The Benefits of Clay Tile Roofing
The benefits of clay tile products are durability, energy efficiency, low price, and attractiveness. Below are some reasons you should choose clay tiles over other roofing materials. In addition to these benefits, clay tiles are also environmentally friendly, making them popular. However, there are some disadvantages to choosing clay roof tiles.
Durability
Clay tile roofing has many advantages. Clay tile products do not deteriorate or weather as quickly as asphalt. Many ancient clay tile roofs lasted hundreds of years. With proper installation, terra cotta clay tiles can last for over 100 years. These roofs also resist fire, impact, wind, and rot. Because they have stone-like qualities, clay roof tiles receive the highest fire-resistance rating.
The durability of clay tiles is further improved by using felt underlayment. The felt underlayment prevents leaks from damaging your home. Although the two types are made from the same materials, they differ in assembly and fitting. In the long run, clay tiles are a better choice for your roof. The installation time will depend on the size of your home, but it will be worth it in the long run. In addition to being durable, clay tile roofing adds value to your home.
Cost
The cost of clay tile roofing varies significantly from place to place. Depending on the project’s complexity, it may be necessary to add additional support material, such as metal brackets, may be required to your roof. The more complicated the roof, the more costly it will be to install clay tile. To save money, consider visiting several supply houses and negotiating a better price. You can usually save about 20% on this project. But remember to budget more for your project than you would for a more basic roof.
When replacing clay tiles, use a high-quality roofing adhesive to secure each tile. Make sure to use weather-resistant nails, which are more expensive than foam adhesive. Alternatively, you can hire a professional roofer to install the clay tiles. These roofs are very durable and will save your home’s electricity bill. Another advantage of this type of roof is that it is highly resistant to wind and water.
Energy savings
Using concrete tile roofs in your home can result in significant energy savings. These roofs reduce heat from the surrounding area by dissipating the heat back into the atmosphere. In addition to their aesthetic benefits, clay tile products also reduce the heat island effect and are highly durable. That said, they do need a little bit of maintenance. This roof can cost about $300 to 600 per 100 square feet. And while they will need some regular maintenance, they will save you money in the long run.
The use of clay roof tiles can also aid in rainwater management. Clay roof tiles are smooth and complex, so they don’t shed contaminants. As an added benefit, they’re easily recyclable. The EPA even rewards the use of products made from recycled materials. Products sourced within 100 miles are valued at up to 200% of their base contributing costs. And because they’re so durable, they can withstand storms and high temperatures.
Appearance
The appearance of clay tile roofing varies according to the style and shape of the tiles used. Modern methods of installing clay roofing tiles include the use of roofing felt. However, the earliest clay roofing tiles were hung directly on the roof rafters and laths without wood sheathing. This method was still standard in some regions of the U.S. during the 19th century. Depending on the size and shape of the tiles, they may be nailed or interlocked.
Some manufacturers have begun to offer clay tiles in more diverse colors and shapes. In some cases, the colors are even color-blended. However, these modern clay tiles may not look appropriate for historic tile roofs. Another factor to consider when selecting tile is the region of manufacture. For example, tiles made for a hot, dry climate may not hold up to harsh changes in temperature or freeze-thaw cycles. As a result, it may be challenging to decide whether to purchase a tile designed for a humid climate or a humid one.