Concrete roofing tiles are becoming a more popular choice for homeowners in certain areas. They are affordable and are a cheaper alternative to clay roofing tiles.
However, there’s more to concrete tiles than being affordable. We will tell you everything you need to know about this roofing material, including its pros and cons.
What Is Concrete Tile Roofing?
Concrete roof tiles are manufactured with cement, sand, and water. Manufacturers add iron oxide to the mixture to give it its characteristic color. The mixture is then shaped into roof tiles and heated to form them. The production process is usually automated.
When installing concrete tiles, the roofers usually install underlayment before placing battens and rafters over it to secure the roofing tiles.
Concrete tiles are available in different sizes, shapes, colors, and finishes. However, there are three prominent designs: low, medium, and high. Although concrete tiles exist in different colors, a typical one has earthy hues, including copper and brown.
Types of Concrete Tiles
- Barrel tiles: Barrel tiles are spherical, half-cylinder tiles. They are usually the most expensive concrete tile option and give homes a more classic appearance than other options.
- Flat tiles: They are the most used type of concrete tile. A possible reason for their popularity is their ability to fit any architectural design.
- French tiles: French concrete tiles are interlocking with a low profile. They usually have flutes or indents to get rid of water from the roof with more ease.
- Spanish tiles: This concrete type has patterns that resemble waves. They are ideal for regions that experience heavy rains.
- Interlocking tiles: These are not to be mistaken for French tiles. Interlocking tiles are the most affordable concrete design, and their interlocking design aids in the efficient and quick installation of the tiles.
- Mission tiles: This type of concrete tile is also called double Roman tiles. It is made up of individual barrels that have alternating convex and concave shapes. When you install mission tiles on your roof, they give your home a Mediterranean look.
Pros and Cons of Concrete Tiles Roofing
Pros
- Versatility and stylishness: Concrete is unarguably one of the most versatile, if not the most versatile, roofing materials. It is stylish and can imitate more expensive roofing materials like clay and slate.
- They are durable: They are a durable roofing material that can withstand strong winds and other weather conditions and resist fire. In fact, they have a Class A fire rating and can survive an earthquake.
- High-value and longevity: Concrete tiles are a durable roofing material, so it is no surprise that they are long-lasting. They can last for a minimum of 50 years.
- Sustainability: This roofing material is natural and recyclable, making it friendly to the environment. Additionally, it reduces the amount of energy a house consumes, and it is not a roofing material that needs frequent replacement.
Cons
- Initial cost: Due to their installation process, which could be a bit complex, concrete tiles are on the expensive end of the cost spectrum. But as costly as they are, they are cheaper than options like slate and clay. So, concrete is not an ideal choice for people on a budget.
- Weight: Concrete tiles are hefty, weighing 820–1,200 pounds per square foot. This weight puts a lot of pressure on the structure beneath them, demanding that you add more support to the roof system before installing the tiles.
- Fragility: Concrete tiles are fragile and can snap despite their high resistance to wind and fire. Concrete roof tiles can crack in cases of foot traffic or fallen tree branches. As a result, we advise homeowners to get rid of trees with overhanging branches to avoid accidents that could lead to cracks, which will leave the underlay exposed.
- Fading: Over time, the original color of concrete tiles tends to fade due to long-term exposure to the elements and UV rays. However, this is a minor disadvantage if your choice of color for your concrete tiles is natural, as they still look appealing when faded.
Concrete Roof Maintenance and Repair 101
This roof type is relatively low-maintenance. However, it is also recommended by the TRI Alliance to inspect your roof every year. To ensure the longevity of your concrete tiles, always look out for missing or damaged tiles so that you can fix the damage as soon as possible. Replacing damaged or missing tiles should cost you about $250 for each square foot.
It is also essential to remove debris from your roof regularly to prevent clogging during rainfall. We also recommend cutting off overhanging tree branches to avoid damage from the effect of the branches falling on the roof under pressure. You can eliminate moss growth by employing the services of a pressure-washing company. The average cost of this service is $454.
To fix a leaking roof, you might also need to replace your roof’s underlayment, which may cost you between $0.50 and $2.00 for one square foot, depending on the underlayment type and roof slope. For the leak repair itself, the cost varies, but it falls between $100 and $1500
Underlayment for Your Concrete Tiles
An underlayment for your concrete tile roof is the material that a roofer has to install between the tiles and the roof to serve as a layer of protection. Experts recommend one or two layers before installing your tiles.
An underlayment protects your roof from water damage in the event of leakage due to cracks. In some cases, depending on the type, it can help regulate your home’s heat. The standard lifespan of an underlayment is ten years. Hence, homeowners who use concrete tiles for their roofing have to replace the underlayment every ten years.
Conclusion
After all that has been said, it is not surprising that many homeowners opt for concrete tiles for their roofing. Undoubtedly, that’s a considerable investment, especially if you have to add additional support. However, with the proper care, you’ll get your money’s worth, as concrete tiles are long-lasting and durable. In addition, they make your home more attractive and can help reduce your electricity cost.
If, after knowing all that you know now, you decide that concrete tile roofing is what you want, by all means, go for it. However, we suggest you contact expert roofing companies in your area to discuss the project’s cost. Doing this will give you options and help you get the price that best suits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are concrete roof tiles heavy?
Yes, they are. Concrete tiles’ weight is a significant concern during the installation process. They are heavier than other roofing materials, ranging between 800 pounds per 100 square feet and 1,1200 pounds per 100 square feet. Despite this challenge, many homeowners still choose concrete for their roofing because of several benefits.
How long do concrete roof tiles last?
They have a lifespan that anyone would consider exceptional. They have a minimum of 50 years and a maximum of 100 years to a lifetime. Concrete can do well under intense weather, including high winds and fire.
Can I pressure-wash my concrete roof tiles?
While pressure-washing concrete tiles is not an impossible task, experts do not recommend it to homeowners. Washing your concrete tiles at very high pressure can damage them. Therefore, we recommend washing your roof softly with potent cleaning agents. Don’t give in if you find washing your tiles with high pressure tempting!
How much does concrete roofing cost?
The cost of installing a concrete roof varies and depends on several factors, including the complexity, location, and size of your roof, as well as the need for extra support. Depending on your roof’s size and whether you are totally replacing your roof or just fixing some parts, the average installation cost is between $10,000 and $50,000. If you are installing it on a building with a roof area of 1000 square feet, it will cost you roughly $20,000. Remember that these estimates do not include the cost of underlayments or other extras.
