When building a new house or improving an existing property, you may be torn between the many roofing options in the market today. Tile roofing is one of the most popular options you can consider. While it comes with a higher price tag, tile roofing has proven to be an incredible investment. As they say, you get what you invest in; tiles come with amazing benefits that make it ideal for homes and commercial properties. This piece takes a look at concrete roof tiles pros and cons to help you understand more about tile roofing.
Tile Roofing Pros
1. Long Term Performance
Tiles have been proven to provide the best and the longest track record in terms of durability and performance. Compared to other roofing options such as shingles, tiles are engineered to ensure the best ventilation, natural water shedding and the best resistance to wear and tear elements.
Therefore, tiles can be used even in the most extreme weather conditions. The weight of the tiles, the technology behind tiles construction also makes them sturdy and ideal for roofing in different regions.
- Tiles are fire resistant.
- Built to withstand strong winds.
- They are hail resistant.
- Seismic resistant.
2. An array of colours, designs, and styles
Tiles come in a wide array of colours, designs, and styles. You can choose ceramic tile roof, light shades, multi coloured or settle for a black tile roof based on your personal needs. As a matter of fact, modern concrete tile innovations allow you to explore the most unique roofing designs. From the Mediterranean, historic to contemporary styles, you can find a design that defines your flair.
In addition, tiles can be round, flat, or wavy. There are also styles and designs that replicate old roofing materials. Depending on the type of roofing style you want, you can always have tiles customized to your needs. The possibilities when it comes to tile roofing style are virtually endless.
3. Aesthetically Appealing
Tiles are aesthetically appealing. This is attributed to the natural sources of the mixtures and materials used when making tiles. Some of the best sources include clay and iron oxide. These are commonly used in making concrete tiles and they not only make them beautiful but also extremely durable.
With prolonged exposure to sunlight, many roofing materials tend to fade in colour. However, tiles can maintain their colour over a long haul with extended exposure to wear and tear elements. Tiles can last more than 50 years before their colours start to fade.
4. Quality Protection
Tiles are naturally heavy. This is why they last for long. However, with advancements in technology, you will find lightweight tiles in the market for re-roofing and new construction projects. Therefore, they provide long-lasting protection to your roof. Compared to other roofing materials, tile roof homes are a smart choice for their durability, protection, and ease of maintenance.
5. Environmentally Friendly
Tiles are environmentally friendly. They have the lowest cycle expenses, since they require very little maintenance.
Tiles manufacturing do not lead to depletion of natural resources. What’s more, they do not need any chemical preservatives through the manufacturing and production process. Consequently, the need for reroofing and filling landfills is significantly reduced by the long life of tiles.
Tiles are also environmentally friendly because they reduce heat transfer to other roofing materials.
Roofing ceramic tiles also allow for natural air flow, and create a barrier to prevent heat transfer during winter.
With natural air flow, tiles also help you to cut down on energy costs by reducing the need to use heating systems in your home during winter.
6. Economical
Clay, concrete and ceramic tile roofing are excellent roofing materials with a long lifespan. You do not need to replace or reroof your house after a short period of time. Many buildings made of tiles remain functional, intact and beautiful for many years to come.
On the same note, tiles require very little maintenance under normal conditions. What’s more, the maintenance is often restricted to venting, protrusion flashings, and gutters. Shingles and other roofing materials require general maintenance that includes cleaning, painting, coating or sealing the roof surface.
Other benefits of tile roofing
- Tiles are fire resistant and they have an A-Class fire rating.
- They have a low insurance rate because of their resistance to wear and tear elements.
- Tiles enhance and preserve the architectural design of your home because they feature original designs and styles.
- Tiles are a smart investment because they maintain their value over a long haul.
Also Check: What to Expect From Quick Roofs LTD Service Providers
Tile Roofing Cons
Even though tile roofing comes with amazing benefits, this type of roofing also comes with its downsides. Therefore, before you settle on building a tile roof house, it is important that you take a look at the drawbacks including;
1. The Cost of Tile Roofing
Roof tiling is expensive. This is largely attributed to the fact that tiles are durable, the cost of purchasing tile materials is high and the process of making them is also laborious. Tile installation is also costly because it needs skilled craft and your roofer must be specifically trained in this type of roofing to deliver the best results.
The cost of tile roofing is also closely associated with the energy saving nature of tiles. While tiles can help you to cut down on energy charges, you need to save some good amount for you to purchase quality tiles for your home.
Tiles are also costly because they do not have a flat rate. Often, the cost of tiles will depend on the type, size, colour and the angle of your roof. A contractor will have to provide a rough estimate of how much it may cost. This can mean extra charges that add up to the total cost of tile roofing. The other factors that determine the cost of tile roofing include;
- The quality of tiles.
- The style of the tiles or the materials you wish to use for your roofing, for instance, concrete tiles featuring cedar styles are relatively cheaper compared to Spanish and Roman-inspired tiles.
- Enhanced accessories including ridge caps, boosted tile spaces and design.
- Whether the roofing is new or old.
- The installation method or process where a direct installation is cheaper.
- Climate factors because in cold and wet climates, additional materials are needed for tile installation.
- The complexity of your roof design. A single storey roof is cheaper compared to a four corner project.
2. It is Hard to Repair Tiles
Tiles are long lasting but in the event of wear and tear, it is hard to repair your roof. What’s more, replacing damaged tiles can be a very intricate process that needs the skills of a specialized expert. For these reasons, it means you need extra money to repair your roof. With DIY repair projects, the outcome may not be as good as desired.
3. Tiles are Heavy
Roofing tiles are heavy and before you settle on ceramic roofs, you need to get your home thoroughly evaluated. Tiles are heavier than asphalt shingles and your home should be able to support heavy composition tile roofing for enhanced safety. Whether or not you love a tiled roof, you will have to abide by rules and regulations set for tile roofing projects. In the event where your house is weak, you will need the best reinforcements for your red tile roof. This also comes with a fee.
4. Your Home may Need Special Adjustments
Before installing a roof tile, your home may need slight adjustments, especially on the braces. This will depend on the design, style, and foundation of your property. In the event of such, you will be required to pay an additional amount because a roof tile cannot be installed in a structure that is not best supported.
5. Installation
Tiles can be used in warm and cold environments. However, the best time for new roof installation is during a warm and dry season. This means that you may have to wait for a certain period of time before a roof tile is installed in your home. Your contractor will also have to recommend whether it is the right time for the installation process to commence or not.
6. Potential Damage
Even though tiles are some of the most durable roofing materials, they can crack under extreme hail and heavy falling limbs. This can mean expensive replacements.
Similarly, tiles tend to trap smoke and heat in the event of fire accidents. Concrete is also difficult to penetrate and when accidents occur, toxic gases, smoke, and heat can cause more damage in your property.
With these tile roofs pros and cons, you can easily make informed decisions on whether a tile roof is ideal for you or not. Remember, as a homeowner, you always have to make important and final considerations before having a roof tile installed. In the past few years, tiles were considered to be quite weighted and heavy. However, there have been great advancements in the architectural world. Therefore, you can find lightweight tiles in the market that do not need expensive reinforcement.
Most importantly, you need to hire a professional tile roofing company to maximize the benefits of tile roofing. Quick Roofs Ltd. offers quality roofing services that will completely transform your home.
