Should You Get Tile Roofing? Exploring the Pros and Cons
Thanks to their natural shades, tile roofs have an appealing look compared to traditional asphalt solutions. The demand for asphalt shingles keeps dropping due to environmental concerns, as roofing tiles slowly take over. These tiles are versatile as they come in a wide range of shapes, styles, and materials, though they can also be quite expensive.
Tile roofing advantages
Roof tiles are currently the most popular roofing material. Below are some of the reasons:
Long-lasting: Tile roofs can last over 100 years. Concrete and clay can withstand harsh weather conditions, including hail, high winds, or fire. Manufacturers often offer a 50-year warranty, and homeowners may never have to install a new roof.
Rot and insect impermeable: Tile roofs do not decay and are resistant to insects and deterioration. That isn't true of most other roof types.
Eco-friendly: Tile roofs use earth minerals, can be recycled or pulverized, and are chemical-free. When recycled, they can serve as a base for roads.
Energy-saving: Thanks to their heavy thermal mass, the tiles regulate indoor temperatures. The gap under the tiles helps block the sun's heat from getting inside the attic, reducing your overall reliance on air conditioning and cooling costs.
Easy maintenance: Leaks, repairs, and maintenance issues are few and far between.
Variety: Concrete, clay, and slate tiles are available in various colors and styles. There are tiles to match virtually any home, from traditional to modern.
Tile roofing disadvantages
As versatile and durable as they are, tile roofs aren't perfect. Below are some disadvantages to keep in mind:
Costly: Compared to asphalt roofing, tiles can cost up to three times as much. The cost depends on the material, with an average clay tile roof costing around $1000 per square. Concrete tile roofs cost an average of $420 per square. However, the long tile lifespan offsets the price difference.
Hard to install: To install tile roofing, you need professional roofing contractors. Before being installed, roof tiles must be measured, laid in specific patterns, and checked for moisture.
Heavy: Not all house and roof structures can handle the weight of a tile roof. The weight can surpass 850 pounds per square for clay tiles and 950 for concrete. On the other hand, asphalt roofs weigh just over 320 pounds per square. For this reason, replacing shingle roofs with tiles requires an inspection to see if you need structural reinforcements.
Brittle: Although durable, tiles can break on impact, such as the person's weight when performing the maintenance. Any repairs can be quite costly.
Not suitable for all slopes: Only roofs with short slopes can handle tiles, which exclude all h-pitches under 4:12.
For roofing advice or installation, contact your trusted local roofing contractors.
Master Pro Services provides expert roofing repair and replacement in Richmond, Chesterfield, Midlothian, Hopewell, Ashland, Glen Allen, Moseley, Fort Lee, and surrounding areas. Our services encompass all residential and commercial roofing structures, including flat roofs, Dimensional, three-tab, designer shingles, metal roofing, EPDM roof membranes, thermoplastic roof membranes (TPO), as well as windows, gutters, and other roofing components. Financing is available. BBB member. Call us now at (804) 552-5007.
