Tiled roofs are a popular roofing option, and it’s easy to see why. They are favored mainly for durability, as tile roofing can last up to a hundred years or even longer. This is why historic buildings are often built with clay tiles. Traditional tile roofing uses slate, terracotta, or fired clay, but modern roofing now comes from tinted and molded concrete with many styles to choose from. If you’re still deciding which roofing system and material to pick for your home remodeling, it’s worth considering the pros and cons of a tile roof to see if it works for you.
Advantages
A tile roof can last for at least a century when properly installed. Concrete and clay tile roofing can hold out against strong winds, hail, or even fire. In addition, it will not decay, unlike other materials, making it a sound investment despite the high upfront cost.
As they say, once you install a tile roof, you do not have to worry about installing another type of roof again. If you aim for a sustainable option, the roof is ideal as it comes from earth materials that can be recycled when removed. When it comes to appearance, tile roof comes in various styles and colors, and you’ll undoubtedly find one that will match your home. The expert roof contractors Rockford IL can best advice you on your style options.
Disadvantages
One major disadvantage of tile roofing is its inexpensive cost, but knowing that you can enjoy it for a long time makes for a good investment. Another thing to consider is its heavy weight, which is around 700 to 2000 pounds per square, for concrete and clay tile, respectively. The structure of your roof must be able to hold this much weight. If you currently have shingle roofing, consulting an engineer may be necessary. When broken due to impact, repair may be expensive. Finally, tile roofs are only suitable for roofs with more than 4:12 pitches.
Tile roof styles
The most popular styles or patterns of concrete and clay tile roof include Spanish tiles, Scandia, double Roman, flat shake, pantile, barrel, French and Riviera tiles. The design is either interlocking or overlapping, with protruding edges to form a weather seal. The interlocking style is suitable for locations with heavy snow or rain.
Concrete vs. clay
Concrete is your inexpensive option, but it is heavier than clay and absorbs more moisture. Like clay, it is wind and fire-resistant. Clay requires less maintenance and lasts longer than concrete. Both are durable, but it is best to consult roofing experts such as Cross Country Construction regarding which one suits your home best.
Conclusion
Like other major home improvement projects, roofing requires careful planning as it is an expensive decision. If your budget allows, a tile roof is a worthwhile investment as it lasts long and is easy to maintain. The next thing to do is determine if it suits your roof structure. Then, you can decide on the best tile roofing style and material to use.
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