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Tile Roofing: What You Need to Know

  • By Admin
  • 25 Oct, 2018
Residential Roofing — Roof of a house in Sparks, NV
Tile Roofing: What You Need To Know

Numerous roofing systems are available to meet your budget and design needs. Roof tiles have a long history but they continue to be a popular choice in the residential and commercial markets due to their long-term performance.

Whether you are installing a roof in a new-build or you are undertaking a re-roofing project, read on to learn more about roof tiles, their advantages, and considerations for selecting the right tiles for your roof.
Types of Roof Tiles

Roof tiles fall into three categories, which include clay, concrete, and slate tiles.

Clay Roof Tiles

Clay tiles are among the oldest types of tiled roofing options. The production of these tiles involves a careful balance of earth, water, air, and fire to produce durable and reliable roofing slabs. Clay tiles have a distinct reddish color that delivers a rustic charm.

Clay tiles are available in numerous styles and shapes including flat slabs, interlocking, barrel-shaped, and flute-shaped among others.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Concrete roof tiles are an alternative to clay tiles, allowing you to enjoy the appeal of clay tiles at a lower cost. These tiles are made by mixing Portland cement, sand, water, and other reinforcement materials that make the resultant slabs suitable for roofing applications.

While concrete roof tiles were traditionally barrel-shaped, modern tiles are available in flat designs for a clean and contemporary look. Although Portland cement is naturally gray, by adding pigments in the cement mixture, manufacturers can produce numerous color options.

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate is a layered and fine-grained rock that is cut into thin sheets for roofing, flooring, and walling applications. As a rock-based material, slate is inevitably durable with an impressively long service life.

Slate tiles are also aesthetically rich, making them a popular choice for high-end and grandiose architectural applications. These tiles are, however, significantly costlier, so many home or building owners tend to choose between clay and concrete roof tiles.
Benefits of Roof Tiles

Although roofing technology has evolved considerably over the years, tiles have not lost their traditional charm. Tile roofing systems offer several advantages.

Longevity

The cost of installing a new roof can be significant. As such, a key consideration when selecting roofing material is lifespan and long-term performance.

Tiles are the longest lasting of all roofing materials. With proper maintenance, tiles can last 50 to 75 years with minimal reroofing requirements.

Resistance                                                  

Clay and concrete roof tiles have a Class A fire rating, meaning they are highly resistant to fire, which makes them a safe roofing option. Concrete and clay tiles can also withstand strong winds above 125-miles per hour, which would normally blow away most types of roofs.

Cost Efficiency

Roof tiles are considerably more expensive than other roofing solutions. Additionally, the tiles are heavy, which can have implications for transportation and labor costs. However, with proper installation, tiles can be leak-free and require minimal maintenance. The low life cycle costs can go a long way in offsetting the short-term upfront costs of tile roofing.

Cool Roof

Many roof tiles are naturally cool, which means the tiles reflect more heat than they absorb. This cooling effect not only helps to improve the useful life of the roof but can also help to regulate the temperatures in a building to minimize cooling costs.
Considerations for Selecting Roof Tiles

When choosing tiles for your roofing project, consider the following factors:

  • Budget: Concrete is an inexpensive alternative to clay and slate tiles
  • Design: Consider your building's overall architectural design to select complimenting tile colors, shapes, and sizes
  • Roof structure: The structure of your roof should support the roofing material to ensure safety. Concrete is heavier than clay and may only be suitable for roofs with a more robust frame

A reputable roofing contractor can help you select a roofing structure that meets your needs.

Are you looking for roofing services in Reno, Sparks, and Washoe County, Nevada? Call the specialists at Gurrs Roofing Heating and Sheet Metal today.
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