The Pros and Cons of Tile Roofs

Choosing a tile roof is often based on aesthetics. They are stylistically inviting and alluring in their call to the use of tile roofing throughout history and in mediterranean climates. Tile roofs are not only appealing in their looks but also in their durability and ability to handle a variety of weather hazards that have the potential to impact a roof in the course of its life. Below we discuss all these aspects of tile roofs and more to show you the advantages and disadvantages of tile roofs and provide more information about them.

Tile Roofs: General Info

Overall, tile roofs are known for two main things: they are highly durable and very expensive. Tile roofs frequently cost double or even triple the price of shingle or even metal roofing. At the same time, they are known to last much longer. Some tile roofs can have a life expectancy of 50-70 years, which far surpasses the life of a shingle roof, which can be as low as 10-15 years (although with new shingle manufacturing technology this life expectancy has gone up in recent times to 25-40 years). Therefore, tile roofing can be viewed as an investment which pays off in the long run.

Tile roofs are also known for being very heavy, especially if traditional clay tiles are used. To deal with the weight, the structure that is built to hold a tile roof is generally designed with extra structural support by the architect or engineer. Newer tile manufacturing technology, using concrete, has made tile lighter and cheaper, but even a concrete tile roof cannot go directly onto a structure that was engineered for shingle or metal roofing.

Traditionally tile roofs have come in the Mediterranean style, consisting of barrel or overlapping s-tile shapes reminiscent of Spain or Italy. Nowadays, however, tile comes in a variety of shapes for homeowners to choose from. They can mimic wood shingles, shake, or even slate. Flat concrete tiles are used to achieve these looks and are highly popular at this time.

Tile Roofs: Pros

The biggest advantage of tile roofs is the longevity of their lifespan and their ability to weather extreme events including windstorms, hail, hurricanes, and earthquakes. A well crafted tile roof can stand up to decades of wear and tear without developing leaks or other issues. 

These roofs are also great insulators, which keep homes warm in the winter and cool in the summer. This also keeps the attic temperature down in the summer which helps to prolong the life of the roof’s wood decking and prevent dry rot in the plywood. 

Tile roofs come with many unique accents, life cloaked attic vents, bird-stop, hip and ridge tiles, and other options. They also come in a variety of coloring from traditional burnt umber, reds, or browns to moss or seafoam green, various greys, and bright or muted blues. With all these touches roofs have the ability to complement any home’s style or aesthetic no matter the exterior color, trim, decorations, and landscaping.

Tile Roofs: Cons

The main disadvantage of a tile roof is its initial cost. As mentioned above, a tile roof usually runs several times that of shingle or metal. Typical prices run between thirty thousand and seventy thousand depending on the size of the house. Although roofs do not typically need replacement for about fifty years, once it does need replacing the replacement cost is just as high if not higher as the initial cost. 

Another con is that tile roofs are in a way very brittle. The tile can easily break from objects hitting it or even a person walking on the roof, if that person is not properly trained in how to walk on a tile roof. Tile roof repairs, therefore, are rather costly and require a tile roof expert, who will not leave the roof in a worse shape than it was before.

Finally, tile roofs require special structural support, which requires input from an engineer or architect. This can also result in additional costs and must be handled with great care.

If you have any questions about roofs or want a free estimate for your roof repair or  replacement in the Palm Coast, Flagler, or Volusia area, please give Florida’s Best Roofing a call at 386-263-7906!