The Benefits of Tile Roofing
Clay roof tiling can provide homeowners with a durable and aesthetically pleasant exterior. Some clay roofs can last for a century, and many require only a minimal amount of maintenance.
That makes clay a viable option compared to similar materials like terra cotta, fired clay, molded concrete, or slate.
Clay tile roofs have many attractive characteristics and properties including:
1. Longevity
Clay roof tiles have a longer lifespan than many other materials. These roofs can have a service life of as long as a hundred years. Even on the low end, you can expect at least 50 years out of a clay tile roof. This is because the tiles are built to be nearly indestructible and resistant to the elements.
2. Low Maintenance
Compared to other roofing materials, clay tiles require less maintenance, which can lower the total cost of ownership. The most common type of roof material is asphalt shingles. They only have a life expectancy of up to 20 years, and they require more special attention to maintenance.
3. Durability
Clay tiles do not rot and they're fire and insect-resistant. This durability makes them not only structurally reliable but attractive for many years to come.
4. Insulation
Air freely circulates beneath these tiles, which regulates rooftop temperatures, helping maintain temperatures inside the home.
5. Weather resistance
Other materials expand and contract to a greater degree when extreme conditions occur. In contrast, clay maintains the roof's integrity by withstanding the most extreme hot and cold weather events. They are also able to resist the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
Compared to asphalt tiles, they provide:
Better solar reflectiveness - Unglazed, red terra cotta is the most reflective type of clay tile roofing. It reflects around 33% of all sun rays. A typical asphalt roof will only reflect 5 - 15% of those rays.
- Higher thermal mass - What this boils down to is clay tiles are capable of dispersing heat at night, instead of releasing all the heat during the daytime and potentially overheating the home. This works hand in hand with the better insulation properties to give your home better energy efficiency.
6. Aesthetics
The style for clay tile roofs is inspired by Spanish and Mediterranean designs. This appearance complements a variety of sidings. For example, a clay tile roof can enhance the look of brick or stone sidings, making it compatible with the most trending design styles for homes.
A few common styles include:
Mediterranean/Spanish style - These clay tiles have an “s” shape and interlock with each other.
Mission style - These tiles are most recognized for their rounded shape and are very popular in the southwest.
Interlocking shingle - This is a more modern, sleek style with flat, interlocking shingles. They tend to be available in more color options as well.
- French style - These are usually recommended to homeowners in rainier climates.
Did You Know? 🎄
One minor drawback that some people assume a clay tile roof has is the inability to nail Christmas lights to it. While technically true, did you know that you are never supposed to puncture any type of roof? There is a simpler way. Making holes in your roof is not only unattractive but can actually lead to leaks.
The simple and inexpensive tool to help you hold your lights in place goes by a few different names:
- Christmas light roof line clips
- Christmas light gutter clips
- Gutter hooks
- Tile clips
- And many more
You simply clip them to your roof line and string the lights across them.
Professional roof installation and maintenance services from Boyce’s Roofing and Repair can help you to keep the most beautiful and functional clay tile roof for many decades into the future. Contact us online or give us a call at (760) 800-6040 for additional details.