Tile Roofing
Roof tiles are made of local, natural and recyclable materials such as terracotta (also known as clay), slate and concrete. All three of these roofing materials offer lifelong durability and fireproofing; two superior qualities that continues to set them apart from the competition.
Concrete roof tiles offer additional benefits including: versatility in design and color, energy efficiency, greater protection against high winds, hail and freeze/thaw climates, and they are less expensive than genuine clay or slate.
Clay tiles can be found in many colors, shapes, and applications. No single roofing is best for every home, so consider the benefits and drawbacks of clay tiles.
Benefits:
Durability: Clay tile roofs can withstand threats such as fire, wind, sun, snow, and hail.
Insulation: Clay tiles can keep your home cool during hot weather and warm during cold weather. Clay tiles are suitable for snowy climates and perform well, resisting water damage as well as keeping the building warmer. It is essential that tiles in these areas are inspected and maintained every year. Clay roofs limit heat transfer in and out of your home. This means warmer temperatures are kept out during the summer and kept in during colder seasons.
Longevity: Clay tile roofs generally last 100 or more years with proper installation and maintenance.
Installation: A properly installed clay tile roof may last more than 100 years. The raw materials don’t rot or decay, and they withstand the most common threats to typical roofs. The only significant threats to these roofing products are falling trees and mishandling.
Drawbacks:
Brittle: Although tile roofs are resistant to high winds, fire, and hail, individual tiles are brittle and break easily during the installation process.
Cost: Clay tiles can cost three to four times more than asphalt shingles.
Weight: Clay tile roofs are heavy; the roof’s structure needs to be assessed and possibly reinforced prior to installing a clay roof.
Clay roof tile.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Benefits:
Sometimes called cement roofing tiles, concrete tiles are a mixture of portland cement, sand, water, and sometimes various dyes (for color).
Due to its fluid nature prior to curing, concrete tiles are factory-molded into a wide variety of shapes and textures to simulate wood shake shingles, clay tiles, or slate tiles.
They offer excellent resistance to wind or roof hail damage.
However, when comparing clay roof tiles vs. concrete roof tiles, it’s important to note that clay tiles last longer than concrete.
Drawbacks:
Breakable: Concrete tiles are breakable. Although hard and challenging to damage, heavy hail or branches falling on them can break them. They will likewise break if you stand on them or they fall off your roof.
Prone to weathering: Concrete tiles are prone to weathering. Although they are really hard, they can be impacted by large amounts of rain. Concrete tiles can absorb water, which causes the advancement of stains and moss and mildew growth.
Concrete roof tile.