Tile roofing is a beautiful and popular roofing option for homeowners looking for the longest life out of their roofs. In this guide, you’ll get info on everything you need to know about tile roofing materials, including styles, benefits, and more.
What is Tile Roofing
Tile roofs have been around for centuries and, like all roofing materials, they were created to provide a barrier between your home and the elements. A tile roof is installed by starting at the bottom or lowermost part of the roof, securing a row of tiles with nails, then overlapping the next or second row of tiles over the first.
Types of Tile Roofing
Clay Roof Tiles
Clay roofing tiles are one of the oldest roofing materials, dating as far back as 10,000 B.C. Traditionally a terra cotta color, they're made by baking molded clay and are usually associated with Spanish and Mediterranean-style homes.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete tiles are made of sand, cement, and water mixed, molded, and heated together. They serve as a water and weather-resistant layer over your roof and are a versatile choice for your roof. It’s important to note that when comparing concrete and clay, concrete tiles weigh about 40% more than clay. So, if you’re looking to use concrete tiles, ensure that your roof is structurally able to handle the weight.
Slate Roof Tiles
Slate tile roofing is a popular choice among homeowners because of its natural appearance, durability, and longevity. Slate is mined (typically in Spain, Italy, and other European countries) and cut into square tiles. They’re installed one at a time making it a slower installation process and one of the more expensive types of roofing materials. Like concrete, your home needs to be built on frames to carry the weight of slate tiles, but with proper installation, a slate roof will be the last roof you put on your home.
Benefits of Tile Roofing
Tile is one of the most popular roofing materials throughout the world.
Clay, concrete, and slate roofs can withstand high winds, hail, and even fire, plus they’re unaffected by insects and other pests. They’re also particularly resistant to salt air, making them a great choice for coastal Florida homes.
VersatilityTile roofs come in many different styles and color options, ensuring you can find the roofing system that complements the design of your home.
Energy EfficiencyBecause of the gap under the tiles, they can help block the sun’s heat from transferring into the attic, reducing your reliance on your air conditioning, and lowering your cooling costs significantly.
SustainabilityTile roofing is typically made from earth materials, meaning they can be removed, crushed, and recycled, keeping waste out of landfills and making it an environmentally friendly roofing option for your home.
Tile Roofing Frequently Asked Questions
A brand-new tile roof can last upwards of 50 years and some as much as a century. This means homeowners who choose tile for their roof replacement won’t likely need to replace it again for as long as they own the home.
How much do tile roofs cost?Concrete roof tiles are the least expensive material costing between $2-4 per square foot plus installation. Clay is moderately priced at around $3-7 per square foot and Slate is the costliest of the options at $10-$30 per square foot plus installation.
What is the best type of tile for areas with hot climates?Clay tile roofing provides safety and longevity even in Florida’s extreme weather conditions. The tiles keep out water and high winds during hurricane season and don’t fade with overexposure to the blistering summer sun.
How do you maintain a tile roof?Clay tile with a matte or glazed ceramic finish is essentially maintenance-free. Concrete tile is very low maintenance as well and rarely needs any treatment; professional low-intensity pressure washing can be done if desired. Never attempt to walk on your tile roof.
Professional Tile Roofing Installation, Repair, and Replacement
If you’re considering a tile roof for your home or business contact the professionals at Stanley’s Roofing. Our team has 35+ years of experience installing, replacing, and repairing clay and concrete tile roofing in Central and Southwest Florida.