There are many options out there for roofing materials but few are as durable as clay tile. Its celebrated longevity and durability make it an ideal choice in a variety of climates. If you're thinking of building a home or replacing your existing roof, here are a few of the pros and cons of clay roofing tile.
PROS
Long-Lasting
Of all the options on the market today, clay tile might be the one with the most reliable and proven history of longevity. It can withstand extreme weather events like hail, sleet, and high winds. It has also been known to beat impossible odds by surviving other disasters like fires, hurricanes, and earthquakes. With proper engineering and structural support, a clay tile roof can last up to 100 years.
Durable
Clay tile is extremely durable. It won't rot and it's not susceptible to insect infestation. A clay tile roof won't decay like wood shakes or asphalt tiles that are past their life cycle. It can handle extreme temperatures including heat and cold.
Environmentally Friendly
Clay tile is made entirely of natural products derived from the earth so the manufacturing process has very little negative environmental impact. The process involves using natural products to shape and color the clay and then firing it in a kiln at a very high temperature. Many of these manufacturing kilns are fueled by clean-burning natural gas. Because clay tiles are made from natural products, they are also very easily recycled.
Efficient
Clay tiles have a heavy thermal mass which takes longer to heat and longer to cool and that means that your roof will help regulate the temperature of your home even during extreme weather.
CONS
Price
The biggest drawback to a clay tile roof is the price tag. It's typically more expensive to install a clay tile roof than a product like asphalt shingles. In fact, it can cost two to three times more. On average, a clay tile roof costs between $10 to $18 per square foot and that means it can cost anywhere from $25,000 to $50,000 to have installed, depending on the size and pitch of the roof.
Installation
Another drawback is that clay tile is heavy and takes longer to install than something like asphalt shingles. This also means that it must have the proper structural support already built into the roof system in order to support the weight of the tile. For this reason, it's used more frequently in new construction rather than replacement roofing.
To learn more about clay tile, reach out to a local roofing service.
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