Using Roof Tiles instead of Asphalt Shingles
Roof tiles are one way of covering your roof in style and quality that will last for a lifetime. Rather than continuous pieces of rolled sheeting roofing material or sealed together like the top edges of asphalt shingles, roof tiles are attached to the underlayment of the roof one at a time in an overlapping manner, similar to wood shingles. Roof tiles come in a variety of materials today including clay, slate, concrete and metal. Each material has its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Clay Roof Tiles
Clay roof tiles, including the popular terracotta tiles, are still the most popular type used today. These are highly durable, weather and fire resistant. They come in beautiful styles and shapes and will be suitable for both historical and contemporary architecture. The biggest disadvantage of clay roof tiles is that they are more difficult to work with and put on, therefore tend to be quite expensive.
How About Slate or Metal Roof Tiles?
Slate roof tiles offer a gorgeous look to the home and offer the same wonderful benefits as the clay roofing tiles do. However, stone is very heavy and it will require more structural support which adds to the expense of this type of roof. Metal roof tiles are relatively new to the roofing world as technology has improved. They can be created to imitate the more expensive tiles but are lighter and easier to work with. These come in a variety of metals which will affect the pricing but overall metal roof tiles are the least expensive option of the three.
A final type of roofing tile that has become popular is similar to slate tiles, but a bit different. With the advent of modern manufacturing processes, roofing tiles can now also be formed from concrete or cement. Are concrete roof tiles any good? I’ve done a bit of research on concrete roofing systems myself, and like the other types of roofing materials it has its benefits and drawbacks. A good thing is that concrete roofing offers up to 30% energy savings for heating and cooling buildings. This is because concrete is an excellent insulator. A negative of concrete or cement roof tiles is the tremendous weight that it will add to the structural integrity of your building frame. Specialists may need to be brought in to discuss weight bearing loads and frame integrity depending on the materials and age of your site. Overall though, we feel that concrete roof tiles make an excellent choice when considering alternative roof materials and should be looked at closely.
For advice and recommendations on which roofing material type to choose for your home or building we suggest you find a trustworthy local contractor to discuss your plans with. We always recommend getting on ***Angie’s list*** if you want a way to know who to trust.
As you continue your research, other home or diy sites online may give you more information on the various types and styles of roof tiles on the market. If you feel more comfortable talking to someone in person, then work with a locally certified roofing contractor. In summary, roof tiles come in a variety of types and price ranges. Consider your options closely when you do your roof tiles research.