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Why We Love Tile Roofs

Tile is your first thought for the bathroom but may not pop into your head when you’re replacing your roof. But why not? Our Bond Roofing team is installing more tile roofs on both new and existing homes. Here are some of the reasons to consider a tile roof.

What is Tile?
What is a tile roof, exactly? Roofing tiles are commonly made from terracotta or fired clay, slate, or concrete. Tile roofs are more common in hotter climates such as the Southwest or South Florida which is probably why we think of Spanish or Mediterranean architecture when we think of tile roofs but roofing tiles come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

5 Reasons to Choose Tile for Your Roof

  • Durable – Like copper, tile can last for more than 100 years on your roof. Such roofs can handle high winds and hail, and sometimes even fire. Most tile manufacturers offer a 50-year warranty. We use Ludowici, which provides a 75-year standard warranty. Tile roofs won’t decay due to rot or insect damage. Some are hurricane rated, which is good here in central North Carolina.
  • Energy Efficient – If you live in a climate that gets extremely hot or cold, a tile roof may help. Heavy tiles can help regulate your indoor temperature. This depends on the exact finish or color you choose.
  • Low Maintenance – Tile roofs rarely leak and don’t usually require repairs — unless something hefty falls on your roof.
  • Environmentally Friendly – If you’re seeking a roof that doesn’t use chemicals, choose tile. Tiles are made from materials from the earth, and we can recycle them after removal.
  • Options – Tiles come in various shapes and styles. You can find them in curved, flat, fluted or made to mimic slate or wood shake. A variety of glazings or colors are available as well. Check out this white flat tile roof we completed recently.

The Cons to Tile Roofs
Despite all these pros, tile roofs have a few downsides. For example, tile roofs are far heavier than shingles; an engineer will need to confirm you can use tile. Many homes built today with asphalt shingles will not handle the weight.

Your roofing contractor will also need to check your roof’s slope; tile cannot be installed on all roof types.

If you live in an area with frequent freeze-thaw cycles, you’ll need a tile with low moisture absorption such as Ludowici terracotta tiles.

While tile roofs last for decades, they cost significantly more upfront than a typical asphalt shingle roof but the durability of tile means the life-cycle costs are more in line with other roofing systems.

If you’re curious about how tile can transform the look of your home’s roof, contact us for more information.