There are many types of tiles to choose from when installing a tile roof. There are slate tiles, concrete tiles, clay tiles and other speciality tiles. Tile roofing overall is a top-rated choice by Jacksonville roofers, especially Cache Roofing, a leading roofing company in Jacksonville, FL. 

While tile is an expensive roofing choice — it’s low maintenance, durable and can many times out live the life of your home, if taken care of properly. Tile roofs are energy efficient and can help save homeowners money on their energy bill in the long run.

Tile roofs are also durable. “They are non-combustible so they are safe against fires. They are also resistant to rotting and insects,” said Modernize home services, a home improvement and home services company. Tile roofs also stand up well to high winds and heavy rains, even hail. 

Tile roofs are heavy and will need proper framing to support their weight. They also need a good underlayment. Homeowners should keep in mind that while the tiles may last anywhere from 50 to 150 years, the underlayment may not. Depending on the life of the underlayment, the homeowner will need to have roofers come out and remove the tile, replace the underlayment, and then potentially replace the tiles — all depending on the condition of the roof and roofing materials. 

If you decide to make the durable and longevity roofing choice of tile, you have three main options to choose from: concrete, clay and slate.

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Concrete Tile Roofing

Concrete is a relatively newer tile option when compared to clay and slate tiles – which have been around for centuries. “The technology to fabricate tiles from cement became available in the 20th century,” according to Roofing Calculator. Concrete tiles are created with the same cement sand and water process as cement driveways or sidewalks. The cement is solidified into tile shapes that stack or interlock together to create a solid roof. 

Concrete tiles are one of the least expensive tile options available. The material weighs less than other tiles and can be installed more easily. However, while they are a very durable option, they are not quite as durable as other tile options such as clay tiles. Concrete roofs can last upwards of 50 years, while clay tile roofs can last upwards of 100 years and slate roofs can last upwards of 150 years.  

Tiles without a sealant or glaze can absorb water, especially concrete tiles. “In general, concrete roofing tiles absorb about double to amount of water that clay tiles absorb (13 percent versus 6 percent) and therefore are more susceptible to mildew, algae, and moss,” Bob Villa said. This is why it’s important to take care of your roof and invest in proper roofing maintenance throughout the year. 

Cement tiles also tend to fade in color over time when exposed to direct sun and heat. Clay and slate tiles tend to keep their color.

Clay Tile Roofing 

In many ancient cultures, tile was used as the roofing material — clay tile is known as one of the oldest roofing materials used “dating back to Ancient China,” according to Roofing Calculator. Clay tile is still considered one of the most popular tile roofs, especially in warmer climates. Clay tiles stand up to the heat and the sun well. “Clay is particularly resistant to the corrosion of salt air, making it a great choice for homes situated in coastal regions near an ocean,” Bob Villa said. “Because they wear so well over time, clay roof tiles add significantly to a home’s resale value, Bob Villa adds.

Clay tiles are durable and comparable in price to other tile options. They come in many different shapes and colors. “Clay tile roofs come in quite a few styles such as terracotta, spanish styles, mission style, and frenh styles,” Modernize home services said. 

Clay tile, like other tile materials, are heavy. Anyone considering a heavier roofing material like tile needs to check with a structural engineer to make sure the frame of the roof can support the weight of the material. “While a typical asphalt installation weighs about 230 pounds per square, a tile roof can range anywhere from 580 to nearly 1,100 pounds per square,” Bob Villa said.

Slate Tile Roofing

“Slate is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials, with a lifespan of 100 to 150 years or more,” said Bob Villa, a housing improvement expert. Slate tiles also stand up well to Florida’s weather — harsh heat, sun, and storms. “Since slate roofing is made of stone, it is impervious to weather, sun, heat, and cold so you can expect a slate roof to last up to 150 years or more” said Modernize home services. 

Slate is also versatile and can be used in both hot and cold weather conditions making it ideal for many parts of the world. 

Slate is a pricer option upfront when it comes to roofing materials. However, because the material is so durable and has a long life span, there aren’t many upkeep costs. This roofing material is also extremely eco-friendly and can save homeowners money on their electric bill. 

What Tile Roofing is Right For You?

Tile roofing is one of the best roofing materials you can choose for your home. Slate, concrete and clay tiles are all great choices. It really comes down to style, weight and durability. Depending on your price point, concrete may be the best option because it is one of the least expensive tile options. However, it also does not last as long as slate and clay tile roofs. Clay tiles vary in price depending on the quality of the clay. Both clay and slate tiles are heavy roofing materials that need proper framing to support their weight. 

All of these options are environmentally sustainable and made from natural products. They are also completely recyclable.  Ludowici, a leading manufacturer in clay tiles explains that their tiles are made with “locally-sourced, natural materials (clay and water) through a unique process which creates no waste.” This also means their tiles are “100% recyclable.” Eagle Roofing, another roofing material manufacturer, explains that concrete roof tiles are also produced from “all-natural products that are fully recyclable and biodegradable at the end of their lifespan”

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Cache Roofing in Jacksonville partners with the best manufacturers that provide quality, environmentally-friendly, recyclable products. Whichever tile product you decide to use, Cache Roofing can help you through the process.