A couple of options people choose for a satisfying look to their roof include concrete and clay tile shingles. Concrete and clay tiles are both created to withstand time and therefore are great options in areas with large amounts of sunshine. The choice can be difficult between the two because both have their advantages and disadvantages. Tile shingles also come in many different beautiful styles. In this article, we will explain how concrete shingles compare to clay shingles.
Makeup of Concrete and Clay Shingles
Concrete and clay shingles are created with pressure, time, and heat. Because of their reaction to the weather, clay and concrete roofs are most popular in sunny areas. Concrete shingles absorb more water than clay shingles because of their composition. This could lead to further problems if left untreated. Because concrete shingles absorb water when not properly treated, when heavy storms hit they add extra weight to the building. It also makes them at risk for mildew to grow. Clay and concrete tiles do not perform well in climates with freezing temperatures and rainy seasons.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete and Clay Shingles
People choose clay or concrete tile most often because of its longevity. With asphalt shingles, a homeowner will have to worry about replacing the roof every 20 years. With a concrete or clay tile roof, the roof will be in good shape for 50-100 years. Concrete and clay tiles shingles both have their advantages and disadvantages. Both are long-lasting, resistant to insect damage, and environmentally-friendly. However, they are hard to install, more costly than other roofing options, and extremely heavy.
Clay tiles are $500 more per square foot than concrete tiles increasing the final cost of the job by around 30 percent. Clay tiles also weigh 100 lbs. less than concrete tiles per square foot. Switching from concrete to clay tiles could alleviate a lot of weight on your roof. Another reason someone chooses concrete or clay tiles is for its aesthetic look.
Different Styles of Concrete and Clay Shingles
The beauty of a Southwestern style roof is enough to satisfy any homeowner. A variety of different concrete or clay tile styles allows the homeowner to feel confident in their choice. The following are some of the best tile options:
- Spanish tiles – classic Southwestern roof suited for regions with heavy, but infrequent, rain.
- Scandia tiles – similar to Spanish tiles, but they are upside down for a more sharp, rigid appeal.
- Double Roman tiles – similar to Spanish tiles, but are more accommodating for water as the water troughs are more frequent.
- Flat shake tiles – Usually made of concrete, these shakes can shed light rain but don’t do so well in heavy storms.
Some other options include barrel, french, or riviera tiles.
Concrete and clay tile are both beautiful and visually appealing. They also last longer than any other roofing product, but they are not the best option for every climate. Though clay and concrete last a long time, they are also prone to mildew and cracking in cold, moist climates. If you live in areas such as the Inland Northwest, you may find other roofing options a better fit for the climate. In our previous article, “Asphalt versus Wood Shingles” we offer solutions for our customers in cooler climates.
At Specialty Home Products, we can help you make the best long-lasting decision for your roofing project. For a properly installed roof, contact Specialty Home Products. We do roof installation right so that you can have the peace of mind that your roof will last. Call us today for your free estimate.