Types of Tile Roofs Found In Arizona
A lot of homes in Phoenix, Arizona, have tile roofs due to typical weather. The three most common are sand-cast, clay, and concrete. Due to the temperatures, monsoons, and storms, tile roofs offer you more protection for your home. A different installation technique is necessary for each material. When you combine tile roofing with our Monsoon-proof rain gutters, you can assure that your roof and surrounding property will be protected for years to come.
Sandcast Tile Roofs
Sandcast tile roofs have a lot of the same characteristics as clay tile roofs. The material consists mainly of clay and sand. The difference is the way sand-cast tiles are manufactured to provide your home with a more unique appearance. Sand-cast tiles are frequently installed using mortar. This provides your home with a more personalized look due to the overlap of materials.
Sandcast tile roofs are available in a wide selection of earth tone colors and can be installed on residential roofs, and commercial roofs. Due to the unique process, a mud-washed, textured surface is created, enabling you to choose your desired color variation. The characteristics of sand-cast tile roofs include:
• No two sand-cast roof tiles have the exact same appearance
• Unique variations in color are created through the firing process
• Sandcast tile roofs are ideal for homes in a southwestern or Mediterranean style
Clay Tile Roofs
As a natural material, clay is plentiful. High-temperature kilns are used to form clay into a wide selection of tiles with a myriad of shapes available. The terra cotta coloration is a result of the iron content in clay tile roofs. If not for the iron, the coloration after being fired is brown to buff. Darker color variations are possible by using a manganese solution to wash clay tiles before firing. Your clay tile roof can be glazed to offer you nearly any color. There may also be coating options for additional protection.
Concrete Tile Roofs
Concrete tile roofs are constructed with concrete tiles for exceptional durability. The number of styles and colors are nearly endless. Concrete roof tiles are made using a single piece instead of the cap and pan used for both sand-cast and clay roofs. Although clay tiles are available in rectangular shapes very similar to the shakes and slate of your roof, the traditional shape is an S.
You will find a much larger variety of colors in concrete tile roofs than any other kind of tile. The characteristics of clay tile roofs include:
• More durability than clay tile roofs
• Most affordable than any other type of tiles for roofing
• Wider selection of styles and colors
• Cost less to maintain and repair
How Long Do Tile Roofs Last in Arizona
Roof tiles generally last between 40 and 50 years. In some instances, tiles can last for approximately 80 years, provided the conditions are perfect; you make all necessary repairs and perform correct roof maintenance. The reason tile roofs are so durable is that an additional layer is placed under your roof to prevent the tiles’ integrity from being damaged by water.
Despite the length of time, the tile roofs can last, you will need to replace your underlayment approximately every 20 years. The way your roof underlayment is maintained, combined with your weather, will help determine how long your roof will last. These roofs typically last longer than foam roofs in Arizona.
Best Underlayment for Tile Roofs
The best underlayments for Arizona tile roofs are organic roofing felt, commonly called 30# felt, SBS modified roofing felt commonly called 40#, or a self-adhered rubberized membrane commonly called peel and stick. When combined with adequate attic insulation, the interior of the home should maintain cooler temperatures during the summer months. If you are interested in adding an Arizona skylight, it would be wise to make that decision while the new underlayment is being installed.
Roofing Felt
Felt underlayment is a kind of paper with the ability to become soaked in mixtures that are water-resistant such as asphalt, for the production of a membrane. The quality of the felt is dependent on the thickness. Roofing felt is available in 15# or 30# rolls with an average width of 36 inches.
For tile roofs, the industry standard is one layer of 30# ASTM grade felt. We recommend a minimum of two layers of 30# ASTM grade felt. The additional cost is minimal, and it will extend the life expectancy of your new roof significantly! It is worth the extra price, which is usually just a few hundred dollars more.
Fiberglass SBS Modified Roofing Underlayment
If you are interested in tile roofs lasting for as long as possible, you should consider upgrading to an SBS Modified underlayment. You will receive a longer manufacturer’s warranty when compared to using an organic 30# felt. Manufacturer warranties vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the industry standard is ten years of one layer and twenty years for a double layer of rolled roofing underlayment. This type of underlayment increases the lifespan and durability of tile roofs, making it your best possible option. Rolled roofing is directly installed onto your decking before any tiles are placed.
Tile Roofing Paper
Tile roofing paper is a membrane directly applied to the deck of tiled roofs. This paper is installed beneath all of your other roofing materials. The idea is to provide tile roofs with additional protection from Arizona weather. Tile roof paper is essential for the installation of tile roofs for the following reasons.
• It protects your roof installers from falls by providing a non-slip surface
• It serves as a barrier to water if a storm damages your roof.
• Chemicals are prevented from leaching from your asphalt shingles onto the roof deck
• You receive an additional layer of protection for both heat and sound
• Tile roofs are protected from moisture even if there is a storm before your roof is completely installed.
Average Cost of Tile Roofs in Phoenix
The average cost for tile roofs varies greatly on which type of tile is used and, of course, the size. Roofs can start as low as $7k and go up to $45k. Tile roofs increase the value of your home. If you are considering a tile roof for your home and would like an estimate, call Jim Brown and Sons at (623)-247-9252.
