One of the quickest growing roofing trends for homes today is tiled roofing. Tiled roofing comes in a variety of styles, materials, and overall design. This type of roofing offers a unique change from the commonly used asphalt roof, and you can pair tile roofing with many modern home styles. In addition to its creative and modern look, tiled roofing is a smart choice for homes in hot climates or for homeowners who want a sturdy, long lasting roofing material that will look great and stand strong for years to come. Let’s take a deeper dive into what tile roofing could bring to your home.
Benefits of Tiled Roofing
Tile roofs are built to last a lifetime. The material itself offers a wealth of benefits that asphalt shingles and even metal roofing simply cannot match. Here are just a few of the many benefits of tile roofing.
Non-combustible
Most roofing tiles are very resistant to fire – a boon for those who live in areas where wildfires might rage. You don’t have to worry about embers landing on the roof and igniting, as they won’t – they will simply burn out.
Resistant to rotting and insects
Unlike asphalt and some natural wood shingles, tile roofing has nothing about it that can attract insects. The material itself is known to last for thousands of years, so there’s no issue with rotting to worry about.
Very long lifespan
Some types of tile roofing last virtually forever. Speaking of thousands of years, that’s no exaggeration – some of the earliest examples of tile roofs date back to 10,000 B.C. Examples of tile roofing in the United States date back to the 1600s. Terracotta and slate have especially impressive longevity. For your home, you can expect roofing tiles to last at least 100 years or more with proper care. This means that chances are, you will never have to replace your roof again during your homeownership.
Design friendly
Because there are so many materials and styles to choose from, tile roofing can work with virtually any home design. But before you get carried away, you will want to speak to a reliable local roof installer before deciding if tile roof replacement costs are within your budget.
Types of Roof Tiles
What roofing tile meets your needs and suits your style? There are numerous types to choose from during your tile roof replacement that can help you create the home design of your dreams. Each type of tile has different benefits based on the material it is made from. Explore the most popular types of roofing tiles below to find the one that best fits your climate, style preferences and budget.
Clay Tiles
Clay roofing tiles are popular on modern homes and for those looking for a Spanish villa style aesthetic. These tiles are relatively affordable compared to other options, easy to maintain, and durable, lasting up to 100 years when cared for properly.
Clay roofing tiles cost from $7.80 to $14.05 per square foot on average. Popular clay roofing tiles include terracotta and mission style. Like most tile roofs, you will need to consider the weight of clay tiles and be sure your home’s current roofing frame and structure can handle a heavier roofing material.
Spanish Roof Tiles
Sometimes referred to as “Spanish shingles,” Spanish roof tiles broadly describe a particular roof design that has roots in Spain and Mexico. These tiles are usually handmade. They might be manufactured from clay or ceramics, and can take on an enormous variety of colors.
Spanish tiles often run between $6 and $10 per square foot, and are usually a bit more affordable than most types of clay tile roofing.
Metal Tiles
Metal tiles are a type of metal roofing that can be made of copper, tin, aluminum or even steel. These tiles often have a sleek aesthetic, one that fits a more modern building. They sometimes work well on older homes too, especially those with a more eclectic style.
One big benefit of metal tiles is the fact that they are lighter weight, which places less strain on your home. Many manufacturers offer a variety of finishes to allow the metal tiles to mimic other roofing materials. For example, metal tiles can be manufactured to mimic the look and feel of Spanish tiles but at a lower cost. They typically cost $4 to $10 per square foot but the price can go up for higher quality metal tiles.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tile roofs are more affordable than clay roofing and boast a comparable lifespan at 100 years. They are less heavy than clay roof tiles which can make installation easier and your home safer in the long-run.
This type of tile roofing typically comes in a sleek gray color, but there are other colors you can choose from as well. Concrete tiles cost around $4 to $7.20 per square foot. They also have an interlocking installation feature that can make installation costs less as far as labor time is billed.
Slate Tiles
Slate roofing tiles are eco-friendly, beautiful, and a highly durable roof installation option. Since slate roofing is made of stone, it is impervious to weather, sun, heat, and cold. You can expect a slate roof to last up to 150 years or more.
Slate roofs are considered mid-ranged in terms of pricing at $6.90 to $12.50 per square foot. Labor costs may add to this cost, however, because of their weight and more involved installation process.
Composite Tiles
Composite tiles are made of sustainable and/or recycled materials. They have strong impact ratings that make them resistant to hail and other storm-related issues, and of course, have the same fire-resistance as other forms of old-fashioned tile.
Composite tiles can also be much lighter than other options. This will place less strain on your roofing and home over time. You can expect these tiles to run between $4 and $6 per square foot.
Energy Efficiency of Tiled Roofing
Investing in a tile roof can significantly reduce your monthly energy bills. Roofing tiles are the only materials currently in use that possess two inherent qualities necessary for energy reduction. According to the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance, clay and concrete roofing tiles offer natural thermal resistance, as well as a thermal barrier created by the airspace around each individual tile.
Installing a tiled roof can also make you eligible for federal and state tax credits and increase the resale value of your home, as more and more homebuyers are looking for homes with energy efficient features.
This can be especially helpful if you live in a hot climate or an area with a great deal of sun beating down (where you can also use solar panels to improve your energy efficiency even further).
Tile Roof Maintenance
Tiled roofs stand up to the elements, so maintenance needs are minimal. Still, inspect your roof regularly and replace any cracked or chipped tiles immediately to prevent the damage from spreading. To keep your roof clean, consider hiring a professional who is well-versed in how to move around on a tile roof and will be able to quickly and easily apply primers and paints to keep your roof cool and looking great.
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