More homeowners in Greensboro, NC are deciding on clay roof tiles. They appreciate clay tiles for their environmentally friendly and sustainable properties. Let’s explore some advantages of clay roof tiles and factors to consider if you choose this durable roofing material.
The Advantages of Clay Roof Tiles
Long Life Span
Manufacturers typically produce clay roof tiles by baking molded clay. The density of the tiles varies depending on factors such as the duration and temperature of heat application. Due to clay’s inherent qualities, clay tiles can endure for over 150 years. Consequently, a clay tile roof could outlast the home it covers. Clay, being a natural material, exhibits remarkable durability and can withstand changes in weather and the passage of time. Therefore, the likelihood of requiring extensive roofing repairs is reduced, resulting in cost savings throughout the roof’s lifespan.
Ability to Withstand Extreme Weather Conditions
People favor clay tile roofs for their capacity to withstand extremely high temperatures. Their design facilitates exceptional ventilation, enabling air circulation between the tiles and the roof deck, thereby decreasing heat transfer into the home. Clay tiles’ heavy and sturdy nature contributes to their excellent wind resistance. The interlocking design of the tiles ensures they can withstand high winds and flying debris.
Ease of Maintenance
A well-maintained clay roof offers an incredible return on investment. They demand relatively little upkeep, but periodic professional cleaning is essential to remove dirt, algae, and mold buildup, especially in shaded areas prone to moisture collection. Following cleaning, professional sealing of the tiles is advisable, as it facilitates easier future cleaning. Additionally, scheduling an annual roof inspection is recommended to uphold the warranty. During this inspection, any broken roof tiles or flashings will require repair. A contractor will also assess signs of improper clay roof installation and recommend necessary changes to extend the roof’s lifespan.
Suitability for Both Sloping and Curved Roofs
Clay roof tiles are available in a variety of styles. This makes them suitable for use on both sloping and curved roofs. The flexibility of clay tiles and their ability to be used on various roofing designs are two of the most significant advantages of clay roofs.
Fire Resistance
Clay roofing tiles constitute a class A roofing material, the highest fire-resistance rating for roofing materials. To achieve class A designation, roofing materials must withstand severe fire exposure. This entails limiting flame spread to a maximum of six feet and enduring a burning brand measuring 12″ x 12″. They maintain structural integrity for two to four hours before ignition and can withstand up to 15 cycles of a gas flame being turned on and off. In addition to their fire resistance, clay tiles repel insects, enhancing their durability and aesthetic appeal for decades.
Weather Resistance
Some roofing materials, such as asphalt shingles, expand and contract based on outdoor temperatures. In contrast, clay maintains its integrity, withstanding the most extreme temperature changes. It effectively blocks ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
An unglazed red terra-cotta clay roofing tile can reflect up to 33% of the sun’s rays, while an asphalt roof can only reflect between 5% and 15%. Clay disperses heat more efficiently at night due to its higher thermal mass. It retains some heat during the day, preventing potential overheating of the home. Consequently, when combined with high-quality insulation, clay tiles make the home more comfortable and energy-efficient.
Clay Roof Tiles Offer a Variety of Styles
Clay is uniquely able to assume various shapes, making clay roofing tiles highly versatile. They can take on a round or flat form and various profile configurations. Some popular tile patterns include the following.
Mission Tile
Also known as barrel roofs, mission tiles exhibit a wave pattern characterized by alternating concave dips and convex covers. The convex cover resembles a barrel, while the concave pan is curved the opposite way. Installation involves pairing barreled shingles to cover overlapping pans, resulting in a high-profile appearance commonly found in regions like France, Italy, Spain, and the Southwest of the United States.
French Tile
In contrast to the high-profile appearance of mission tiles, French tiles have a more low-profile design, featuring two protruding flutes secured with an interlocking tab design. They are a suitable choice for areas prone to hurricanes.
Spanish Tiles
Initially introduced in Florida, Spanish tiles are characterized by their one-piece S-shaped design, offering a high-profile aesthetic similar to mission tiles. Their ease of installation makes them less labor-intensive compared to mission tiles.
Flat Tiles
Flat tiles are highly durable and can imitate the appearance of popular roofing materials such as wood shakes and slate tiles. They are typically installed using an interlocking design with fasteners or laid with double thickness to create multidimensional patterns reminiscent of traditional shingles.
Is Clay Roofing Material Right for Your Home?
Clay roofing tiles provide eco-friendly, energy-efficient, durable, and aesthetically pleasing roofing solutions. However, while clay tiles offer versatility, they may only be suitable for some types of roofs. For instance, contractors typically avoid installing clay tiles on flat roofs and require a minimum slope of 4:12. Moreover, it’s essential to ensure that the roof’s structure can support the weight of clay tiles.
Budget considerations are crucial. Although clay tile roofs boast a long lifecycle, clay is significantly more expensive than other options. Nevertheless, it offers a 100% return on investment, offsetting installation costs. In terms of installation, clay tiles are suitable for cold and tropical climates. Consult with your roofing professional to determine if your roof’s slope and structure are ideal for clay tile roofing materials.
Possible Challenges With Clay Roofing Material
Despite its benefits, clay roofing material presents some challenges. Due to brittleness, cracking and chipping can occur when moisture penetrates the tile. Fortunately, replacing clay tiles is relatively easy, albeit at an additional expense.
Organic debris such as leaves and bird droppings harbor microorganisms that feed on the organic material in clay tiles. Since clay tiles consist primarily of clay, soil, and water, they provide a habitat for tiny organisms, leading to moss growth and other undesirable biomaterials on the roof.
A roofing inspection poses challenges, as one wrong step can crack a tile. It’s advisable to leave roof inspections to professionals who understand how to distribute their weight evenly, walk on the balls of their feet, avoid jumping or leaping from tile to tile, and wear appropriate shoes with proper grip.
One of the significant challenges with clay tile roofs is the need to purchase extra tiles for future repairs in addition to the roofing material used. It is always preferable to have experienced North Carolina roofing professionals perform installations or repairs, as it is impractical and potentially dangerous for homeowners to attempt DIY installations or repairs with clay tile roofing material.
Grandmother-Approved HVAC, Plumbing, Electrical, and Roofing Professionals
At Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing, we recognize that your home transcends mere bricks and mortar; it’s the heart of your family’s life. Our dedication to our customers and their homes stems from a tradition handed down by our grandmother. To honor this legacy, we’ve obtained licenses, insurance, and numerous certifications to ensure we can effectively address your home’s needs. With hundreds of outstanding Google reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, we take pride in our reputation.
We specialize in roof inspections, repairs, and replacements as well as gutter installations. Additionally, we offer electrical repair, installation, and safety inspections, HVAC maintenance, repair, and installation, and comprehensive plumbing services. Reach out to us at Aurora Pro Services Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical, & Roofing today and experience firsthand what it means to work with a company in the Greensboro area that prioritizes your satisfaction.
