Protecting your Roof with Tile
Are you looking for a roofing material that elevates the aesthetic of your home to unparalleled heights? Whether you choose clay, concrete, or slate tiles, tile roofs are synonymous with adding a romantic and exotic feel to your home. Designed to withstand high wind speeds, intense heat, and fire, tile roofs are a popular choice for homeowners in areas that are vulnerable to harsh weather conditions. In addition to being durable, tile roofs also offer attractive patterns, colors, and designs that can add to the resale value of a home. If that wasn’t enough, tile roofs also have a reputation for being long-lasting. However, the average lifespan of a tile roof depends on a few factors.
What is a Tile Roof?
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of tile is a flat or curved piece of fired clay, stone, or concrete used especially for roofs, floors, or walls and often for ornamental work. Recently, tiles crafted from synthetic materials have grown in popularity as well. With that being said, the majority of tile roofing in Florida is typically either slate, clay or concrete.
Type of Tile Roof Materials
Slate
Heavy, durable, and made of real stone, slate roofing tiles can last over 100 years.
Clay
Molded clay is baked into tile to produce clay tiles. Glazing and surface textures may be also be applied. Fireproof and wind-resistant, clay tiles have an average lifespan between 50 to 100 years.
Concrete
Constructed of sand, water, and Portland cement in different proportions. The tiles are molded under high pressure and heat. The tile may be finished with a paint-like material. Less expensive and durable than clay, concrete tiles can last anywhere between 25 and 50 years.
The Look and Feel of Tile
When people think of tile roofing, they usually think of the popular terra-cotta clay tiles that are associated with Spanish and Southwestern style architecture. While concrete and clay tiles are more popular in natural earth tones, with a classic curved shape, and an unglazed finish, that is certainly not all tile roofs have to offer. Tile roofing actually comes in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. Most materials can be textured or smooth, and the edges of the tile can be uniform or have a ragged appearance.
Climate Conditions
Tiles roofs are known to perform best in warmer, less humid climates. However, they also offer wind resistance, along with heat-transfer and ventilation abilities. More so, they are not likely to get insect damage, rot, and decay. Thus, tile roofing is a durable roofing option in all climates. While a long lifespan can never be guaranteed, roof tiles have such dependable durability and longevity that many manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty against color fading on tile roofs installed by a professional contractor.
Give Your Roof New Life
As you can see, there are several advantages to a tile roof and many people would confidently say that tile roofs are, in fact, a good choice. Ultimately, the decisions come down to a couple of factors:
- Does your roof already have tile installed?
- If not, have you consulted a structural engineer to see if your home is able to support the weight of tile?
- If you are building a home for the first time, you are in a great position to build a home that can accommodate tile.
- Selecting clay, concrete, slate, or synthetic tile can be tough. Consult a roofing professional who can advise the ideal tile for the climate in your area, as well as your desired aesthetic.
Installing any type of tile roof material on your home ensures that your roof will be protected for the foreseeable future. As your tile roofing company, we are experienced in all areas of tile roof maintenance, installation, and repair. To get a quote or learn more about how we can help with your tile roofing needs, contact us today at 352-459-7599.