Tile roofs have been a popular choice for homeowners for many years. Not only are tile roofs durable, but they come in a variety of styles and colors that can complement any home’s exterior. When it comes time to replace your roof, or perhaps install a new roof altogether, you may want to consider tile roofs. But before you select your new material, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of tile roofs so you can make an informed decision.
Tile roofing is a type of roofing system that consists of overlapping roof tiles that are securely attached to a roof deck on a sloped roof. There are many types of roof tiles but we’ll mention the two most common ones—concrete and clay roof tiles.
Clay roof tiles. This type of roof tile is one of the most durable materials, as it can withstand extreme weather conditions like extreme heat and storms, which are both known occurrences in Arizona. It’s no wonder clay roofs are so popular in the Southwest! Clay roofs are highly durable. With proper care and maintenance, they can last up to 50 years! Many homes still have their original clay tile roofs intact (save for a few tile repairs here and there)
Concrete roof tiles are made out of cement, sand, and water. They are shaped into various shapes to simulate shingles, clay tiles, and more. These roof tiles offer great resistance to wind or hail damage but are not typically as durable as clay roofs.
If you’re deciding on a new roof (and are considering tile), it’s important to know the pros and cons of tile roofs. We’ve already mentioned a couple of the advantages of tile, but now let’s take a deeper look into this material so you can make the right choice for your home.
This is one of the main advantages this type of roofing system provides. As we’ve previously mentioned, a well-maintained tile roof can last anywhere between 40-50 years. Tile roofs typically last longer than any other type of roofing system, which is exactly the reason why it is one of the most popular choices all over the country. Keep in mind that being durable doesn’t mean tile will never break. You may have to replace tiles if they break.
Tile roofs help homeowners reduce energy costs by a tremendous amount. Since the tiles have a gap under them, they block the heat from the sun from reaching your home. This can help keep your home’s internal temperature more consistent so you can lower your energy bills.
We have already established that tile roofing systems are some of the most durable ones and they help you reduce the energy costs in the home. What they also then naturally provide is resistance to extreme weather conditions, such as high heat and storms. This makes tile a great choice for Arizona’s monsoon weather! This is one of the main selling points for all Arizona homeowners, as they are often worried if their investment can live up to harsh weather conditions.
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Since roof tiles are one of the most durable and weather-resistant roofing materials, they require very little maintenance. However, if the roof does get damaged, the tiles can easily be replaced as each tile is individually installed. We still recommend getting roof inspections at least once a year to make sure your roof is functioning properly.
One of the best advantages of tile is its range of colors and styles. Tile is highly modifiable and can come in a variety of colors. This means it can be matched with any type of property, whether it’s a residential or a commercial one. It fits any design scheme as long as you ask for it—you’ll be provided with what you need.
As with any roofing material, tile has its drawbacks. After all, there is no perfect roofing material. We’ll go over some of the drawbacks of this type of roofing so you can learn more about the pros and cons of tile roofs.
Simply put, tile roofs are expensive, so they may not be the right choice for everyone. This is the type of roofing system you shouldn’t be looking at if you’re on a budget or you’re looking for something cheap. Tile is expensive because it is one of the most durable and weather-resistant roofing materials on the market. Be sure to ask your chosen roofing company about the prices and any financing options available. With every great and dependable product, there’s a certain sticker price—and this one can be pretty hefty.
Tile roof installation is quite difficult. The reason for it being so difficult is that each tile is individually placed on the roof, and the roof needs to be prepared before the assembly begins. If the installation process is not done properly, you risk tiles being damaged. And at the hefty price tag, it’s necessary to hire the most dependable roofing crew around. Always find the experts to install your tile roof so you can have a stress-free experience for as long as it is around.
Although it’s one of the most durable and resistant roofing materials available, roof tiles can still get damaged and broken from storms and debris. We advise everyone not to walk on the roof after it’s set in place. However, if or when the roof tiles get damaged, it’s not a huge issue since they are easily replaceable. We’ve mentioned previously that they are all individually installed, so if one breaks you just have to replace it with a new one.
For easy reference, here are the pros and cons of tile roofs at a glance. Feel free to refer back to this list as you consider your options!
Whichever type of roof you opt for you need to remember one thing—outstanding quality comes at a great price. If you opt for a tile roof, you can expect decades of durability and a long lifespan. In our opinion, tile roofs are well worth the price. Tile roofs will remain one of the most popular roofing options for homeowners all over the Southwest.
For over 15 years, Capstone Roofing has proudly served residents all across Arizona. Our history and experience in the industry gives us the cutting edge for providing our customers with the highest quality roofing solutions and customer service. Capstone is here to help you select and install your perfect roof. If you have any questions about the pros and cons of tile roofs, don’t hesitate to call us at (602) 486-0763. You can also contact us online. We look forward to helping you with your next roofing project!