay tiles an unsuitable choice for your home or building. Terracotta tiles can crack if stepped on or are hit by debris. They also lack moisture- and cold-temperature resistance and will require an underlayment replacement after 20 years.
Generally, clay roofing tiles come in two shapes, round pan and flat tiles. Round pan shapes are generally used in Bali. Flat tiles have two flat pieces overlapped by a single curved tile. Pan and flat tiles, either interlock or overlap.
PROS OF TERRACOTTA TILES 
1. Durability
The durability of clay tile roofs protects them from weathering. You can find ancient clay tile roofs in Italy or Greece that have lasted for hundreds of years. Today, one might expect a life expectancy of 100 years for a clay tile roof. Properly installed terra cotta clay tiles resist fire, impact, wind, and rot.
Fire resistant
The quality of clay tiles makes it fire-resistant Clay roof tiles achieve the highest fire level rating — Class A.
3. Impact-resistant Balinese terracotta clay tiles can be classified under an impact rating of Class 3 (out of 5).
4. Wind resistance
The weight and layered structure of clay tile provide significant wind resistance, protecting your home from wind speeds of up to 150 mph.
5, Rot resistance
A terracotta clay tile will not rot and resists damage from insects. To prevent insects like wasps from making nests between the clay tiles' gaps, a cement filler may be placed between the gaps.
6. Eco friendly
The tiles are made from natural clay to make them eco-friendly. Terracotta tiles do not release harmful chemicals into the air.
7. Energy-efficient
Clay tile roofs provide exceptional thermal properties, reducing heat loss or gain. The tiles' layering allows for good airflow and natural air ventilation. This creates a heat transfer barrier that keeps your roof warm in the winter and cool in the summer — lowering energy costs by as much as 20%.
CONS OF TERRACOTTA TILES 
1. Weight
Terracotta clay tiles may weigh between 600 - 1500 pounds per 100 square feet (2.9 kgf/m2 to 4.9 kgf/m2), making it one of the heaviest roofing tiles on the market. The excess weight of clay tile roofs requires adding extra reinforcement to the roof framing, particularly in regions prone to significant snow accumulation.
2. Cost
Clay tiles are certainly not the cheapest roof decking materials, like asphalt and corrugated zinc sheathing.
3. Fragile
Fragile clay tile roofs can easily break during installation when stepped on, and also from falling branches and other debris - compromising the roof's integrity and leading to roofing and structural damage. You must regularly inspect a clay tile roof for damage, then immediately repair or replace any broken or cracked tiles.
4. Underlayment issues
Clay roofing tiles can last up to 100 years, however, the underlayment may last only 20 years. Replacing the underlayment is time-consuming, tedious, and costly It involves removing the damaged clay tiles, replacing the underlayment, and then reinstalling new tiles.
5. Lack of Water Resistance
Clay tiles are water-shedding systems, which will let some water through from windblown rain, melting snow, etc. Therefore, clay tile roofs require a waterproofing membrane.
6. Climate Limitations
Terracotta clay tiles may crack or break during rapid freezing and melting; therefore, it is not the right choice for extremely cold climates.
A few years ago the Indonesian Government announced a TOTAL ban on the export of Ironwood (the wood species from which roof shingles are produced). As such not one manufacturer in Indonesia was allowed to utilize this wood species for roof shingles. The Government has now relaxed the export of Iron wood shingles, provided the shingles are newly produced. Iron wood shingles from old stock are NOT allowed to be exported.
SHINGLE SHAPE AND DIMENSIONS
Type 1 Type 2
We offer 2 types of shingles. See the pictures above. Our shingles are 580 mm long (22.8 inches) and 75 mm wide ( 2.95 inches) with a thickness of 5 mm (0.2 inches). The shingles have tapered ends as can be seen on the pictures. You need 102 shingles to cover 1 m2 (10.76 sqft). All our shingles are export quality and uncoated. Uncoated Iron wood shingles will last for about 25 to 30 years. Please be informed that we only produce wooden shingles for our prefabricated wooden houses. We do not sell the shingles separately.
Shakes Smooth regular shingle
For many people, the difference between a shake and shingle roof is difficult to distinguish. But to the trained eye, the differences are noticeable and dramatic.
Regular shingles always have a smooth and uniform look, not just across each plate but over an entire roof. This is due to the traditional manufacturing method of sawing off singular Iron wood shingles from one block of wood. Wood shakes, on the other hand, are traditionally hand split, which leads to a rougher texture and finish. We only produce smooth regular wood shingles.
PROS OF WOODEN SHINGLES
1. Appeal
A perk to adding shingles to your roofing is their protective nature. Being smoothly sawn on both sides allows for a sleek design and increased protection against fires.
Shingles are also great for complementing the scenic and natural beauty around your home while giving new depth and dimension to your exterior facade. Our shingles come in 2 shapes; tapered-cut and straight-cut, each adding a precise shape to your home and also highlighting the conventional and unconventional aspects that make your house unique.
2. Wind resistance
Wood shingles and shakes have pretty good wind resistance. They are commonly rated to withstand wind speeds anywhere from 173 mph to 245 mph. It varies depending on how it was cut and the size of the wood pieces.
3, Impact resistance
Wood is a pretty durable material when it comes to impact resistance. Obviously the thicker the wood shingle is, the more durable it will be against impacts. Wood shingles can be made to meet the highest impact resistance rating which is a class 4 rating. The class 4 rating means it withstood impacts from a 2-inch-sized piece of ice during testing.
4, Life expectancy
Wood roofs will have different lifespans depending on the style of the wood shingle, the thickness, the edge grain, the cut type, and how it was maintained. But generally speaking, you can expect a wood roof to last about 20 – 30 years.
5. Insulation
Stacking shingles on top of one another can also help in colder climates where retaining heat and eliminating cold leaks from the outside are crucial. Vice versa it will eliminate heat leks in a tropical environment. Cottages and cabins will often find the design and performance of shingles to be a significant advantage in keeping the interior warm. (or cold).
6. UV resistance
Woodroof systems are UV resistant meaning it protects your home from harmful UV rays. The sun and rain do have an effect on your wood roof but in our opinion, it adds to the authenticity and aesthetic appeal of your roof. As the wood ages, it develops from a light brown color to a dark brown or silver-gray color. This helps to give your home a unique authentic look.
7, Energy savings
Wood roofs naturally add insulation to your home. You also have an option to add additional insulation to your home before installing the wood shingles. The insulation helps to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter, saving you money.
8. ECO friendly
Wood roofs are an organic natural material which means that once removed they can be easily recycled or disposed of without harming the environment.
9. Weight
Wood roofs are a lightweight roof system. They weigh less than asphalt shingles. This makes it easier to transport the wood shingles.
10. Resilient
Wood shingles are not as brittle as clay tiles, or slate. You can walk on a wood roof and feel more comfortable than you would walking on a fairly brittle tiled roof.
11. Versatile
Wood shakes and shingles are versatile because they can be used for any pitched roof as long as the building codes permit it (see fire resistance). It looks great on both commercial and residential roof systems. It can also be used to restore older antique buildings that originally used wood shingles.
CONS OF WOODEN SHINGLES
1. Fire resistance
Wood shingles are not very fire-resistant. They are more likely to catch fire than other types of roofing materials. Due to this reason, wood roofs may be banned in certain fire-prone areas. Even some home insurance companies may increase rates for wood roofs or may not cover them at all. However, modern Spray-on-fire retardants and pressure treatments can help make the wood more resistant to fire and meet certain fire codes as long as it’s maintained regularly.
2. Insects
Depending on the type of wood used to make the shingles wood shingles and shakes make great homes for wood-loving insects. Wasps are a common type of insect that likes to build nests in wood roofs. They are known for chewing up wood into a pulp and making paper-like nests. This creates an extra hassle, especially when it comes to tearing off this roof system. If you ever need to tear off this type of roof system, you will want to stock up on wasp spray.
3. Maintenance
Wood roofs require more maintenance than asphalt or tiled roofs. If you have a sprayed-on fire retardant, you will need to regularly maintain it to keep the fire resistance up to code. This usually involves re-applying the chemicals about every 2 years. Additionally, it is best to keep the insect levels down. This means you will likely have to remove nests or spray for wasps.
4. Rotting
Wooden shingle roofs absorb water when it gets wet. The water causes the wood shingles to expand and get tight. This is what keeps the water from leaking into your home. One problem that comes from this is when the sun dries out the wood shingles on the outer surface but moisture remains on the underside of the shingles. This moisture can lead to rotting and warping. One thing that can be done to help prevent this is to add a mesh material to the underside of the wood shingles (our furring strip method). This helps air to get into the underside of the wood shingles and dry out any remaining moisture after a storm.
Owning a house with a thatched roof is something that many people aspire to have. Thatched roofs are lovely to look at and offer some excellent benefits - however, there are disadvantages. The shipping of thatch is not always accepted by a cargo forwarded, because of the fire hazard. Only a few shipping companies will accept the shipment of thatch but the costs are high. In addition, a container containing thatch needs to be accompanied by proper paperwork to be allowed to be imported. For Australia, the AQIS (Australian Quarantine and Inspection Services) regulations will be in force. For each country, it is mandatory to have the container stuffed with thatch fumigated with both Ethylene Oxide en Methyl Bromide before shipment. Included in the pap[aeow should be an ETO and a Phytosanitary Certificate. The cargo forwarder will arrange for all the required paperwork (*).
PROS OF THATCH
1. Environment
Environmentally friendly. One of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials available is thatch. Thatch reed is grown and harvested without machinery and is usually sourced from rural communities.
2. Insulation
Excellent insulator. Thatched roofs provide excellent insulation, so your home will stay warm when it's cold outside and cool during the hot summer months. In addition, this superb insulation enables you to save on electricity for heating and cooling.
3. Sustainability
As a sustainable resource, thatch is environmentally friendly. Harvesting methods are also eco-friendly.
4. Flexibility: Thatch can be shaped into soft, aesthetically pleasing forms, which is a nice difference from the hard lines of other roofing materials. Combining thatch with other materials also creates a nice contrast and can result in interesting designs.
5. Aging.
Thatched roods age well and will shape into natural forms that add to their charm. As it discolors with age, thatch tends to blend into the surrounding greenery.
6. Lightweight
Thatch is light and doesn’t need the heavy support structures that other roofing materials need. This lowers costs.
7. Appeal.
A thatched roof adds warmth and character to a property. Brick, steel, and glass can create a clinical atmosphere, which is softened by thatch to produce a welcoming ambiance.
CONS OF THATCH
1. Durability.
Balinese thatched roofs are made from dried Kunai grass. With appropriate maintenance, they will only last between 7 and 9 years, where new thatch must be installed.
2. Cost
Installing thatch is labor intensive – and can take weeks – so it’s not the cheapest to install.
3. Fire hazard
Without the proper precautions, thatched roofs can be a fire hazard. Fortunately, sophisticated and effective fire retardant processes are available.
4. Decay
Because thatch is an organic material, it is susceptible to decay and decomposition. This means you need to take precautions to minimize the possibility of this process taking place. In warm, wet climates, in particular, thatch is prone to fungal attacks.
5. Higher insurance costs.
Due to the higher risk of fire damage, home insurance is higher than houses with tiled, steel, or aluminum roofs. However, most short-term insurance companies do insure thatched properties, and installing significant fire retardant measures should result in lower premiums.
6. Overhanging trees.
Any overhanging trees close to the house must be cut back when you have a thatched roof. Branch trimming should be done as the branches can cause the thatch to dry out, increasing the risk of fire.
7. Animals
Animals can cause damage. Birds looking for food, gathering nest-making materials, or nesting in the roof itself becomes a greater possibility when the thatch is not processed appropriately for its intended use. Rodents can also cause extensive damage.
8. Annual inspections
You will need to inspect your roof or have it inspected professionally once a year to ensure that it’s in good shape.
9. Maintenance
The ridge cap may need regular maintenance and even repair as it is prone to wear and tear. Leaks are the most common problem, which can cause more serious damage to other sections of the roof.
10. Safety precautions
You will need to take several safety precautions to prevent fires and pest infestation. For example: You will need to cut down overhanging branches so that the thatch doesn’t hold onto moisture, you need to install a lightning rod to disperse lightning strikes, you will need a spark resistor for your chimney, and you may have to use special treatments to deter pests.
11. Pitch
A thatch roof needs a roof pitch of at least 35 degrees to properly drain the rainwater. The thickness of the thatch shall be at least 20cm, which means that the thatch rods need to be installed very closely against each other.
(*) No mistake shall be made between a Phytosanitary Certificate and an ETO Certificate, as follows:
A Phytosanitary Certificate is a certificate issued by the Indonesian Quarantine Office (a Governmental office) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture. The Certificate states that all plant products have been treated using the Indonesian Quarantine standard.
A Fumigation Certificate (Ethylene Oxide and methyl Bromide gas) is issued by a fumigation company that has been accredited by the Australian Quarantine Inspection Services (AQIS) & the Indonesian Quarantine Office. Both the ETO and methyl Bromide gas Certificates will be issued separately.
ETO fumigation is mandatory by AQIS for several items such as bamboo, banana leaf, water hyacinth, seagrass, thatch
4. CORRUGATED ZINC ALUMINUM BARREL TILES
Metal roof tiles are roof sheets made of zinc-aluminum, low-carbon steel, galvanized, and other metal materials. The shape of such roof tiles is in the form of sheets with a certain length, width, and thickness. There are two types of metal roof tiles commonly used in construction, namely metal roof tiles and stone-coated roofing sheets. The advantage of sandy metal roofing tiles is that they can withstand the heat of the sun better than regular metal roofing tiles and suppress the sound of rain better. However, the price of this stone-coated metal tile is more expensive.
PROS OF ZINC-ALUMINUM BARREL TILES
1. Very high density
Metal roof tiles have very high durability. This roofing material is resistant to breakage, fungus, weathering, and termites. With these properties, metal roofing roof tiles can last for decades without serious damage. Metal roof tiles are also maintenance-free, and the factory has made metal roof tiles with very good durability supports from the start.
2. Lightweight
Due to the sheet-like shape, metal roofing tiles are naturally light in weight. You need to know that the average weight of metal roof tiles that make up 1 square meter is 7 kg. Try comparing it to a concrete roof that weighs about 60kg for the same area. This means that metal roofing roof tiles are safer to use and are the best choice for roofing in earthquake-prone areas. It's lightweight and relatively harmless.
3. Can be supported by a single frame
Its light weight also allows this metal tile to not require complex roof truss structures. Usually, such roof tiles are installed with brackets made of mild steel. For aesthetics, you can also use wood framing when installing metal roof tiles. When you use this metal tile, there will be less and less need for a frame. No need to make a complicated frame, just use a simple roof truss.
4. Easy and fast installation
Metal roof tiles are intentionally designed by manufacturers for easy installation in a relatively short period. You just lay it regularly over the roof trusses and stick a few screws to act as brackets. So this metal tile has been installed firmly and correctly. Even metal roof tiles claim to have excellent resistance to strong winds and seismic shocks.
Currently, the price of metal roof tiles in Indonesia ranges from IDR 40,000 to IDR 150,000 per sheet, depending on the brand, type, and thickness level. Please compare it with the prices of other roofing materials. Its wide dimensions also reduced the need for metal roof tiles to cover the roof of this house. We, XINO Steel, are a Chinese manufacturer specializing in the production of metal roof tiles raw Galvalume, and PPGL steel coils, exporting more than 25,000 tons of steel coils and finished metal roof tiles to Indonesia yearly.
5. Color diversity
The choice of metal roofing roof tiles is not limited to steel roofing sheets and stone-coated roofing sheets. Not only that, but this tile is also available in a variety of beautiful colors. Not only Marron or Silver, this metal tile is also available in a variety of bright colors for added appeal. For example, yellow, orange, blue, pink, etc., the color can be selected according to the RAL color number. That's why this tile is also very suitable for use in modern, minimalist, and traditionally designed houses.
6. Environmental friendly
Metal roof tiles are also environmentally friendly. The reason is because the metal is recyclable. You need to know that at least 60% of the raw materials for making metal roof tiles are recycled materials. The manufacturing technology also uses existing energy sources very efficiently. Even damaged metal roof tiles can be recycled into other products.
7. Easy damage repair
Another advantage of using metal roof tiles is that you can easily repair this broken roof tile. Some of the problems that often plague metal roof tiles are holes or structural depressions on the surface of the tile. By using the right techniques, you can completely repair the damage.
8. Long lifespan
A high-quality zinc aluminum roof can last for over 50, and even longer. Some of the reasons why such material is long-lasting are that it’s fire-resistant, insect-proof, and even prohibits the growth of mold, mildew, and fungus.
CONS OF ZINC-ALUMINUM BARREL TILES
1. High inside temperature
A common complaint in homes with metal roof tiles is that the interior feels stuffy. This happens because metals are good conductors. So the heat of the scorching sun is always maximally transferred to the space below. To overcome these shortcomings, it is recommended to increase the number of air changes in the home. Additionally, you can install air conditioners, coolers, or fans. Installing a heat-absorbing ceiling below it can also be a solution so that the internal conditions are not too hot.
2. Noisy when it rains
If you use metal roof tiles, the next obstacle you will encounter is that the atmosphere inside can be very noisy, especially when it rains. Raindrops falling from the sky will hit the surface of the roof tiles. This makes a very loud noise. Especially if it rains heavily, you will also have a hard time communicating in a room with a metal tile roof because it is so noisy. The solution is to choose sandy metal roof tiles so that they won't be too noisy.
3. Prone to corrosion
Although metal roofing tiles are now equipped with a protective layer on the surface, this layer will thin and disappear over time. The same is true for the anti-rust coating material on the surface of the roof tile. You certainly can't let this problem drag on. Because if this tile rusts, the structure will quickly become porous and permanently damaged. You should paint the surface of these metal roof tiles every 3-5 years with an anti-rust coating to keep it protected at all times.
4. Appeal
Not the most aesthetic
5, Costs
While other common roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles and terracotta roof tile cost much less, a zinc aluminum roofing system is expensive.
6. Unpredictability of the patina process
If you’re opting for a zinc aluminum roof specifically for its patina appearance, you might be a little disappointed. There’s no set timeline on when the patina process will take place — it can be as early as two years or as late as 30 years! The process depends mostly on the local climate. Keep in mind that the color changes more rapidly in damp and humid climates. Additionally, the resultant color may be different from what you had in mind. You can expect some tonal variations throughout your zinc aluminum roof.
7. Risk of poor installation
A zinc aluminum roof — more than any other type of roof — needs to be properly installed or else it can cause problems in the future. For instance, if the backside of the metal panels is exposed to water, they can corrode. Or, if a non-breathable synthetic underlayment is used at the time of roof installation, moisture can get trapped between the roof and the roofing deck — resulting in mold and roof leaks.
(*) patina process
Zinc goes through an oxidation process called patina. A zinc patina is like a protective layer on the surface. It protects the roof from rusting and weathering. The 
best feature of a zinc surface is that even if it’s scratched, the patina reforms itself over time. And, the blemishes get aesthetically repaired on their own.