Tile roofing has been around for centuries. As a roofing material, tile is a great choice for a number of reasons. The biggest setback to tile roofing is the higher cost. Because it is a lot more expensive that traditional asphalt shingles, many homeowners opt for the cheaper material. But before making that decision, here are some pros and cons about tile roofing that you may want to consider first.
The pros
There are many reasons why tile roofing has been such a popular roofing material over the centuries. One of the biggest advantages of tile roofing is that they are extremely durable and long lasting. A properly installed and well-maintained tile roof can easily last for decades. Made from either clay or concrete, tile roofs are completely impervious to fire, rain, and snow. They hold up very well in strong winds and aren’t affected by rot or pest and insect damage. Unless you sell your home, it’s unlikely you’d ever have to worry about replacing your roof again if you go with a tile roof.
Another advantage to tile roofing is that they require very little maintenance. Unlike asphalt shingles that can become brittle, warp, or crack over the years as a result of fluctuating temperatures, tile roofs aren’t damaged by freeze and thaw cycles. Tiles rarely need to be replaced so you’re not constantly fixing up your roof.
Finally, roofing tiles can come in a variety of shapes, styles, and colors so they can complement any home’s architecture. Whether you’re going for a Spanish look, or a Southwestern vibe, a tile roof can help you achieve it.
The cons
No roofing material is without its setbacks. As already mentioned, one of the biggest disadvantages to tile roofing is the cost. A tile roof can cost 2-3 times more than an asphalt shingle roof. Though the investment pays off in the end (because they last a lot longer and require less maintenance) it’s out of many homeowner’s budgets.
Another disadvantage, and this is a contributing factor to the increased cost, is that they are much more difficult to install than asphalt shingles. That adds to the cost of the tile roof but it also means that the roof installation process is going to take a lot longer than it would with other roofing materials.
Tile is a lot heavier than most other roofing materials. Some homes, especially older ones, might not be built to withstand the added weight of a tile roof. You may need to hire an engineer to make significant improvements to your home before you can have a tile roof installed which will add to the cost significantly.
Finally, tile roofs have one weakness, they don’t have as high an impact rating as other roofing materials. That means they’re more likely to be damaged by things hitting it. While tile roofs can usually hold up pretty well against hail, larger hail stones can break tiles. Even walking on the roof can cause tiles to break.
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Source: realtytoday.com/articles/34811/20150914/house-project-pros-cons-tile-roofing.htm