A well tiled roof has a timeless beauty that is very difficult to replicate with modern asphalt or metal shingles. Unfortunately, traditional tiled roofing made from clay tiles can be horribly expensive, and the tiles themselves have a number of shortcomings compared to more sophisticated roofing materials.

If you have your heart set on the elegant look of a traditionally tiled roof but want to avoid the problems that can come with conventional clay tiles, consider choosing concrete tiles for your roof. These immensely durable roof tiles have several advantages over clay tiles but can look just as beautiful when fitted to your home.

Why Choose Concrete Roof Tiles Over Clay?

Exceptional Durability

Concrete roof tiles are as tough and durable as anything else made out of concrete, and a properly installed concrete tile roof can easily last for decades with some occasional maintenance. Compared to clay tiles, concrete tiles are significantly less brittle. This makes them much more resistant to impact damage caused by heavy falling objects, such as tree branches.

Concrete roof tiles are also much heavier than clay tiles. For some homeowners, this can be problem; for example, that could be a problem if you live in an older, timber-framed home that cannot support a heavy roof. However, this added weight also makes concrete tiles significantly more wind-resistant than clay tiles, and a concrete tiled roof can withstand significantly higher wind speeds without shedding tiles.

Wide Choice Of Styles

Clay tiles are available in a range of shades and designs, but if you want to create a truly unique tiled roof, choices are limited. Concrete tiles are much more versatile, largely because concrete is easier to work with than clay. They can be made in a much wider variety of shapes and sizes, including interlocking tiles with standing seams that are very wind- and water-resistant.

Concrete tiles are also available in a much wider variety of colors than clay tiles, which tend to be limited to various shades of brown. Color-bonded concrete tiles have durable colored coatings, while color-through tiles have pigments mixed into the concrete itself. These highly distinctive tiles are ideal for homeowners with more adventurous tastes.

Imitation clay tiles made from concrete are also widely available. High-quality clay-look tiles can be indistinguishable from real clay tiles, even under close inspection.

Inexpensive

Despite these advantages, concrete roof tiles are usually significantly cheaper to install than clay tiles and are ideal for homebuilders and renovators who are working to a tight budget. Clay-look concrete tiles are particularly cost effective, and may even raise the value of your home.

To learn more, contact a company that offers roofing installation services.

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