Should You Get a Tile Roof? Exploring the Perks and Drawbacks

Tile is among the best roofing materials due to its durability and cost savings. At the same time, tile has several drawbacks. Considering the pros and cons before the installation will help ensure you don’t regret your choice.

We’ll cover the perks and drawbacks of tile roofing:

Perk 1: Weather and pest resistance

Harsh weather is a common problem for most homeowners. Powerful storms, heavy rain, and hail often cause massive damage to the structure, but not to tile roofing.

Concrete and clay tile are renowned for their weather resistance. Besides hail and wind, they can also withstand fire without a hitch. As a result, it’s a perfect choice for regions susceptible to forest fires and hurricanes.

On top of that, tile is virtually impervious to pest damage.

Perk 2: Durability

Durability is also a significant benefit of tile roofing. It can outlast any other roof materials and even serve the homeowner throughout their lifetime. Its average lifespan is approximately 50 years, but concrete tile can protect people’s homes for up to a century.

Perk 3: Reduced energy costs

Tile roofs come with gaps underneath their surface that help repel the sun’s heat and keep it from reaching indoors. Consequently, the owner can lower the use of AC units and save money.

Drawback 1: Considerable weight

The main drawback of tile roofing is its enormous weight. It can weigh about 850 pounds per 100 square feet, and many structures can’t support this burden. Therefore, the roof may require extra structural reinforcements before installation.

Drawback 2: Hard to install and expensive

Tile is more challenging to mount than many other roofing materials. Correct installation requires the contractor to place special flashings as a first step. Most mistakes occur during this process, leading to a faulty roof that needs replacement.

Furthermore, roofing specialists need to be extra careful when measuring tiles, fixing them in specific patterns, and double-checking for potential moisture entryways. Without expert help, the installation is bound to fail.

Additionally, tile roofs can be expensive. Their price is sometimes twice as high as asphalt shingles.

Drawback 3: Brittle design

Although tiles are highly weather-resistant and durable, they’re prone to damage from the heavy pressure. Some of the most dangerous scenarios include people walking on the roof and fallen tree branches. The good news is that you don’t need to replace the entire roof if only a single section is compromised.

Homeowners with tile roofs should also be on the lookout for algae. They can nudge the tiles out of position, allowing rain to enter. To avoid this issue, make sure to apply algae prevention products and wash the roof regularly.

Roof X Inc. offers commercial and residential roofing for customers in Brandon, Pensacola, Tampa, and surrounding areas. We install and repair metal, tile, shingle, TPO, and more. Gutters, ventilation, and insulation are also available. Family-owned-and-operated Call us today at (844) 877-6639.