What is a tile roof?

A tile roof is one with tiles composed of clay, ceramic, concrete, or slate. Nails bind each tile to the roof deck. A tile roof is installed similarly to asphalt shingles by beginning at the bottom or lowest point of the roof, securing a row of tiles, and then overlapping the following or second row of tiles over the first.

Types of Tile Roofs

Roofing tiles are available in a variety of styles, materials, and designs. Tile roofs are built to last a lifetime, are fire resistant, and are non-combustible. Tile roofs are a nice break from the standard asphalt roof and go well with a variety of current home layouts. Combining tile with more modern materials such as glass, metal roofing, or cedar wood shake shingles creates a striking architectural contrast that will make your home stand out.

Here’s a rundown of the 9 various roof tiles available to homeowners:

• Clay Roof Tiles
• Concrete Roof Tiles
• Interlocking Roof Tiles
• Large Format Roof Tiles
• Low Pitch Roofing Tiles
• Pantile Single-lap Roof Tiles
• Slate Roofing Tiles
• Solar Roofing Tiles
• Traditional Roof Tiles

Roofs made of tile are designed to endure a lifetime. They are fire-resistant because they are non-combustible. They’re also resistant to insects and decay. Almost any home design can benefit from tile roofing.

Beautiful and long-lasting
For quality and longevity, distinctive, beautiful, and sustainable tile is the roofing material of choice. Its natural beauty have been prized for thousands of years, and they continue to be so today, with the addition of a wide range of shapes, profiles, and colors for unlimited decorating options. And, unlike wood shakes or asphalt shingles, tile keeps its color and beauty for a long time.

Strong
Water, frost, fire, wind, and insect damage are all resistant to tile roofs, which can persist for centuries rather than decades. When a building owner invests in a well placed tile roof, it will be the last roof they will ever need to purchase, which is a significant benefit in terms of resale value.

Versatile
Tile is the most adaptable roofing material available. Wood shakes, chipped stone, and shingle-style slate, as well as more typical barrel and s-shaped profiles, can all be fashioned out of clay and concrete. Every architectural style has a perfect fit.

Energy-conserving
Tile roofs give great thermal qualities in practically every climate and geographic area, decreasing heat loss or gain. Natural air circulation beneath the tiles produces a heat transfer barrier that can assist cool a house in the summer and warm it in the winter, saving up to 20% on energy expenses.

Sustainable

Unlike petroleum-based roofing such as asphalt shingles, tile is created from basic materials that do not deplete finite natural resources. There are no preservatives in tile roofing, and waste from manufacture can be recycled back into the manufacturing process rather than being dumped.

When it comes to cost per year of use, solid investment tile roofs are unrivaled. Customers who pick a clay or concrete tile roof will enjoy the aesthetics, quality, energy efficiency, and sustainability for a lifetime, despite the higher initial expenditures.

Pros and Cons of Tile Roofs

You Should Be Aware Of These 12 Tile Roofing Advantages And Disadvantages

If your existing roof has to be replaced (due to damage or old age), you’ll want to do your research and compare roof installation materials and processes. Tile is a popular choice among homeowners. Tile roofs are quite attractive and may be used to accent a wide range of home types. However, before you decide to build a tile roof, you should weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

Tile Roofing’s Advantages

Tile is the most widely used roofing material in the planet. Here are a few of the reasons why tile roofing is still one of the most popular choices.

Clay and concrete tiles are noted for their weather resistance and ability to survive heavy winds, hail, and even fire. During hurricane season, this makes tile roofing extremely useful.
Because of the gap under the tiles, they can assist keep the sun’s heat from travelling into the attic, minimizing your dependency on air conditioning and drastically lowering your cooling expenditures.
Tile roofs require extremely little maintenance due to the durability and resistance of the tiles.
Roofs made of tile last a long time – A new tile roof is built to last a lifetime. In fact, tile roofs have been known to persist for more than 50 years.
Pest-resistant tile roofs — Unlike other types of roofs, tile roofs are impenetrable to insect damage.
Tile roofs are environmentally friendly because they are often constructed of earth minerals such as clay or concrete. They come from a renewable resource, and once removed, they can be crushed and recycled, which is typically used as a road base.
Tile roofs come in a variety of shapes and colors, allowing you to match your home’s décor.

Tile Roofing’s Drawbacks

While there are numerous benefits to installing a tile roof, tile roofs, like all roofing materials, have disadvantages. The following are some of the drawbacks of tile roofs that you should be aware of.

Tile is a heavy material – Because a tile roof can be so heavy, it’s critical that your home has the right structural reinforcement to hold it properly. This is why it’s crucial to employ a professional roofer who can ensure your home can withstand the weight.
Roofing tiles can be costly – Roof tiles made of clay or concrete can cost twice as much as asphalt shingles. You are, however, paying for lifespan, durability, and curb appeal. You’ll save money in the long run because maintenance expenses will be lower and you won’t have to replace it for a long time.

Tile Roof Maintenance

While tile roofing can withstand many of the harsh weather conditions, it is nevertheless susceptible to damage. Extreme weather, such as wind, hail, and cold, can break or blow tiles away. Mortar can become loose due to the environment, time, building movement, and improper installation.

Mold and lichen can form on tiles in shaded locations, and removing the mold and lichen might cause the tile to disintegrate. Furthermore, due to the presence of leaves or debris, or the use of cement-based mortar, the metal valleys that secure the tiles to your roof can corrode. The majority of these occurrences are unusual and infrequent, yet they do occur.

While the tile can survive for decades, the felt underlayment usually wears out sooner (20–40 years) and needs to be updated to keep your roof system in good working order. Last but not least, foot traffic can easily shatter tiles, so if you need any form of help that involves direct contact with the roof tiles, you should hire a professional roofer. Visual inspections from the ground are urged on a regular basis to detect and rectify minor issues before they become more serious.

The installation of tiles is crucial – Specialty flashings made exclusively for tile roofs must be put in order for a tile roof to be properly erected. This is the most prevalent cause of roof failure, and it’s why so many tile roofs don’t last the 50 years that they’re supposed to. Choose a roofer and confirm that they are putting the top flashings required for a successful tile installation.
Tile roofing can be brittle — As sturdy and weather-resistant as tiles are, impact damage, such as a branch falling on your roof, can cause them to crack or break.
Algae development is typical in a humid environment, therefore tiles may become dirty. Algae growth thrives on tile rooftops, resulting in dark streaks. Tile roofs can be gentle washed and treated with an algae prevention solution, which is guaranteed to keep them clean for two years.
It’s critical to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of the various materials available when replacing your roof. Tile roofs are popular because of their many advantages, but there are also additional factors to consider.