Whether made of fired clay, concrete, or slate, tile roofs can add an exotic touch to any home. Learn more about what makes these tiles such a popular option and weigh their strengths against key considerations to decide whether a tile roof is right for your home.
As with any roof, the primary purpose of a tile roof is to protect the underlying structure from water penetration. However, tiles are not completely waterproof, as they absorb a significant amount of water from rainfall. This can lead to mildew, algae, and moss buildup. To refer a professional, contact Buckley Roofing & Stucco for expertise.
Tile roofing can last a long time, especially if it is installed properly. It is also resistant to extreme weather conditions and can help lower energy costs by insulating your home. It is a good choice for homeowners who are looking for a more durable option that will increase the resale value of their home.
The longevity of a tile roof depends on many factors, such as the type of tiles used, the quality of installation, and how well they are maintained over time. Clay and concrete tiles are known for their durability, but slate is one of the most long-lasting options as well.
In addition, tile roofs can be painted to add interest to your house. They are typically available in a variety of colors, including red, brown, gray, and green. However, this may cause the tiles to fade over time, as they are porous and not as resistant to staining as other types of roofs.
Besides being highly durable, tile roofs are also beautiful and easy to maintain. They are usually resistant to rot, insect infestations, and mold growth.
They are also very resistant to high winds, hail, and fire. This makes them ideal for homes in areas where wildfires are common.
A few of the most popular kinds of tile roofs include terracotta, clay, and cement. Each is known for its unique durability and beauty, which can make it a great investment.
Although they are durable and last for a long time, clay, concrete, and slate roofs are also more expensive than other roofing options. They can cost up to $2,000 per square (a 10-foot-by-10-foot patch of roof) to install, which makes them more expensive than asphalt shingles or metal roofs.
Another major downside to tile roofs is that they can be prone to damage from foot traffic. This can be caused by stepping on the tiles incorrectly, such as by walking along the valleys and hips. To avoid this, orient your feet in a direction parallel to the ridge and take care not to step on the tiles directly.
Finally, if the tiles are damaged by foot traffic, they can become unusable and require replacement. It is recommended to hire a professional who has experience installing and maintaining tile roofs.
Tile roofs are one of the most energy-efficient roofing options available. Unlike asphalt shingles, concrete and clay tiles are excellent insulators, helping to contain the warmth or cool air inside your home.
They also reflect more solar heat away from your home than a typical asphalt roof. This means that your air conditioning doesn’t have to work as hard, reducing energy usage and costs month after month.
The Department of Energy states that a tile roof can reduce your energy consumption by about 20% in the summer and 30% in the winter. Combined with the fact that a tile roof can decrease heat transfer into your attic by up to 70% compared to asphalt shingle roofs, you’ll see that the cost of heating and cooling your home will be significantly lower when you have a new roof installed.
In addition, clay and concrete tiles are environmentally friendly and do not use chemical preservatives to preserve their long lifespan. As a result, they are an increasingly popular choice for homeowners looking to cut down on their environmental footprint.
Moreover, tile roofs are also incredibly durable and resistant to high winds, hail, and fire. This makes them a great choice for homeowners who want to protect their home from severe weather conditions, including hurricanes.
