Tile Roofing – The Pros, Cons, & Costs
There is no doubt in saying that tile roofing provides a lot of benefits. It is very durable and can last for a very long time. But as you know that nothing is perfect, and this also applies to tile roofing. It doesn’t matter how useful a thing is, it will definitely have some downsides. That’s why it is very important to have all the important before investing your time and money. So if you are planning to install tile roofing and want to know about its pros and cons, then this article will provide you all the important information. Now before jumping into the pros and cons, let’s talk about the different tile roofing types.
Ceramic
Ceramic tiles are one of the most popular tiles that have been used for a long time. These tiles are very durable and come with fire-resistant capabilities. They don’t require much maintenance and now they are also available in different shapes, colors, and sizes
Metal
Metal tiles provide a powerful look and they also come with some advantages as metal roofs. They are leak-proof and offer amazing durability and longevity. You can choose from a wide variety of styles and metal tiles look similar to some different tiles including slate and clay tiles.
Bituminous
If your main priority is flexibility, then the bituminous tiles are the best option for you. They are lightweight and it is also very easy to install them. With bituminous tiles, you will get more texture and variation and they are also installed by using adhesives, which makes them less prone to leakages. They are slightly thicker and due to this, they provide a more substantial look.
Stone
Stone tiles are one most durable tiles that can last for years. The good thing about stone tiles is that their look gets better with time. They add a natural variation and boost the curb appeal of your house. However, stone tiles are heavy difficult to install, so you will have to spend money on installation but they also provide better security.
Are older Roof Tiles better than new Roof Tiles?
Not that I’m old of course, but it’s perfectly true about concrete roof tiles…they really DON’T make them like they used to. And it isn’t just me who thinks so.
Whenever I go up on the roof of a house built in the Fifties, Sixties and early Seventies, I am gobsmacked at how well those little square top profile cement roof tiles (known as Monier 100) have done. You rarely notice a broken roof tile, and even the roofs that have never been repainted and are now almost totally bare of all paint finishes, have surprisingly few leaks; nothing major at least
modern day tile roofs are more prone to breakdown and decay than any other building materials. Why aren’t new roof tiles as good as their predecessors? Well, it’s basically because they’ve been diluted, with less cement binders in the tile roof manufacturing process than even before.
In some cases, it’s the bare minimum. However, before you start pointing the finger at Aussie roof tile makers, put yourself in their shoes for a moment.
Making concrete roof tiles last longer.
The ‘bare bones’ way cement roof tiles are made in the modern era, they are destined to break down. As such they will require far more attention and maintenance than they did in granddad’s day.
CAN YOU SPOT THE EARLY WARNING SIGNS OF TILE ROOF DAMAGE?
WHY MAINTAINING YOUR TILE ROOF IS SO IMPORTANT.
When we talk about tile roof maintenance, it can mean many different things, from cleaning leaves out of your gutters, to checking for rust on gutters or checking for cracked tiles. There are so many parts to your roof and if something goes amiss, water may just find a way into your home when the next lot of rain comes around.
We’ve decided to put together some handy tips which will help you to maintain the health & longevity of your roof, as the saying goes “The biggest problem in the world could have been solved when it was small”. Here’s a few things you can do before those small problems become big.
Keep gutters clean, clear and always check for rust: (This simple task can add years to your gutter’s life & save you loads of dollars down the track, Your gutters need to be kept clear of leaves and other debris so that water can easily flow into down pipes, otherwise blockages occur and not only do you have the risk of water backing into the roof cavity, but you could be allowing your gutters to deteriorate and start to rust out quicker than usual).
Check roof caps and tiles for cracks, damage or missing sections: (This ones a pretty important one as your tiles may become cracked and dislodge, your ridge capping may break and re-position leaving parts of your roof open to the elements. A simple crack could allow moisture and water damage in to your home).
Look for leaks and dark spots on the ceiling during rain: (One way to tell if you have a leak in your roof is the appearance of dark spots on your ceiling, the most common culprit is a cracked or faulty tile, it could also be blocked gutters causing water to back in to the roof cavity).
Tile Roof Repair – Things You Should Remember
Tile roofs aren’t just beautiful to look at, but they’re also durable and can last a lifetime depending on the material they made of. Like any part of the house, your tile roof requires proper maintenance, or else you’ll experience roofing problems that will necessitate a roof replacement later on.
The standard service life of your roof depends on its material components and how well you maintain it. This doesn’t mean that you should wait until your tile roof reaches more than 20 to 30 years before you have it checked or replaced. As soon as you experience problems with it, you need to get a roof repair in order to avoid bigger issues.
Here are some signs that your roof needs a roof replacement right away:
There are cracks or damages in your tile roof
There are missing tiles in several locations
Your house is experiencing leaks in multiple places
There is terrible air circulation in your attic
Your roof is serving you more than its average service life
What you see isn’t always the only problem
You’re lucky if replacing one damaged tile is the only solution you need to fix your roof problem, but sometimes a damaged tile is just one portion of a series of other problems. A damaged tile may also cause a sagging ceiling, more damaged tiles, or inside leaks. Before trying to repair it on your own, it might be better to consult with roofing repair professionals first. This ensures you get an expert opinion on any potential underlying roof problems that need to be dealt with.
Think big and long-term
You might think that cleaning your roof a little or doing simple repairs can easily fix your roof problems. While it will work in some cases, these DIY repairs can do more damage to your roof if done wrong. Doing repairs on your own can help you save up money, but without enough knowledge on roofing and repairs, it may cost you much more in the future.
Tile Roofing Installation & Service
If you want a beautiful, long-lasting roofing option – look no further than tile roofing. This luxurious roofing option provides outstanding protection for your home and family. Available in a wide variety of styles, tile roofs are an investment into your home and your future.
Long Lasting – These roofs will last for lifetime (or two or three). In fact, many manufacturers say that tile roofs will last hundred of years. Although they have a higher installation cost, they definitely have a low cost per usable year on your home. Whether you plan to stay in your home forever or you are looking to improve the resale value of your home, tile roofing is a great option for you
Eco-Friendly – Tile roofs are crafted from earth materials which means they can be recycled. Whether you are using slate, concrete or clay tiles, if the time comes to change your roof, the material can be crushed up and reused for other applications in the future!
Energy Efficient – Tile roofs have a unique structure that provides excellent energy efficiency for your home. Tiles prevent heat loss or gain which helps keeps A/C low in the summer and heating costs low in the winter.
High Durability – Roofs made from tile are incredibly durable. They can withstand hail of up to 2” with little to no damage. Unless they sustain impact from something heavy hitting them, like a tree, tile roofs are going to stay strong for generations to come.