7 Different Types of Tile Roofs
Is it time to replace your roof, or is your roof showing signs of needing a repair? When investing in their dream home, many homeowners consider a beautiful tile roof. At LOA, we have personally installed and replaced many roofs. We know from personal and professional experience just how much a tile roof can add a touch of style and distinction to the exterior.
Whether you are going for aesthetics, the roof's lifespan, or overall functionality, tile is a popular choice due to the large range of options that are available. One reason why we love tile so much is that it comes in a wide range of colors and materials. Here's more info about the difference between shingle roofs vs tile roofs.
Let's cover 7 different types of tile roofs, and also the best way to install them below:
1. Slate Tile Roofs
A slate tile roof is a favorite roof choice for many homeowners. It is crafted from shingles of natural stone, so each piece is going to be unique.
Pros
A slate roof provides several benefits, including being fire resistant, long lasting, and providing a beautiful aesthetic appeal. Because it is a natural material, each piece is going to be unique.
Cons
A major downside to slate is how heavy it is. In order to safely use this material for your roof, you need to have a very structurally sound home. The structure may even need to be reinforced.
2. Metal Tile Roofs
Another favorite among homeowners is metal tile roofing. While is often thought to be used exclusively for commercial or industrial roofs, it's becoming increasingly popular for residential properties as well. In fact, metal roofing tiles can be a really stylish addition to the look of your home's exterior. For example, copper metal tile is one of the top choices, as are aluminum and steel.
Pros
One of the main reasons why a metal tile roof will be beneficial to your home is because of its easy installation. Another reason why metal is superior is thanks to its light weight.
Cons
There are a couple drawbacks to consider with metal tile roofs however, namely that metal can be noisy during a rain or thunderstorm; it can be easily dented; lower insulation value when compared with other roof types; and lastly, it can even be unsafe to walk on when wet. This may make the process of repairing a metal roof dangerous.
Residential Metal Roof
3. Concrete Tile Roofs
Developed in Bavaria in the 19th century, concrete roofing tiles are an affordable type of roofing tile that are a unique option if you're looking for something a bit different.
Pros
Concrete tile roofs are relatively affordable for homeowners - something to keep in mind while you are searching for options.
Cons
Unfortunately, a concrete tile roof has the tendency to be very heavy. This means that your home's structure must be very sturdy. Your roofing company can help you with any questions related to the sturdiness of your home in relation to a concrete tile roof installation.
Read More: 4 Tips for Choosing a Roof Type
4. Composite Tile Roofs
While there are some composites that are a blend of purely synthetic materials, most are a mixture of natural materials, bonded with a resin or polymer. There are many brands and manufacturers, and a nearly unlimited color and style selection as well.
Pros
There are many reasons to opt for a composite tile roof. These include providing all the benefits of a lightweight installation (with no structural roof modifications required), exceptional durability, and great curb appeal.
Cons
A composite tile roof installation may be more expensive than other types of roofing. Also, most composite roofing materials aren't recyclable.
5. Solar Tile Roofs
A solar tile roof integrates with standard asphalt tiles and contains a PV cell that produces power for the home.
Pros
An obvious benefit to solar tile roofs is their ability to conserve energy and help to reduce overall cost on energy bills.
Cons
Since the power of a solar tile roof is consolidated and sent to a charge controller and battery, this roof type is often not simply or quickly installed by the homeowner. Installation of solar roof tiles is best left to licensed and insured professional roofers so that if anything goes wrong, it's covered. Additionally, these tiles are often pretty expensive, so you will definitely want to have them installed properly if you're going this route.
6. Synthetics Tile Roofs
Cedar, slate, and ceramic have been popular choices in the past, but wood is hard to protect from moisture and both slate and ceramic are heavy. If you live in a damp climate, wood is susceptible to rot, mold, and other roofing damage. If you live somewhere hot and dry, it becomes a fire hazard. The solution for many homeowners is synthetic roofing tiles.
Pros
Synthetic tiles are a good choice for some people because they generally have lower maintenance involved, they can be cheaper than the alternative, and they are much more durable as well.
Cons
One of the main drawbacks to a synthetic tile roof is its lower fire class rating (typically have around a Class C rather than a Class A fire rating). Also, they are not the cheapest roofing option. It is more affordable than a slate roof though.
7. Clay Tile Roofs
Because clay is a natural material that is found in various places all over the world, clay tiles have been a part of architecture for centuries. We have come a long way from the original hand-shaped tiles of the past, as clay tiles are now produced in large quantities. Most clay tile roofs are made with either flat or barrel tiles and come in a lot of different colors. Read more information about clay tiles here in our article about points to consider with clay tile roofing.
Pros
A clay tile roof is the perfect choice of roof when it comes to low maintenance. Overall, you won't need to worry about scheduling a roofing pressure wash twice a year like with some other tiles, clay tiles simply don't get dirty enough. One of the most eco-friendly roofing materials available, clay tile roofs are made from naturally occurring supplies and help to modulate thermal regulation and moisture control for their homes.
They also help reflect solar energy, lowering its overall effect on the home. Clay tiles are surprisingly resistant to most forms of weather and extreme climate.
Cons
Clay tiles tend to be quite fragile and heavy, so they are best installed by a very experienced tie installation team. Additionally, keep in mind that your home may need to be reinforced to handle the weight. Overall, while they do occasionally break, having a tile replaced is the extent of maintenance that most clay tile owners experience.
Read More: Best Roof Types for Texas
Clay Tile Roof Installation Project
Types of Tile Roofs: In Summary
There are several reasons why homeowners choose tile roofs. Since there are so many different roofing tile types available, installation is far from having been standardized. Even the same types of tile from different manufacturers may need varying installation procedures and can come with different warranties, and more.
Roofing is so incredibly important, and even a slight error or misstep in installation can lead to untold thousands in interior renovation work or foundation repairs. The best way to ensure that your tile roof is installed correctly is to use an experienced and professional local roofing contractor. Schedule a roof inspection with us today for a roof installation, replacement, leak repair, or emergency fix.
Why LOA?
So why choose LOA Construction for your tile roof installation, replacement, maintenance, or emergency repair? At LOA, we value each one of our clients.
We want to inform you of what type of tile roof to choose, what to do when you're experiencing high levels of humidity in your home/roof, what to expect for your new roof cost, if you should be repairing or replacing your roof, or what to do when your roof is leaking by a vent pipe or you have wind damage, and more.
If you find yourself being drawn to the unique and beautiful look of tile roofs, and want to make sure your home has the perfect one, then please reach out today for a FREE roof estimate on what it would take to give your home the look and protection you want. Not only will you get the high-end roof you've always desired, you will get the care and service you deserve when upgrading your home.