A Simple Guide To Tile Roofing

Posted on: 16 March 2021

Tile roofs are gaining in popularity due to their attractiveness and long life. The following guide can help you decide if they are the right roofing choice for you.

Tile Options

Tile roofs come in several options. One of the better-known types is the terracotta or Spanish tile roof. These curved, orange-red tiles are often seen atop stucco homes in the southwest, but they can be just as attractive on other types of homes. Curved Spanish-style tiles are also available in more colors than just terracotta, so you can match the roof to your home.

Of course, you aren't limited to Spanish tiles. Slate tiles, which are made of natural slate shingles, are common in some regions. There are also clay and concrete tiles that are flat and made to resemble traditional shingles. These options are available in nearly any color, making it easy to find a complement to your home.

Roof Benefits

There are several benefits to tile roofing. First and foremost is its longevity. It can easily last three or four times as long as traditional asphalt shingles, simply because the tiles aren't prone to degrading over time. Some maintenance is necessary, as sometimes a tile may crack or become loose, which will require a minor repair. Impact damage from storms is the most common type of damage, but fixing any damage quickly ensures that there will be no leaks or other issues.

Tile is also good for the environment. Most tile roofs provide superior energy efficiency, which means lower heating and cooling costs and less energy usage overall. Tiles are also environmentally friendly. Most don't have a major impact on the environment during manufacture, plus their long life and recyclability means they don't put pressure on landfills.

Installation Concerns

There are a few things to keep in mind before switching to a tile roof. Your first concern is whether your home can support tile. Roofing tiles are much heavier than traditional asphalt shingles, and they need to be installed on sloped roofs. It may be necessary to shore up your roof supports and trusses before you can switch over since the existing supports may not be rated for the load of a tile roof.

Further, tiles are more costly than asphalt shingles even if you don't need to alter the slope or structure of your roof. Although this is a one-time roofing expense, compared to shingles that must be replaced every decade or two, it is important to be aware of it.

Contact a tile roofing service to learn more about tile roofs and whether they are a good choice for your home.

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