When it comes to choosing roofing materials for your home, you have to be extremely cautious. Not every type of roof will work for your budget, aesthetics, and even energy efficiency. Tile roofs are among the many roofing materials you will find in the markets. They're often preferred for their low-level maintenance, high energy efficiency due to their heavy thermal mass, long-lasting ability, and insusceptibility to rot, corrosion, or insect damage, among other benefits. However, you have to choose between concrete tiles and clay tiles.
None of these options is necessarily superior to the other and both can work perfectly for your home. However, if you're finding it hard to decide which one to choose, here is a guide to help you.
Cost
Since roofs can be quite costly, you'll want to consider the cost of the materials, especially if you're on a budget. Generally, concrete roof tiles will cost you less than their clay counterparts. That's usually because of the relatively more complex manufacturing process of clay tiles. However, the extra cost of clay tiles may come in handy if you're planning to sell your house. That is, it will increase the value of your home, which means you will have better chances of selling it at a higher price. However, if you're not selling your home, concrete tiles would be the better option when you factor upfront costs.
Weight
The amount of weight your roof puts on the underlying structure is another crucial aspect to think of when making the choice between clay and concrete roof tiles. While both materials are typically heavy, concrete tiles tend to be heavier. That means you'll have to reinforce the structure underneath if you choose concrete, which could translate into extra installation costs. A roof replacement team can determine if your house can handle the extra weight or if you need a replacement.
Susceptibility to Climate Conditions
Climate should be on your checklist items when choosing any roofing material. You have to invest in a roof that's suited for the climate in your region. The roof should hold up well against any changing climate conditions. If you live in a region that experiences extreme differences in temperature, clay tiles may not be the best option. The freezing and thawing cycles, especially in cold weather can result in cracking or shuttering of the tiles. Therefore, clay tiles are best suited for warmer climates with average temperatures. Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are rarely damaged due to freezing action. That means the tiles are ideal for any type of climate.
Share28 September 2018
Hey! Welcome to my blog. My name is Walter and I live in Alice Springs, Australia. Last year, I woke up in a state of shock. The roof of my home had collapsed. I walked out into what use to be my living room only to discover a complete disaster zone. There were bits of slate and wood everywhere. Thankfully, no one in my family was injured. I called in a local roofing company and I worked with them to replace the roof. I learnt a lot about roofing during that week so I decided to start a new blog.