Pros and Cons of Tile Roofing

Posted on: April 20, 2022

When it’s time to replace your roof, you have several material options. Asphalt shingles are the most common roofing material, but tile, concrete, copper, slate, and even wood are also possibilities. To know which roofing material you need to choose, you must compare the material’s strengths and weaknesses with what you need in your climate. For example, here in central Florida, roofs must be able to withstand extreme heat, high humidity, algae buildup, and high winds. Clay tiles check off all the boxes as a premium roofing material for Florida’s climate.

Pros of Clay Tile Roofs

Clay tile roofs are gorgeous, durable, and literally increase the value of your home when installed correctly. They are perfect for coastal areas since they hold up well to salt spray, sand, and high wind. Your insurance company will love them since they are fire and waterproof when installed correctly as well. Clay tiles give homes an elegant look with minimal upkeep, and they last just as long as luxury copper. They come in a wide variety of colors and can even have patterns or textures. One of the best features of clay tile is how environmentally friendly it is. Clay tiles are made from natural materials and are 100% recyclable. They also save you money on your energy costs since they reflect solar radiant heat. Finally, clay tiles need almost no maintenance once installed. You will enjoy a professionally-installed clay tile roof for 50+ years without any problems. If cracks do happen, they are usually easy to fix.

Cons of Clay Tile Roofs

We could go on and on about how great clay tiles look as a roofing material, but they do have some weaknesses as well. Clay tiles are one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market, averaging around $18 per square foot for material and installation. The cost depends highly on the style and features of the tiles you choose. Clay tiles are also both heavy and fragile, meaning whoever installs them must take the utmost care not to break them. Their weight makes them unsuitable for some applications and an engineer should always confirm that your home or building is strong enough to support the weight before installation begins.

Complete Your Home’s Look With a Clay Tile Roof

A Florida home really isn’t complete without a clay tile roof! This iconic look is dotted all over the Sunshine state, paying homage to our Spanish roots. If you’re ready to enjoy the benefits of a clay tile roof for your home or business, call the pros at Shon Boswell Contracting Services at (727) 300-6205 or schedule a free estimate online.

Pros and Cons of Tile Roofing