What Makes Clay Tile Roofs So Durable
Clay tile roofs are exceptionally sturdy, thanks to the hardening process. The tiles are baked in a kiln, sometimes with additives to impart a different color or further enhance their hardness. Clay tile roofs are a popular choice for homeowners due to their timeless appeal and durability. The durability of clay tiles means they can last for over 100 years under the right conditions. While these types of roofing materials offer many advantages, they are also expensive and have some disadvantages.
Table of Contents
Is a Clay Tile Roof Expensive?
Clay tile roofing can be expensive, particularly when compared to other options, such as shingles or metal. The initial cost includes not only the tiles themselves, but also installation. Tile roofs made of clay are more expensive to install due to their weight and specific requirements, both of which make the process more labor-intensive.
Despite the cost, people often opt for a clay tile roof over other options due to its numerous benefits. Compared with basic and even luxury shingles, clay tiles are much longer-lasting. While basic shingles might last 10 years at one-quarter the cost, clay tiles can last over 100 years in the right conditions.
One of the primary benefits of clay tile roofing is its exceptional durability. With a clay tile roof, you can rest assured that, compared to other roofing materials, your roof will rarely need maintenance or replacement. Additionally, clay tiles are naturally resistant to fire, insects, and rot, further enhancing their longevity. Their ability to withstand harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat and heavy rainfall, also contributes to their popularity in various climates.
If you live in an area where other roofing types may need to be replaced more frequently, a clay tile roof can easily pay for itself over time.
Do Clay Roof Tiles Need to be Sealed?
The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. Clay roof tiles are inherently porous, but their overlapping design and natural hardness enable them to naturally and effectively shed water, creating a long-lasting protective barrier for homes even without sealant. The decision to seal comes down to your environment, climate, the age of your roof, and any specific requirements you may have for your property.
You may want to seal your clay tile roof if:
- You live somewhere wet. In areas naturally prone to rain and humidity, such as Florida or the Gulf Coast, sealing helps combat constant moisture, salt air, and the rampant growth of mold, mildew, and algae.
- You live somewhere with frequent freezes. As previously mentioned, clay tiles are naturally porous. Water absorbed into clay tiles can freeze, expand, and cause them to crack. Sealing can mitigate this.
The other advantages of sealant are UV protection, color retention, and easier maintenance. Sealant acts as a natural sunscreen for your roof, protecting it from discoloration caused by the sun. Additionally, the smoother, less porous surface provided by properly sealed tiles means that dirt and debris are less likely to accumulate.
That said, there are a few reasons to consider not sealing your roof:
- Reduced permeability:Â One of the advantages of tile is its ability to breathe. If you seal the tile, you reduce airflow, potentially allowing moisture to be trapped beneath the tiles if it finds a route in.
- Greater expense:Â As discussed above, clay tile roofing is already more expensive than many other roofing options. Adding a seal will increase the cost, and depending on your budget, the expense may not be worthwhile.
So, the final answer: do you need to seal your clay roof tiles? It’s not an absolute necessity, but the advantages often outweigh the disadvantages. Be sure to talk with your roofing contractor to make an informed decision.
What Is a Disadvantage of Clay Tile Roofing?
Despite their durability, water resistance, and timeless appeal, there are some drawbacks to consider with clay tile roofing. While it’s still a highly attractive roofing choice, you need to understand the potential disadvantages:
- High initial cost:Â The upfront cost is a significant disadvantage, as both materials and specialized installation add to the expense.
- Weight: Clay tiles are very heavy. This not only adds additional cost and complexity to the installation but also necessitates sufficient support. You may need to add additional strength to your roof’s framing to withstand the added weight.
- Lower walkability:Â While exceptionally durable against weather, individual clay tiles can be fragile or prone to breaking if walked on improperly or if heavy objects fall on them. Although very strong, clay roofs often require the expertise of a skilled professional for repairs and maintenance.
- Installation complexity:Â The specialized installation process requires experienced roofers familiar with clay tile systems, which can limit contractor options.
- Limited color and style options:Â While modern manufacturing offers more variety, traditional clay tiles may have fewer immediate color options compared to asphalt shingles.
Ultimately, understanding both sides of clay tile roofing will help you select the best option for your home. Consider consulting with a skilled roofer to understand if these downsides make a different material a better choice.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Clay Tile Roof?
A clay tile roof could last longer than a person’s entire life. If you had such a roof installed on the same day that a child was born, chances are that roof would outlive the newborn. With an expected lifetime of over 100 years, clay tile roofs are exceptionally long-lived.
Clay pottery has been around for thousands of years, and shards of such pottery are often signs of long-lost civilizations. If an ancient pot or basin lasts that long, it should be no surprise that a roof tile can last over a century. Clay tile roofs are naturally resistant to wear and tear, but they aren’t invulnerable. As we discussed above, they can be brittle when exposed to great weight or a direct blow.
When properly installed, a clay tile roof can last as long as the underlying structure remains sound. If there is rot or decay in the underlying wood, or if termites eat the roof, then the tile may easily outlive the house itself. If properly maintained, they can even last well past the 100-year forecasted lifetime.
Start Hiring Contractors for Clay Tile Roofs in Your Area
Unlike much cheaper shingles, clay tile has a timeless appeal, greater durability, and a longer expected lifetime, but also comes at a significantly higher cost. While the cost to install a clay tile roof can be quadruple the price of a cheaper asphalt shingle roof installation, the additional years of use make them much less expensive considering the lower need for replacement and repair.
In addition to being long-lived, these roofs have been stylish and tasteful for centuries and are likely to remain popular for the foreseeable future. Clay tile roofing needs a specialist for proper installation, so when considering your options, be sure to find a contractor with extensive experience.
Comparing roofing services for your clay tile roofing project can be a challenge, but American Home Quotes can help make the process easier. With our network of home services business listings, you can always act confidently on any home improvement project. Call 1-877-299-0515 to get a free, no-obligation quote for clay tile roofing contractors in your area today.