Thinking about replacing your roof? Perhaps you’re planning a roof for a home or commercial building under construction? If you have a substantial budget, you’ve likely considered tile — not only because of its remarkably aesthetic but also because it tends to last far longer than most other roofing materials on the market.
But visual appeal and longevity aren’t the only qualities that make tile roofing a standout choice. What else should you know about tile to determine whether it’s the right choice for your roof? Check out the top advantages of tile roofing below.
Design Versatility
Although the term “tile roofing” might bring to mind visions of a terra-cotta-looking clay roof — and that’s certainly a popular choice — tile roofing is actually available in several styles. The clay and concrete used to make tile roofing can be molded to resemble several other types of roofing materials, including:
- Wood shake shingles
- Shingle-style slate roofing
- Chipped stone
Aside from its ability to mimic the appearance of other roofing materials, tile is available in several different varieties as well. Spanish tiles, double Roman tiles, Scandia tiles, Barrel tiles, Riviera tiles — the list goes on and on. No matter what type of exterior aesthetic you’d like to create, tile roofing can enhance it.
Extensive Lifespan
Want a roof that’s built to last? Tile delivers. Of all the roofing materials available today, tile boasts the longest lifespan, ranging from 50 years on the low end to 100 years or more.
Even in hot, arid climates that would deteriorate other roofing materials, a tile roof will last many decades with minimal maintenance. Over time, some fading may occur, but that won’t affect the functionality or durability of the structure at all.
Environmentally Sustainable
Looking to reduce your environmental footprint and be a little more green? Tile roofing is often sustainable because it’s made from natural, earth-derived materials such as clay and concrete. When a tile roof eventually requires replacement, the tiles can be crushed, recycled, and used again in other applications.
While some tile roofs are made of synthetic materials, often these materials can be recycled efficiently as well.
Metal roofing and wood shake are sustainable options as well, but if you’re looking to cut down on household energy usage while being more green, tile is the best way to go.
Energy Efficiency
Why do so many homes and buildings in hot climates have tile roofs? Because tile is highly insulative by nature, which makes it remarkably energy efficient. Lighter-colored tile roofing also does an excellent job reflecting solar heat back into the atmosphere, thereby preventing significant heat transfer into the attic.
Tile also allows for ample roof ventilation, which creates an additional layer of protection against heat transfer. So whether you’re looking to cut down on heating bills in winter or cooling bills in summer, tile roofing can help you get the job done. Compared to asphalt roofing, a tile roof can cut energy expenses by 20%–50%.
Cost-Effectiveness
If you’ve looked into tile roofing, you know it’s definitely not the most affordable roofing material on the market. And while tile’s price can certainly be a deterrent for some people, it’s worth considering the long-term cost-benefit ratio of opting for a tile roof.
As mentioned, tile can last 50–100 years or longer. In that span of time, most other types of roofing (metal might be the exception) will need to be replaced at least once. When you factor in the cost of a roof replacement 20–40 years down the line, the cost of installing a tile roof doesn’t seem quite so high.
Durability
Why does tile roofing last so much longer than other roofing materials? Because it is super durable! When installed correctly, tile can withstand:
- Hail. Properly installed tile will not chip or crack under impact from hailstones up to two inches in diameter. For reference, that’s larger than a golf ball!
- High winds. According to industry test results, tile roofing can withstand sustained winds of up to 150 mph and gusts of up to 180 mph.
- Fire. Tile is naturally fire-resistant and boasts a Class A fire rating. Class A refers to a building material’s ability to withstand contact with direct flames and slow down fire spread significantly throughout an area.
- Rot. Tile roofing is impervious to rot, organic growth formation, and insect intrusions, so it won’t decay, even after 50–100 years atop your home or building.
Given its unmatched durability, many types of tile even come with a 50-year manufacturer’s warranty because tile roofing suppliers truly stand behind their products. If you want peace of mind, knowing your roof can withstand just about anything Mother Nature throws at it, tile roofing is the only way to go.
Contact Bert Roofing in Dallas for a Free Tile Roofing Quote
Are you considering a tile roof for your Dallas home or commercial building? Get in touch with our team at Bert Roofing to discuss your options! We can help you determine the best type of tile for your goals and budget, and our roofing contractors are some of the most skilled installers in the industry.
To learn more about what we can do for you, feel free to give us a call today at [phone] or contact us online, and we’ll get in touch!