Tile roofing might be a good choice for your home when you want something more attractive than standard asphalt shingles. A popular type of tile roofing is clay Spanish tiles. However, Spanish tiles can be made from concrete too. These tiles are often orange, but you can also buy them in other colors. Here are four things to know about Spanish tile roofing.
1. Tile Roofs Have Natural Insulation
Due to the shape of Spanish tiles and the natural qualities of clay tiles, there is more air circulation around the roof than is provided with other types of roofing. This helps keep your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
This natural insulation is also useful for fire protection. Clay tiles aren't combustible, so they have a Class A fire rating, and the ventilation under the tiles also helps your attic from getting as hot in case of a fire.
2. Tile Roofs Are Easy To Repair
Unless a tile is severely damaged, it will probably be repaired rather than replaced. Repairing a tile is also preferred so you don't have to worry about color mismatching with a new tile. Cracks can be sealed, and then the repaired area can be painted over to make the repairs invisible. Even if a corner of a tile is chipped off, it can be attached with adhesive, as long as the chipped piece can be found.
However, if necessary, a clay tile can be removed and a new one put in place. Fortunately, the tiles are durable and tolerate high winds, hail, and other impacts, so the need for repairs should be infrequent over the life of your roof.
3. A Clay Tile Roof Lasts A Long Time
Clay tiles last for decades. A tile roof might outlast your house, but that depends on if you keep up with maintenance. Because they have the potential to last a long time, these roofs usually come with a long warranty too. Whether you're young or old, if you put tile roofing on your home, it may be the last roof you need to buy.
4. Extra Support For Heavy Tiles Can Be Added
Tile roofs are heavy, so the roofer will verify that your roof can support the weight of the tiles. If not, structural support can be added when the new roof is put on. However, if you have a fairly modern house, it might be able to support a tile roof even if it has an asphalt shingle roof now. If your house is old, it may need extra support, but the only way to know for sure, and to find out how much support is needed, is to have a roofer check your roof first.
