Tile Roofing

Costs
Durability
History
Maintenance

Pictures
Popular Roofing and Gutters Topics
Pros and Cons
Questions and Answers

References
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While tile roofing is used throughout much of the world as a fire-safe, long-lasting roofing material, we only see a comparatively small amount of it in the United States. But if you’re looking for a unique, aesthetically pleasing roof your home, then you certainly won’t want to discount tile. Here is some more information.

Costs

The cost of a concrete tile roof, on average, runs between $4.50 and $9 per square foot for standard-grade tiles, or $7-$10 for deluxe concrete tiles. A ceramic clay tile roof will cost a bit more—between $7 and $10 a square foot for lower-grade tiles, or as much as $10-$30 per square foot for premium clay tiles. It’s best to get a few price quotes for your roofing project and go from there.

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Tile Roof

Pros

Tile roofing has the benefit of enhanced air circulation, which helps the roof shed solar heat more readily.

Tile roofing comes in an amazing variety of shapes, colors, patterns and textures.

It is fire-safe and long-lasting.

Cons

Clay roof tiles easily absorb water in areas where freezing frequently occurs.

Concrete roof tiles can be quite heavy and more expensive than other roofing materials.

Tile roofing must be handled with care, as the individual tiles can easily break if they are walked on incorrectly.

Durability

If properly installed and cared for, tile roofing is considered an extremely durable and long-lasting roofing material. To increase the durability, it’s best to avoid using clay tiles in cold climates, and concrete tiles in areas that are earthquake prone. Tile roofing can last as long as 100 years.

Maintenance

Tile roofing should be regularly inspected for cracks or leaks, but should not be walked on if at all possible. Mold, algae and dirt can be removed from a tile roof quite easily with a power washer and cleaning solution of warm water and dishwashing detergent. Just make sure not to aim the power washer too close to the tiles.

Common Questions and Answers

What are some of the main differences between clay and concrete tile?

Clay tile is usually associated with Mediterranean and Spanish architectural styles, and isn’t nearly as common in the United States as concrete tile. Concrete tile is used in the Southeast, Southwest and California more often than clay for a number of reasons, but especially because of its lower cost. Clay tile is very porous and will readily absorb water, while concrete tile can be damaged in areas where earthquakes are common.

What shapes do roofing tiles come in?

Both clay and concrete roofing tiles are available in two shapes – profile and flat. Profile tile comes in pan and cover, S-tile and interlocking. Flat tile comes in interlocking and non-interlocking. Interlocking is preferred in areas where heavy rain and snow are major weather patterns because it is a more weather-tight roofing system.

History

Certainly one of the oldest roofing materials available today, tile roofing can be traced all the way back to 10,000 B.C. in Neolithic China. It is a commonly used roofing material in Europe, Middle East, and South America.