Tile Roofing
A tile roof can make a beautiful addition to any home, from Southern California to Central Florida. If you’re looking for a new tile roof installation – or a roof repair to your old roofing, you may be wondering about the following:
- roof tile costs
- the installation process for roof tiles in Florida
- how to find the best roofing contractor in your area for roof tiles
Before diving into those questions, let’s start by explaining what makes a tile roof special. In addition to its unique look and curb appeal, tiles can last between 50 and 100 years. This longevity is part of what makes them one of the most durable options in the roofing market.
What Is A Tile Roof Exactly?
When you think of a tile roof, you may be surprised to learn that many options fit into this category, including clay tiles, concrete roofing tiles, and slate tiles. All of these materials are formed into tile products and have a lifespan much longer than a traditional asphalt roof. We have written about different types of tile roofs available in the market today, including concrete tile roof, clay tile roofing, ceramic tile roof and many other options.
If you think a tile roof is right for you, you may be wondering about the installation process. Keep reading to learn about installation and these unique roofs.
Pros Of Tile Roofing in Florida
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Tile roofs meet all of the criteria for a roof in Florida:
- Resistance to hurricane-force winds
- Hail resistance
- Long-term durability
- Reflecting heat away from the home
These are just some of the benefits of having a tile roof in Florida.
Longevity
A tile roof can last for a long time, even in an area with bad weather. Provided that the roof is installed properly and has flashings, it can last on average between 25 to 50 years. There are centuries-old tile roofs still intact and going strong.
Durability
Long-term durability is a major benefit of installing a tile roof. Durability is especially important in Florida, where extreme weather conditions can cause damage to a home. Tile roofs are able to withstand the high-speed winds that come with a hurricane in Florida. Tiles are also resistant to things like rot and insect damage that might affect a shingle roof.
Low Maintenance
Tile roofs don’t require a lot of maintenance. If your home has just been through a hurricane, it’s still a good idea to have your roof inspected to ensure that there aren’t any issues.
Lower Cost over the Lifetime of the Tile Roof
Although tile roofs may have higher initial costs than other types of roofing, they may also have lower costs over the lifetime of the roof. This is because they’re less expensive to maintain and can last longer than shingles.
Energy-Efficient
Tile roofs are also more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. This is because they are better able to reflect heat away from your home rather than absorbing it. This means that your home will naturally be cooler and you can save some money on energy bills.
Fire-Resistant
Tile roofs are also fire-resistant. While a tile roof can’t completely prevent your house from catching fire, it can help to protect your home because it won’t catch fire itself, thereby spreading the fire.
Cons Of Tile Roofing In Florida
While there are many benefits to tile roofs in Florida, there are also some drawbacks. These include a high initial cost and the weight of the roof.
High Initial Cost
Tile roofs can cost up to two or three times as much to install initially as a shingle roof. However, with a higher cost comes a longer lifespan. Shingle roofs last around 15 to 20 years while a tile roof will last for 40 to 50 years. Additionally, homeowners typically save more money in the long run because of lower maintenance costs and the longevity of a tile roof.
Heavier Material
Tile roofs can be between 850 and 950 pounds per roofing square.
Not every home is built to support the weight of a roofing material this heavy. Your roof’s ability to support weight, unfortunately, isn’t something you’ll be able to judge on your own. You’ll need to consult with a structural engineer to determine if your home can stand up to the weight of a tile roof.
Tip
Remember to check with your HOA before getting invested in tile roofing. If your neighborhood consists of exclusively shingle roofs, you may not be allowed to install a tile roof on your home. But, it never hurts to ask!
The best types of tile roofing
Tile roofs can come in a variety of options from large format to low pitch roof tiles. But the most common types are concrete big barrel tiles, small barrel tiles, flat tiles, and clay tiles. The question is: Which type of roof tile is better for Florida?
Clay Tiles
Clay tiles are made of all-natural materials giving them a boost in the eco-friendly department. But that comes with a price – a much higher price tag. Clay tiles are also more prone to breakage than competing options.
Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are a more common alternative to clay tiles. Concrete tiles hold the same aesthetic appeal and durability as clay tiles but will hold long-term. Concrete tiles are heavier than other options. You’ll need to talk with a roofing expert to decide what option is best for you.
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