Tile roofing is one of the most popular and classic roofing materials used on homes and buildings around the world. Made from clay, concrete, slate, or ceramic, tile roofs have been utilized for centuries thanks to their durability, aesthetics, and longevity. However, tile roofs also have some potential drawbacks to consider depending on your climate and needs. Weighing the pros and cons of tile roofs can help you determine if it is the right material for your roofing project or not.
Aesthetic Appeal of Tile Roofs
One of the biggest pros of tile roofing is the attractive curb appeal it lends to a home. Tile roofs are renowned for their beautiful and unique architectural style. Here are some of the aesthetic benefits tile roofing offers:
- Traditional charm – Clay and concrete tile roofs have an old-world, Mediterranean look and feel that is difficult to replicate with other materials. The classic beauty of tile is unmatched.
- Variety of styles – From flat Roman tiles, to wavy Spanish tiles, to interlocking barrell tiles, there are numerous options to create your desired visual look. Tile comes in natural earthen hues as well as colorful glazes.
- Dimension and depth – Tile roofs have more shape, texture, and shadow lines than other roofing types, adding more visual dimension and depth to the home. The profile of the tile creates more landscape visual interest.
- Customizable patterns – Tiles can be arranged and shaped in countless patterns, enabling you to customize the roof design. Patterns like herringbone adds ornate detail.
- Unique personality – Tile roofs stand out on the block with their one-of-a-kind looks that reflect the homeowner’s sense of style. No two tile roofs are exactly alike.
If enhancing the aesthetics and creating curb appeal are high priorities for your home or building, a tile roof is an excellent choice to achieve that goal. The artistic nature of tile roofing is a key advantage that flat asphalt or metal roofs cannot match.
Durability of Tile Roofing
In addition to appearance, tile roofing is highly regarded for its durability and resilience. Tile can withstand the elements exceptionally well. Here are some of the durability benefits of tile roofs:
- Long lifespan – With proper installation, a tile roof can last over 100 years. Tile’s expected lifespan far exceeds that of asphalt shingle roofs.
- Wind resistance – The combined weight of the tile and systems to attach them provides excellent wind uplift resistance. Tile roofs can withstand hurricane force winds.
- Hail/impact resistance – Made from clay, concrete, or ceramic, tile roofing is impact-resistant and less prone to damage from severe hailstorms.
- Fire resistance – Tile is non-combustible and fire-resistant with Class A fire ratings. This is beneficial in areas prone to wildfires.
- Heavy snow loads – The sturdy structure of tile allows it to sustain very heavy snow accumulation without damage.
- Limited maintenance – Due to its resilient nature, tile requires very minimal lifetime maintenance compared to other roofing types.
The innate durability and strength of tile roofing make it an ideal choice if you need a roof that can handle extreme weather conditions and natural disasters. Tile roofing provides peace of mind that your roof can go the distance.
Energy Efficiency Benefits
In addition to curb appeal and durability, tile roofing also offers energy efficiency benefits that can save homeowners money on their energy bills. Some ways tile roofs enhance energy efficiency include:
- Cooling – Tile’s thermal mass and ventilated design in installation reflects sunlight and heat away from the attic and living space, keeping interiors cooler.
- Heating – Tile also retains heat effectively during colder months, reducing heat loss and energy usage.
- Ventilation – The installation of tile roofs promotes airflow under the tiles which improves attic ventilation and reduces heat buildup.
- Insulation – New systems allow the integration of radiant barrier insulation under tiles to further improve energy performance.
- Energy code compliance – Tile roofing meets rigorous California Title 24 energy code requirements.
For homeowners concerned about energy usage and efficiency, tile roofing can deliver meaningful energy savings benefits that reduce environmental footprint and costs.
Environmental Sustainability
In addition to energy efficiency, tile roofing also offers other environmental sustainability benefits to consider:
- Recyclable – Concrete and clay tile materials can be recycled and repurposed at end of life. Tile is not sent to landfills.
- Green manufacturing – Tile manufacturing has improved with more eco-friendly production processes that limit emissions and waste.
- Stormwater management – Tile’s water-shedding shape allows for rain catchment opportunities in some climates.
- Cool communities – Reflective tiles lower heat absorption and reduce urban heat island effects in communities.
- LEED credits – Tile roofing qualifies for credits in LEED green building programs.
For eco-conscious homeowners, tile roofing can be a smart sustainable building material choice with minimal environmental impact.
Low Maintenance Needs
Another advantage of tile roofing is that it requires very minimal lifetime maintenance and upkeep compared to other roofing materials. Key low maintenance benefits include:
- Limited repairs – Tile roofs are highly durable against weather and elements, reducing need for repairs.
- Resistance to debris – Tile’s shape allows debris to wash off easily with rain compared to shingles.
- No painting needed – Tile roofs do not require periodic painting for protection or aesthetics.
- Self-cleaning – Rain washes away dirt and buildup on tile roofs over time.
- Long service life – Tile lasts for decades without replacement needs, unlike shingle roofs.
- Simple inspections – Quick visual inspections of tiles for damage is often the only maintenance needed.
For homeowners who do not want the hassle and expense of frequent roof maintenance, a tile roof is a great low-maintenance option. The minimal upkeep required can save time and costs long-term.
Potential Cons or Limitations of Tile Roofs
Despite the numerous benefits outlined above, tile roofing also comes with some potential drawbacks or limitations to consider depending on your climate and needs:
- Higher upfront cost – The materials and specialized installation results in a higher initial investment than other roofing types on average.
- Heavier weight – Tile roofs are heavier than other roof materials, requiring a stronger roof support system that may involve additional costs.
- Regional suitability – Tile performs optimally in warmer, drier climates and may have limitations in colder, wetter regions with freeze-thaw cycles.
- Potential for breakage – While durable, tiles can still crack or break if impacted by fallen tree branches or other objects. Some maintenance may be needed.
- Professional installation – Proper tile roof installation is complex and best left to specialized roofing contractors, which results in higher labor costs.
- Limited do-it-yourself options – Tile roofs are not friendly to DIY amateurs due to the specialized tools and skill required for installation.
Depending on your specific needs and climate, certain tradeoffs with tile roofing may make other roofing materials a better option for your particular home or circumstances. Consulting a roofing expert is recommended to determine if tile roofing is right for you.
Key Considerations When Choosing Tile Roofing
If you decide to move forward with a tile roof, here are some important factors to take into account to ensure you get the right tile system for your home:
- Climate suitability – Consult a roofing professional to determine if tile is suitable for your region’s weather patterns. Tile thrives best in warmer, drier climates. Additional underlayment and structural supports may be needed in wetter climates.
- Roof slope and layout – Tile performs optimally on roof slopes of at least 15-20% incline. More gradual slopes may require additional underlayment. Complex roof layouts will increase installation time and cost.
- Structural support – The increased weight of tile will require assessment of the load-bearing capacity of the roof structure. Trusses or rafters may need reinforcement.
- Type of tile – Consider concrete, clay, or alternative tiles and the pros and cons of each for factors like cost, weight, longevity, aesthetics, recycled content, etc.
- Color selection – Lighter color tiles reflect more sunlight and stay cooler. Darker tiles increase heat absorption. Glazed tiles come in a wide color spectrum.
- Professional installer – Be sure to hire an experienced, specialized tile roofing contractor if undertaking a tile roofing project.
Addressing these key considerations will help ensure your tile roofing project goes smoothly and the tile roof will perform optimally on your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tile Roofs
Many homeowners have additional questions about the specifics of tile roofing. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tile roofs:
How long do tile roofs last?
On average, tile roofing lasts around 100 years or more with proper installation and limited breakage. Some tile roofs in Europe have lasted for several centuries. With proper maintenance, tile easily outlasts the 20-30 year lifespan of asphalt shingle roofs.
What climate is best for tile roofs?
Tile roofing performs optimally in warm, dry, sunny climates that have limited rainfall, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles. Parts of California, Texas, Arizona, Florida and other southern states are ideal for tile roofs. Additional preparations may be needed for tile use in wetter northern climates. Always consult a local roofing professional.
Can you install tile roofing over shingles?
Yes, it is possible to install tile roofing overtop of existing asphalt shingles, but some additional steps must be taken, like assessing the roof structure and load capacity. It’s recommended to remove old shingles before a tile roof installation.
How much does a tile roof cost?
On average, tile roofing costs between $10,000 – $20,000 for a simple ranch style home. Costs vary greatly depending on the roof size, layout, type of tile, regional labor rates, and other factors. Tile is more expensive than asphalt shingles but can last 50-100 years longer.
How heavy are tile roofs?
An average concrete or clay tile roof weighs between 850 – 1500 lbs per square (100 square foot area) installed. Tile is noticeably heavier than other roofing types like asphalt shingles which only weigh 250-500 lbs per square. The existing roof structure must be assessed to ensure it can bear the load.
Can you install tile roofing yourself?
It is not advisable for inexperienced DIY homeowners to install tile roofing themselves. The process is complex and meticulous, requiring special tools and skills. Consulting an experienced tile roofing contractor is highly recommended unless you have extensive tile project experience.
How often does a tile roof need to be replaced?
With proper installation and limited tile breakage, a tile roof can last over 100 years without replacement, far longer than the lifespan of asphalt shingles or metal roofs. Minimal maintenance is required to achieve this longevity. Annual inspections of the roof are advised.
Conclusion
Tile roofing offers unique aesthetic charm and outstanding longevity and durability when properly installed. Tile can enhance curb appeal, handle extreme weather, provide energy efficiency, and require minimal lifetime upkeep. While tile roofs involve a higher upfront investment and more complex installation, they can last for generations with proper maintenance. Carefully weighing the pros and cons of tile roofing will help you decide if it is the right roofing material choice for your home. Consulting a trusted roofing advisor is the best way to determine if a tile roof aligns with your specific needs and climate. With its iconic beauty and longevity, tile roofing remains a top roofing material option that should be considered for any home or building.