The Pros and Cons of Tile Roofing

When you’re building a home or repairing your roof, choosing materials is a big decision. The roof is the first line of defense for keeping your house in good shape. You want to install a good-looking roof that protects well — which type do you choose? Environment may be a big determining factor if you’re building a beach house by the shore or a cottage in the country. The roof will weather the elements differently and have an impact on the repairs needed. Tile. Below are details about the types of tile roofing and how they wear over the years

Terracotta 

Terracotta tile is created by firing natural clays in a kiln at extremely high temperatures. The process creates strong tiles that are fade-resistant and require little maintenance. Manufacturing can also be adjusted to be salt-safe for coastal regions and frost-resistant for colder areas. Terracotta also has great thermal performance, keeping your house cool by not transferring heat to the rest of the home.

Slate

While considered one of the strongest roofing materials, slate is also chosen for its beauty. Slate can be manufactured in a range of colors and different shades can be utilized on one surface to create depth and design. A slate roof can last for over a century, making it a popular choice among homeowners.

Plastic

Homeowners can use a plastic tiles to create a roof that has a stylish look without a high price tag or heavy weight on the structure. Options include recycled plastic and virgin rubber. These tiles tend to be extremely durable and often have the highest fire-resistance rating.

Concrete 

While concrete is often considered drab, roof tiles made of the material can be customized to match a home’s style and colors. Concrete tiles are also designed to last more than a century without needing replacement, and withstand sun fading. They also tend to lock in your home’s temperature, increasing energy efficiency.

Benefits of Tile Roofs 

In addition to having many options for materials and style, there are other reasons why homeowners cover their homes with tile. 

Protection: Tile roofs offer some of the highest ratings in fire protection of any type of roof. Unlike some types of roofing that are easily burned, harder tile materials can withstand intense heat because of the construction process. 

Durability: While some tile materials last longer than others, many prove to have the longest lifespan of any roofing materials. 

Customization: Tile colors and styles can be adjusted to match your home’s design plan and color scheme. 

Disadvantages

While there are many things to love about tile roofs, there are some drawbacks.  

Cost: The initial cost the roof is more expensive than other options, but the expenditure is usually balanced by little maintenance and fewer tile roof repairs.  

Weight: While this is often a non-issue, the tile materials make it much heavier than other roofing. This concern can be avoided by using plastic tiles, but many houses are capable of supporting the weight of traditional material types. 

Underlayment: While roofing tiles are long-lasting, the materials laid beneath them are often less durable. 

When Issues Arise with Tile Roofs

While tile roofs are strong, there are a few issues that can appear over its lifetime. If your roof is over 20 years old, you may need a section of it repaired. Tile roof repairs are generally simple. Some tiles snap into place and are easily removed and repaired. If your roof is newer and has a leak, it's rarely due to slipped or cracked tiles. More often its water coming in through a vent and leaking through the roof. 

Types of Damage

There are several different parts that can become damaged when your roof begins to age. 

Wood: If the wood beneath your tiles begins to show damage, it’s easy to assume that there is a leak somewhere in the roof. It's much more cost-effective to replace the faulty tiles rather than simply repairing the wood, since it will most likely get damaged again. 

Tiles: It’s important to have a roof maintenance check every three to five years to be sure you don’t have any tiles that have slipped or cracked. Keeping your roof in top condition reduces the chance of problems in the future. As you decide what type of roof to install on your home, keep in mind the benefits and drawbacks of tile roofs. While it is one of the most durable and customizable roofing products, there are several factors to consider for the future of your home.

This article was created in collaboration with Ky-Ko Roofing.