Tile has long been a popular roofing style around the world, especially in places that are hot, such as Phoenix, Arizona. However, many homeowners associate tile roofs with clay tiles. While it’s true that clay tiles are a great roofing material, other types are also available, which can make tile roof repair easier. Below is a more in-depth look at roofing tiles and their benefits.
Clay or Spanish Titles
Let’s start off with the most popular type of roofing tile. Clay tiles have been used for roofs for hundreds of years. One reason for their longevity in a changing market is their long lifespan. Clay tiles can last 80 to 90 years with proper maintenance.
Also, clay tiles are often designed with a curve that allows air to pass underneath them, keeping the home cooler. This makes clay tiles a great choice for homes located in hot locations. Homeowners also tend to like that clay tiles can be dyed, giving them access to a large variety of colors.
Cement or Concrete Tiles
Cement tiles, or concrete tiles, have also made quite a name for themselves in the roofing industry. Cement tiles have a number of benefits, but one reason that they’re so popular is that they look great in a wide range of architectural styles. From Italian to the Mediterranean, cement tiles are a perfect fit. They’re also fireproof, come in a variety of colors, and can last between 60 and 70 years with proper maintenance.
The only aspects that have kept cement tiles from becoming more popular are their weight and expensive price tag. While the initial investment might be steep, the long life of these tiles more than makes up for the cost.
Slate Tiles
Known for their distinctive look and high price, slate tiles have also been around for hundreds of years. Found often on French- or colonial-style homes, slate tiles can easily last longer than 100 years. Although expensive, homeowners love slate tiles because of their low maintenance cost. Much like cement tiles, slate tiles are also fireproof and aren’t susceptible to insect damage like wood shingles. Slate tiles are, however, susceptible to impact damage.
Metal Tiles
When people think of metal roofing, they often think of metal panels. However, you can also get metal tile roofs. Just like its panel counterpart, metal tiles or shingles are made from tin, steel, aluminum, or copper. They’re not only lightweight but also reflect the sun’s harmful UV rays to keep homes cooler. Metal roofs typically last around 50 years and can sometimes be installed over existing roofs because of their lightweight nature.
Composite Tiles
Composite tiles are made of primarily rubber, plastic, and fiber cement. They’ve grown in popularity because they’re more environmentally friendly than asphalt shingles. While they don’t last as long as some of the other options on this list, they can give you the appearance of more expensive roofing tiles such as clay or slate for a fraction of the cost.
Also, composite tiles aren’t as susceptible to impact damage as slate and clay tiles. They do, however, require slightly more maintenance to keep up their appearance. Composite tiles cost more than other roofing options such as asphalt shingles as well.
Energy Efficiency
One thing that nearly every roofing tile has in common is that they’re more energy-efficient than roofing options such as asphalt shingles. This makes roofing tiles the perfect option for homes located in the Southwest United States. With so many choices, you can find a roofing tile that not only saves money on your energy bill but also fits the overall style of your home.
Tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which is why they remain a popular roofing choice for homeowners today. Keep in mind, however, that they can be difficult to install. That’s why you should always hire a professional to install roofing tiles for you no matter which material that you select.
