Roofing tiles have been used for hundreds of years across the world. The traditional tiles are made of fired clay or slate. A more recent innovation is to make the tiles from concrete. You can now buy tiles made with either concrete or clay. These tiles are known for their durability. They can last up to 100 years. The tiles come in several shapes and designs, including interlocking, flat, curved and fluted. These tiles are popular, especially in certain parts of the country like the Southwest. Before choosing to use them it’s important to understand their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros of Tile Roofing
Regardless of whether you choose clay or concrete tiles, there are numerous benefits you can get from the roofing tiles.
Durability
Roofing tiles will last for over 100 years on your roof. Natural disasters can affect that of course, such as a tree falling on the house or tearing down the house or an earthquake or tornado. Concrete and clay withstand high winds, hail and even fire. The moment you install the roofing tile you will never change your roofing again in your lifetime.
Wide Variety
You can choose clay, slate or concrete tiles. All of them offer the same performance. Every category of tiles also comes in different colors.
Resistant to Insect Damage and Rot
Concrete, clay, and slate do not rot or rust. They also do not corrode. In addition, no insect or pest can destroy these tiles.
Environment-Friendly
You can recycle the tiles easily because the tiles are made of a natural material. They also have no effect on the environment when discarded.
Heat Resistant
These tiles do not allow heat or cold in or out of the house. They are resistant to any level of temperatures.
Cons of Tile Roofing
High cost.
Roofing tiles cost up to three times the cost of asphalt. The cost of other roofing materials used together with the tiles is also very high. The cost of repair in case of any damage is also very high.
Difficult installation.
You need professionals with extensive experience to help in the roofing of your house. They will install the interlocking portions carefully to ensure they don’t come out. When done in a wrong way there is a great risk of the whole building coming down.
Heavy weight.
The overall weight of the tile roof is too high. This, therefore, requires a very strong house with strong pillars to support the roof weight. The heavyweight requires more roofing timbers or metals which in turn increases the cost of the tiles.
Fragile
These tiles can break easily when they suffer a strong impact such as falling objects on your roof. Walking on the roof it’s also risky. You can break the tiles. This increases the cost of repair and maintenance of your roof.
When building your house have a budget that is inclusive of the roofing. Have a budget that you can finance or source finances easily. It’s not wise to start finish construction and you cannot manage to fix the best roof for your house. Consult widely when you are coming up with your building budget.
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