Benefits Of Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tiles have long been one of the favored materials for roofs. Indeed, you can date their use back to the Roman times. You see them in many cultures, including Asia, Europe, and, of course, America. Clay tile roofing is a high-end option. Find out how a clay tile roof installation can benefit your house.
Appearance
Clay tile roofing is renowned for its aesthetic value. The appearance of a clay tile roof is distinctive. In addition to their colors, the tiles add three-dimensional appeal. Clay is a high-end material for roofs, so it adds value to your house. Certain styles of houses, such as Italianate and Spanish, call for clay tile roofs. If you use another material for their roofs, their appeal can decrease.
Customization
Clay tiles offer more customization options than most other roofing materials. They come in S-shapes and barrel, both of which present the distinctive wavy profile. You also see tapered or fluted barrels and flat shingles. What's more, some manufacturers make clay tile that replicates slate or wooden shingles and shakes.
The classic color for clay tiles is terra cotta. Manufacturers also construct the tiles in lighter and darker shades of the red clay. You can get them in various shades of brown as well as moss green, driftwood gray, and ocean blue, too. The tiles can be glazed on unglazed.
Lifespan
Clay tile roofing is especially suitable for certain climates, such as California and the Mediterranean. However, when roofers install a new tile roof with all the right methods, it can last up to 100 years. Most manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty on the tiles. A clay tile roof does require a waterproof underlayment and reinforced framing to preserve its longevity.
Durability
Clay tiles are exceptionally durable. Old models were brittle, but manufacturers now make clay tiles that are very strong. They even offer good-impact resistance, which is ideal for areas prone to high winds and hailstorms. They're also frost-resistant and can withstand extremes of temperature.
Clay tile roofs are impervious to insect infestation and rot. Indeed, the material is particularly resistant to the corrosion associated with coastal areas because of the salt air. They're also so fire-resistant they carry a class-A rating. The only thing they're not resistant to is foot traffic — you generally shouldn't walk on the tiled roof.
Energy Efficiency
Clay tiles feature a high thermal mass, which means they can absorb and store heat energy. They, therefore, feature excellent insular values. As a result, a clay tile roof helps keep your house warmer in the winter. Clay tiles in lighter colors reflect solar energy. You can also order a cool roof coating. Therefore, they can also keep your home cooler in the summer.
Eco-Friendliness
To make the tiles for roofs, manufacturers use earth minerals, typically terra cotta. So, they don't use chemicals or other manufactured materials, which makes them environmentally friendly. Indeed, they're prized because they don't give off any toxins.
Removal of a tile roof reveals another eco-friendly benefit — they can be pulverized and recycled. According to research, roofing waste accounts for five percent of total waste sent to landfills every year. With clay tiles, manufacturers can make new roof tiles out of the pulverized material rather than toss it into a landfill.
Ease of Washing
While it's not essential, you can wash your clay tile roof to make it look fresh again. To wash the roof, you usually use a power washer from your position on the ground — just don't aim directly at the edge of the tile. Instead, try to aim from the side. If desired, you can use a solution of water and mild dish soap first. You only need to do this once a year at most.
If you need a new roof, consider the benefits a clay tile system can convey to your house. Contact a roof installation contractor for more information.