While asphalt roofs are both functional and attractive, they simple do not compare with the beauty of a tile roof. At LOA Construction, we are skilled in tile roof services. 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, 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 and adding a unique beauty that asphalt shingles can't. Here's more info about the difference between shingle roofs vs tile roofs.
Let's cover 7 different types of tile roofs, their pros and cons, and also the best way to install them below:
Request an Appointment!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.
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 weather-resistant to most forms of weather and extreme climate.
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
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.
One of the standout advantages of going for a metal tile roof is its ease of installation. This feature can make setting up your roof a breeze, saving you time and effort. Moreover, metal roofs are celebrated for being lightweight. This not only makes them easier to handle during the installation process but also means they put less strain on the structure of your home, which is a big plus.
While metal tile roofs offer some fantastic benefits, there are a few considerations you might want to keep in mind. First off, they can be a bit noisy during rain or thunderstorms, which might be a concern if you're looking for a quieter indoor environment during such weather. Additionally, they're known to be prone to denting, which is something to think about, especially in areas prone to hail or where falling branches could be an issue.
Another point to consider is their insulation value. Compared to other roofing materials, metal roofs might not offer the same level of insulation, which could impact your home's energy efficiency. Lastly, safety is paramount, and it's worth noting that metal roofs can become slippery when wet, making them potentially hazardous to walk on for repairs or maintenance.
Related: How to Repair a Tile Roof
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.
Choosing a slate roof comes with a host of benefits that can significantly enhance your home's value and appeal. One of its standout features is its fire resistance. This makes slate an excellent choice for safety-conscious homeowners. Additionally, slate roofs are known for their longevity. With proper maintenance, they can protect and beautify your home for decades, if not centuries.
Beyond their practical benefits, slate roofs are undeniably beautiful. The natural variation in the slate means that your roof will have a unique charm, with each piece contributing to a one-of-a-kind aesthetic.
Despite the many positives, there are some important considerations to keep in mind with slate roofs. The most significant is their weight. Slate is a heavy material, and not all structures are designed to support that additional weight. This means your home needs to be structurally sound to safely accommodate a slate roof.
In some cases, the structure of your home may even require reinforcement to handle the weight of the slate, which could involve additional planning and expense.
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.
When you're on the hunt for roofing options that balance cost and quality, concrete tile roofs stand out as a noteworthy choice. They are relatively affordable, which is great news for homeowners looking to maximize value without compromising on durability.
This affordability makes concrete tile roofs an appealing option, especially when you're trying to keep your home improvement projects within budget.
However, there are some considerations to be mindful of with concrete tile roofs. The most significant is their weight. Concrete tiles are quite heavy, which means they require a strong structural support from your home. This is crucial to ensure the safety and integrity of your home's structure.
If you're unsure whether your home can support the weight of a concrete tile roof, it's a great idea to consult with your roofing company. At LOA, we can provide guidance and address any questions you might have about ensuring your home is ready for a concrete tile roof installation.
Read More: 4 Tips for Choosing a Roof Type
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.
Opting for a composite tile roof comes with several compelling advantages for your home. One of the most significant benefits is the ease of installation due to its lightweight nature. This means you can often avoid the need for costly and time-consuming structural modifications to your roof. Additionally, composite tile roofs are known for their exceptional durability.
They stand up well against various inclement weather conditions, ensuring your home stays protected for years to come. On top of these practical benefits, composite tile roofs also offer great curb appeal. Their aesthetic versatility can enhance the overall look of your home, making it stand out in your neighborhood.
However, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. First, the upfront cost of a composite tile roof installation can be higher than other roofing options. This is an important factor to consider, especially if you're working within a specific budget.
Second, it's worth noting that most composite roofing material isn't recyclable. If environmental sustainability is a significant concern for you, this could be a deciding factor in your roofing material choice.
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.
Synthetic tiles present a compelling option for many homeowners due to a few key benefits. First, they require less maintenance when compared to traditional roofing materials, which can save time and effort in the long run. Additionally, synthetic tiles offer cost savings when compared to some premium alternatives, making them an economical choice for those looking to balance quality and expense.
In addition, their durability stands out, providing robust protection against various environmental conditions and potentially extending the lifespan of your roof.
However, it's important to weigh a couple of considerations before deciding on a synthetic tile roof. One notable drawback is their lower fire resistance rating; they typically achieve a Class C rating, rather than the more desirable Class A. This could be a concern in areas prone to wildfires or for homeowners prioritizing maximum fire safety.
Also, while synthetic tiles are more affordable than high-end options like slate, they aren't the least expensive roofing type available. Despite this, their balance of durability and cost-effectiveness compared to slate makes them an attractive option for those seeking a middle ground.
A solar tile roof integrates with standard asphalt tiles and contains a PV cell that produces power for the home.
A standout advantage of installing solar tile roofs is their remarkable capacity for energy conservation. These innovative roofing options harness the power of the sun to generate electricity directly for your home. This not only contributes to a significant reduction in your dependence on traditional energy sources but also leads to a noticeable decrease in your overall energy bills.
By choosing solar tile roofs, you're investing in a sustainable energy solution that pays dividends in both environmental and financial terms over time.
Since the power of a solar tile roof is consolidated and sent to a charge controller and battery, this roof type is often not easily 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 expensive, so you will definitely want to have them installed properly if you're going this route.
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.
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.
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 or business has the perfect one, then please reach out today for a FREE roof estimate on what it would take to give your home or commercial roof 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.
LOA Construction is located in Austin, TX, and we serve the city and its surrounding areas - Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock, and Belton/Temple/Killeen. Contact our team today for a roof inspection for professional tile roofing services!
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Dedicated to excellence, our Austin roofing company ensures quality in every project. Contact our skilled Central Texas roofers for a same-day, hassle-free inspection. Call +1 (512) 375-3654 to book your free inspection.