Have you thought about investing in a tiled roof for your home? Artistically charming, these roofs can add a lot of visual appeal to the exterior of the home. They are also surprisingly highly durable roofing options and ideal for those who want a long-lasting roofing surface.
Tiled roofs come in a variety of materials, colors, and styles, giving you a lot of options for finding the roofing material best suited for your individual needs. To help you, consider this overview of tiled roofing and determine how well it may work to meet your specific needs.
What Is Tiled Roofing?
Tile roofing is much different than layers of asphalt shingles placed on a roof. Instead, it is made up of overlapping tiles that attach to the substrate under them. These roofing tiles overlap enough to create ample protection for the wood structure under the roof.
The key to this type of roofing is to hire a highly experienced roofing contractor since it takes ample skill and know-how to ensure that the tiles are placed properly to avoid any type of damage or mistakes that impact the visual appeal. When installed well, these roofs can last 100 years or longer.
Tiled roofs can be placed on most types of surfaces, including:
- Residential homes
- Multi-family homes
- Commercial properties
- Historic buildings
- Outbuildings
What Types of Tile Roofing Materials Exist?
You will find a wide range of material options to choose from based on your budget and aesthetic goals. That includes concrete, slate, and metal. Take a look at some of the most common types of tile roofing and how they may work to meet your individual needs.
- Clay roof tiles: Clay is a very common choice for roofing material because of its traditional feel and excellent color. It is quite versatile and can be shaped in various ways, creating a unique look or a very traditional feel.
- Concrete roof tiles: Concrete tiled roof structures don’t look like patio pavers but instead have a beautiful finished look and can often look much like wood (just much more durable). In some cases, they are the better option for their resistance to hail damage.
- Slate roof tiles: Slate is a bit of a higher-end option as this material is made of natural stone, but it’s hard to beat its beautiful appearance as a result of that. Slate’s colors and textures can differ somewhat depending on where you obtain it, but it typically has a red hue to it. It’s also quite durable and has a very uniform shape.
- Composite roof tiles: Another option that’s newer to the scene is the use of composite material for roofing. It’s an eco-friendly product, and it can last quite a long time, offering a more affordable option than slate. It can be a variety of colors and styles, often making them look like they are clay or slate roofs.
- Metal tile roofs: Metal is another option, and these types of roof tiles are less like big sheets of metal than traditional metal roofing. Metal is available in various colors and shapes, and while it does not last as long as some other types of tile, it still can give you 50 or more years of roof protection. Look for those made of aluminum or copper for a beautiful choice, too.
How to Choose Roof Tiles for Your Home
With so many options available, it can be hard to know which type of roof tile may be the best fit for your specific needs. The good news is you have a lot of options to choose from that fit most aesthetics. There are several aspects of roof tile investment to keep in mind:
Look at the durability of the product
Not all products are going to carry a long-term warranty (but it is worth investing in those that do). Repairs may be necessary for all of the roofing options, but professional installation eliminates the need to replace the roof too soon.
Consider your budget
Some products, including natural stone, are valuable and more expensive as a result. However, they can add incredible charm and beauty to your space, adding value to your home as they do. This type of roofing costs more than asphalt shingles and other products out there because it is far more labor-intensive. Typically, its long life will make it worthwhile, though reducing the need for you to replace it any time soon.
Energy efficiency matters too
Efficiency standards differ significantly from one product to the next, but some of the most efficient include concrete, clay, and slate tiles. Metal is an excellent choice because it’s more reflective. However, energy efficiency is also very specifically based on the product and manufacturer.
Fire resistance matters
Your insurance company will appreciate a tiled roof overall since it is more fire-resistant than most other types of roofing materials. Clay and concrete tend to have the best overall fire resistance to them, making them ideal for areas where wildfire risks are present. Look at the specific fire resistance rating to determine where you stand in this area.
Consider the maintenance involved
Tile roofs do require some maintenance, as any roof does. However, they don’t need replacement or repairs as often as shingle-based roofs using asphalt. Tiles do not typically break down due to wear and tear and the weather itself and can even handle impact from hail better. However, if there are damaged tiles, it is critical that you have them repaired properly to ensure the structural integrity of the roof is maintained.
How to Get a Tile Roof on Your Home
One of the best ways to determine which type of tile roof to install on your home is to set up a consultation with our roofing contractor to see the various products available. Look at the colors, feel the textures, and get a better idea of which shapes may offer architectural beauty to your home’s structure. You’ll find that this is one of the best long-term investments you can make in your home and one that will pay off for years to come.
