Wood vs Metal Roof Frames: Which Is Better for Your House Roofing Project?

Roof frames are one of the key structural components that make up a roof. They give the roof its shape and also support the entire roof structure. If you're planning on building a house for your family, you will need to decide on the type of frames to use for the construction of its roof. 

Generally, there are two main types of roof frames available for you to choose from — wood and metal. Each option has its pros and cons, which should be carefully weighed up before making a final decision. 

Read along to find out what you need to know to make an informed choice between wood and metal roof frames.

Wood Frames

Wood is the most widely used material for residential roof framing in Australia. Individual wood members are usually transported to the construction site for assembly. The primary reason people favour wood over metal is cost – wooden frames generally cost less than their metal cousins. 

The production of wood frames is generally less energy-intensive than metal frames production. The cost savings attained at the production stage are passed down to customers in terms of lower prices.

On the downside, wood frames can rot when exposed to moisture and water. Plus, they can warp over time. Damage from rotting or warping is irreversible, meaning you will have to replace the damaged sections of your roof framing to fix the problem. 

Wood frames can also be attacked by wood-loving insects, such as termites, so it is vital to use wood that's treated to repel such destructive pests. 

Metal Frames

They are the newer alternative to wood framing. They are a desirable option in roofing applications where sturdier and more durable roof frames are required. Wood frames simply can't beat the structural load-bearing potential of metal frames. 

Although not a standard choice for homes, metal roof frames are essential for houses to be built in areas prone to natural disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes or inclement weather conditions such as high winds. 

Unlike wood frames, these frames don't rot, warp or attract wood-loving pests but they can corrode when exposed to coastal weather.

Metal frames are usually assembled at an offsite location and transported to the construction site in ready-to-install condition. This helps to control quality and speed up the installation process.

Which of the two types of roof frames is better than the other? Well, it depends on your situation. Consider your project requirements, preference and budget in determining the right option for you. If you're still on the fence about which one will work best for you, consult a residential roofing specialist.