Are Tile Roofs Worth the Investment?

What are the advantages of a tile roof?

There are four different materials that are used in making tile roofing: 

• Ceramic
• Clay
• Concrete
• Slate 

The process of tile roofing installation is done using nails to secure the tiles to the roof, staring at the bottom row and working upward. Each row going upward overlaps the row below. This intricate process of installation will provide a home with these advantages:

• Durability: With professional installation, concrete tile roofing can withstand 2” diameter hailstones without breaking or cracking. 
• Longevity: Tile roofing has proven to have a lifespan of hundreds of years, outlasting other roofing materials. 
• Fireproof: Clay and concrete tile roofing have a Class-A fire rating.
• High-wind resistant: Tiles are designed and tested to withstand 150+ mph winds.
• Recyclable: Ceramic, clay, and concrete tile roofing is often made from recycled materials and can be recycled at the end of their roofing purpose. 
• Breathable: Tile roofing is installed for each time to have space between the next, allowing ventilation. This space also provides a layer of insulation that can keep a home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
• Low Long-term Cost: Because of the long lifespan of tile roofing, the initial expense of installation, it eliminates replacing the roof every 15 to 20 years like asphalt roofing. 

Are there any disadvantages of a tile roof?

As beautiful as tile roofing is, it does have its disadvantages: 

• Expensive: Are tile roofs more expensive than other roofs? Yes, tile roofing is much more expensive compared to asphalt shingle roofing. Clay or concrete tile roofing can cost as much as $1,000 per square foot for materials and installation, compared to $6 per square foot for asphalt shingle tile roofing, materials, and installation. 

• Weight: Tile roofing is a heavier material than asphalt shingle roofing which can require an engineering inspection for possible structural reinforcement. Clay tile roofing materials can weigh up to 900 pounds per square foot, and concrete tile roofing weighs up to 1000 pounds per square foot. Asphalt shingle roofing can weigh as much as 325 pounds per square foot. 

• Fragile: Tile roofing is a durable material, it can, however, with careless, improper foot traffic can cause breakage. 

How much does tile roofing installation cost?

For a standard single-story home, tile roofing can cost up to $1,600 per square foot for labor and materials. This can reach a final cost of around $32,000 to $35,000 in total. 

How long does a tile roof last?

The longevity of tile roofing is one of the major advantages that makes it so appealing. Where asphalt shingle roofing typically needs replacing between 15 and 20 years, tile roofing has been known to last up to 100 years or more when proper maintenance and upkeep is followed. 

How do you maintain a tile roof?

The maintenance of tile roofing isn’t extreme, but it is necessary to keep the integrity of the roofing. The three areas that are most important for tile roofing maintenance include: 

• CLEANING: Algae, mildew, and moss can be heavy in certain climates and must be cleaned on a routine basis to protect the integrity. Is a tile roof easy to clean? It is recommended to have your tile roofing professionally cleaned instead of trying to do it yourself. 
• DEBRIS: Accumulation of debris can impede proper water flow off the roof. Keeping the gutters and valleys clear of leaves, pine noodles, and other excessive debris is a must. 
• PROTRUSIONS: The flashings around the headwall details, plumbing stacks, solar panels, and vents is critical to the long-term performance of a tile roofing system. Having them inspected after a significant weather event is recommended.  

Do tiles roofs leak easily?

Other than being blown off in hurricane-style winds, or the winds loosening or removing flashing, the most common cause for tile roofing leaking is poor workmanship during installation. Proper installation includes correctly installed underlayment, a key factor in making tile roofing leak-proof. Hiring a roofing contractor that is experienced with installing tile roofing. 

Does a tile roof need a lot of repairs?

By keeping tile roofing clean and cleared of any debris, and keeping trees trimmed back from the roof, repairs should be minimal. Hailstones can cause damage and repairs should be done by an experienced roofing contractor.