Tile roofs have been around for over 600 years. They are known for their durability. Roofing tile is strong—it doesn’t crack or break like shingles do when subjected to extreme temperatures or heavy winds. This means that a tiled roof will last longer than most types of roofing materials.
Tile roofs are also energy efficient: they reflect more heat than asphalt or wood shingles. This helps keep your attic cool in warm weather so that your air conditioning unit doesn’t have to use as much energy to maintain your home’s temperature.
There are many different profiles of a tile roof. Generally, they are referred to as flat, medium, or high profile. New building codes have improved tile installation methods, making tile roofs even stronger and better performing in hurricanes.
Roofs built with tile can be made in a variety of styles and are highly customizable. You can choose both the color and material of roofing tiles. South Florida homes predominantly use either concrete tile or clay tile. Reach out to All Phase Construction to learn more about customizing your home with a tile roof.
Concrete tileshave a lower price point, but their color fades over time, and they tend to have lower tensile strength than clay tiles. Concrete absorbs more water, making these tiles susceptible to mildew. They are also heavier than clay tiles, so the underlying structure needs to be stronger.
Clay tiles, on the other hand, tend to be more costly. Some are machine-made and some are handmade, leading to a wide range in pricing. They have a much higher tensile strength, and the colors remain more vibrant over the life of the roof.
Tile Roof Installation
Either system is only as good as the installation. Only companies with credentials from the Tile Roofing Industry Alliance should be trusted to install these roofs according to TRIA’s guidelines.
The first step to a quality tile roof installation is what goes under it. Tile absorbs heat and transfers it into the attic, leading to heat buildup. If you use poor-quality underlayment and don’t vent your attic, the tile on your roof can fail prematurely. See our Ventilation page for solutions on how to help combat this.
The preferred and strongest installation method uses a two-part polyurethane foam. This method requires more installation skill because this type of foam requires certifications. The foam must be calibrated at each new job as well as every time the temperature changes by more than 10 degrees. Many companies try to save money here by using an inferior one-part foam that lacks strength and uplift resistance. However, for lower budget projects, it is an alternative that helps save money.
