Tile Roofing Options

If you’re installing a new roof — especially if it’s your first time doing so — you might find yourself surprised by the number of choices you have. Narrowing those choices down can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. If you’re thinking about alternatives to the traditional asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof, speak to an experienced tile roofing contractor like Conrad Roofing to understand your options.

Tile Roofing Pros and Cons

Is a tile roof the right one for your home? Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages.

Tile Roofing Cons

Tile roofs have their advantages, but it’s important to understand them in the context of a few minor drawbacks.

• Cost: Compared to wood, asphalt, or steel, tile is complex and expensive. The materials factor into this, but the complexity of the installation — including the need for a more durable roof structure — also makes a difference. The roof’s underlayment needs to be replaced periodically as well, which means disassembling and re-laying the tiles each time.
• Appearance: Tile roofs offer more variety than slate, but like slate roofs, their distinctive appearance won’t fit every home style.
• Repairs: Tile is known for its strength, but repairs are expensive on those rare occasions that they’re needed. If they’re undertaken by an inexperienced contractor, you could also end up with more problems than you started with.

Tile Roofing Pros

The downsides to a tile roof are, we think, far outweighed by the many advantages.

• Beauty: If you want a home that stands out, and especially one with a roof that turns heads, tile is an excellent option.

• Durability: Tile roofs can last a lifetime if properly maintained. They’re impervious to rot or insects, and offer a high degree of wind and fire resistance. That, in turn, has some insurance benefits (as Bankrate and others have pointed out).
• Variety: The range of types and styles of tile available — including tiles that mimic slate or wood — gives you an enormous array of choices.
• Long-Term Savings: While the initial cost may be off-putting, the long-term savings afforded by a tile roof can be attractive for many homeowners. Bear in mind that a tile roof can last four times longer than a conventional asphalt or fiberglass shingle roof.
• Resale Value: The strength and beauty of a tile roof doesn’t just boost curb appeal. It also helps you recoup your investment should you decide to sell your home.

Tile Roof Types

If you’re new to tile roofing, you might be expecting something that looks like your typical asphalt roof, but with a bit more texture. The reality is a bit more complex than that, since there are two big considerations when it comes to choosing and building a tile roof.

Types of Roof Tiles

There are many materials used for roofing tiles. Clay is the original, and is still quite common. A variety of other materials — including metal, cast concrete, polymer, and composite — are also becoming increasingly popular. Each has its own characteristics and strengths, and we’ll be happy to discuss these with you.

Tile Roof Construction

Because they’re heavier than a traditional shingle roof, tile roofs require structural reinforcement. They also require more time — and labor — to install properly. Certain styles may come with their own considerations as well. But the sheer variety and durability tends to balance this out.

Tile Roof Alternatives

As much as we love tile roofing, we’re aware that it won’t be the right fit in every situation. If you’re trying to decide among tile, slate, metal, or other roofing options, it helps to consult with a company that has the experience to answer your questions (and do the job) correctly the first time. Contact Conrad Roofing of Illinois at 773-286-6212 today!