Tile Roofing: Advantages & Disadvantages of Tile Roofing

Tile Roofing :Clay & Concrete Tiles

Tile roofing is a type of roofing that  has been used for a long time. The tiles are made of clay and concrete.  Tiled roofs are beautiful and durable but they are also expensive and heavy.  but that is perhaps to be expected from a roofing material that can last 100 years.

Traditionally, most roofing tiles were made from slate or a fired clay or terra cotta product, but today’s roofing titles are very often made from molded, tinted concrete.

Roofing tiles can come in many shapes: curved, flat, fluted, or interlocking, and in many styles.

Advantages of Tile Roofing

1. Tile roofs are Long-lasting and can last over 100 years, especially when installed in the right climate. Tile roofs have been known to withstand hail, high winds, and even fire.
2. Impervious to rot and insect damage: Unlike wood, tiles roofs will never decay.
3. Environmentally friendly material: Tile roofs are made from earth minerals, not chemicals, and they can be pulverized and recycled when they are removed.
4. Energy efficient: The heavy thermal mass of tiles will help regulate indoor temperatures.
5. Low maintenance: Leaks are almost unheard of, and it is very rare for tile roofs to require repairs or maintenance unless they break due to heavy impact.

Disadvantages of Tile Roofing

1. High cost: A clay tile roof system can cost two to three times as much as an stone coated roofing system or ordinary mabati hence out of reach for many home owners.
2. Difficult installation: Installing tile roofing requires professional roofing contractors with extensive experience. The tiles will need to be measured, laid in a specific pattern, and checked so that no moisture gets through.
3. Heavyweight: Your roof structure must be able to handle the weight of a tile roof, which may be as much as 10kg per square  metre for clay tile and 15kg  per square  metre for concrete tile. Theses therefore require good structural reinforcement  to support the weight which will add to the cost of the roof.
4. Tiles are fragile: While very durable, clay tiles, slate, and concrete tiles can be broken if they suffer a heavy impact, such as from falling tree branches, or even due to the pressure of walking on them. Repairs, when needed, can be expensive.
5. Not suitable for all roof slopes: Tile roofs are suitable only for roofs with relatively sharp slopes.

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