Talking Tile
Choosing a roof style is a big decision. If your house is leaning towards Mediterranean, New England Colonial, or Authentic Spanish style, roofing tiles might be your #1 choice. Tile roofs offer superior aesthetics, durability, and longevity.
The History of Tile
Clay roofs have been around since the 13th century! They tend to be more elegant than concrete tiles because, as time passes, a clay roof's color will become richer and develop a character unequaled by other roofs. Concrete tiles have been around since the 19th century and are less expensive than clay tiles.
Pros of Tile
Durability: By far, the largest benefit to roofing tiles is durability. They can last hundreds of years, withstanding hail, high winds, and even fire.
Fire Rating: Tiles and Metal are the only roofing materials to have a Class A fire rating, making them perfect for hot climates that experience an intense fire season like ours!
Variety: Tile roof styles come in a variety of designs including curved, flat, and interlocking options.
Environmentally Friendly: Tile roofs are made from natural materials and don’t decay. Clay tile roofs are 100% recyclable and are either crushed and reused as new tiles or used for baseball fields! Concrete tile roofs are also 100% recyclable and are crushed into new aggregate and reused.
Insulation: Clay tile roofs are a perfect choice for hot or coastal climates because of their resistance to heat and corrosion from salt in the air. Concrete is more absorptive and runs the risk of developing mildew and stains in a rainier climate, but does well in dry hot areas.
Cons of Tile
Higher Cost: Compared to other roofing materials, roofing tiles are expensive.
Weight: The same factors that make them durable also make them heavy, so the building’s roofing frame needs to be sturdy.
Not 100% Damage Proof: Roofing tiles won’t melt or blow away like flat roof and shingle options, but they can crack from high impact like falling trees.
Not DIY: Installing or repairing tiles is difficult if you’re not trained. Thankfully, our employees are expert installers of all kinds of roofing types, including tile!
Specific Roof Slope: Tiles should only be used on roofs with a sharp slope (more than 4:12) so they are not a perfect fit for everyone.
Choosing Tile
Congratulations on considering clay or concrete tiles for your roof! They are a truly beautiful option. Look around for inspiration about the styles you want. Modern homes may look better with concrete tiles while Southwestern or Mediterranean homes may look better with clay tiles.
Are you ready to make the leap and install a beautiful new tile roof? Give Harbert Roofing a call to schedule a consultation today!