CONCRETE & CLAY ROOF TILES

Q/ Are Tile Roof expensive?
A/ No. In recent years, the installed cost of a tile roof has not increased as much as the competition of wood shake roofs. Roof tile is manufactured from locally available natural materials. No petroleum or petroleum by products are used. Roof tile costs about the same or less than wood shakes or premium composition materials. Roof tile adds value to a building more than the offsetting initial savings from lower cost materials. A properly installed tile roof rarely needs replacing making it the least expensive roof for the life of the building.

Q/ How long will tile roofs last?
A/ Tile may outlast the building if properly installed. Tile will not rot, burn or deteriorate like other materials. Tile roofs in Europe and Asia have lasted for centuries.

Q/ If tile lasts a long time, how about color?
A/ Permanent coloring of tile is usually achieved by adding a pure iron oxide color to the mix during the manufacturing process. While the pure iron oxide will last indefinitely color softening may occur after extended exposure to the elements. This softening occurs to a lesser degree than in aged roofs of other materials.

Q/ What colors are available?
A/ When people think of roof tile they think of red. While many shades of red continue to be popular, there is an increasing demand for earth tones such as brown, black or grey. Roof tile can be made in almost any color to enhance the style and color of a home.

Q/ Does roof tile come in various shapes?
A/ Yes they do. Again the original Spanish look is what people think of first when fist considering roof tile. High profile Spanish is available with a selection of size and contour. Flat tile with various surface treatment is available to enhance any contemporary structure.

Q/ Can I walk on a tile roof?
A/ Yes if you are careful and know where you walk. Roofers do it all the time. However, when considerable foot traffic is required, the area should be protected with plywood or a wooden ladder secured to the building.

Q/ Can the do-it-yourself install his own roof?
A/ It is estimated that over 95% of all roofing is installed by roofing contractors. A handy person can lay field tile if he is careful. However, proper layout, installation of underlayment flashing and proper treatment of valley areas, chimneys, skylights, vents and building code knowledge are not for the amateur. The additional costs for a professional is a small percentage of the total building cost and it pays to have it done right. A poorly installed roof can be very expensive in the long run.

Q/ Do tile roofs have insulative value?
A/ Roof tile, decking and dead air space between provide greater resistance to heat flow than most other roofing materials of the same color.

Q/ Do tile roofs require special or more costly construction?
A/ Most commercial or residential structures require little or no additional bracing. On older structures it is recommended that a qualified person check the roof framing to determine if it can properly support the weight of the roof tile. If additional bracing is required, the value added to your home will greatly exceed the small cost of additional bracing.

Q/ How about fire resistance and lower insurance premiums?
A/ Roof tile certainly reduces fire risk because it will not catch fire from fireplace or wood burner sparks or from neighboring fires. Some insurance companies consider this and some do not. Insurance premiums will vary as to location and company.