Metal Deck vs Concrete Roof Tiles in Malaysia

The question we get on almost every terrace re-roof

Most 1990s and 2000s double-storey terraces in the Klang Valley, Johor Bahru and Penang were built with concrete tiles on timber trusses. Decades later, the tiles are porous, the ridge mortar is cracking and the owner has to decide: put back concrete tiles, or switch to metal deck?

There is no single right answer. Here is how the two compare on the things that actually matter in Malaysian weather.

Cost comparison on a typical roof

All figures exclude truss work, which is quoted after inspection.

Heat: which is cooler?

Concrete tiles have thermal mass. They absorb the afternoon sun and release it slowly, which is why many terrace bedrooms upstairs stay warm into the night. Bare metal sheet is worse: it heats up fast and radiates straight into the roof space.

A PU-foam insulated metal deck changes that. The foam layer and foil underside cut the heat that reaches the ceiling. If you stay with tiles, you can still improve comfort with roof heat insulation, a heat-reflective roof coating at about RM6 per sq ft, or turbine ventilators (2 pcs about RM3,400).

Rain noise

Concrete tiles are quiet in rain. Plain metal is loud, especially in a Klang Valley inter-monsoon downpour in April or October. PU foam bonded under the metal deck dampens the drumming considerably, which is why we do not install uninsulated metal on homes. Read our full answer on whether metal deck is noisy when raining.

Leaks and maintenance

A concrete tile roof is made of hundreds of individual pieces. Each tile can crack, shift in a storm, or be cracked by someone walking on it to service the aircond or the water tank. Ridge and hip mortar cracks with age. Most roof leak repair calls we get on terraces come from exactly these points.

Metal deck has long sheets running from ridge to gutter, so there are far fewer joints. Its weak points are different: screws, flashing at the party wall and penetrations for pipes or solar mounts. Done properly, it needs less routine attention than tiles.

Weight and your timber truss

This is the point many owners miss. Concrete tiles are heavy. On an old timber truss that has been attacked by termites or has sagged, putting back a full load of new concrete tiles can make the problem worse. Metal deck is much lighter, which reduces load on the structure.

We always check the truss once the tiles come off. If timber is damaged, roof truss repair is quoted after a structural check, whichever roofing you choose.

Looks, neighbours and party walls

On a row of terraces, the roof is visible from the street and shares a party wall flashing with both neighbours. Some owners prefer concrete tiles to keep the row consistent. Others choose metal deck in a colour close to the neighbours' tiles. Either way, the party wall junction must be flashed properly, because that is where most terrace leaks start. If you want the look of tiles with a lighter weight, consider stone-coated interlocking tiles at RM18.50 to RM25 per sq ft with a 20-year warranty.

Our practical recommendation

Stay with concrete tiles if your truss is sound, your budget is tight and you only need to replace part of the roof like-for-like. Choose PU-foam metal deck if your truss is old or damaged, the upstairs rooms are hot, or you are tired of chasing cracked tiles after every storm.

The exact price for either option is confirmed after a free inspection. See our PU foam metal deck roof and roof tiles replacement pages, or book a free inspection.