Types of Roof Tiles
Types of Roof Tiles
Choosing the right roofing material can be a daunting task with so many options available. Roof tiles not only protect your home but also add character and value. Whether you're building a new home or replacing an old roof, understanding the different types of roofing tiles will help you make an informed decision.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of roof tiles, why they’re often preferred over shingles, the nine most common types, and how to choose the right one for your home.
What Are Roof Tiles?
Roof tiles protect a building from external weather while providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing roof covering. Unlike shingles, which are thinner and lighter, tiles are thicker, offer better insulation, and tend to last longer. They are available in various materials, including clay, concrete, slate, and even modern solar and composite tiles.
Why Are Roof Tiles Preferred Over Shingle Roofs?
Roof tiles are typically more durable and long-lasting than shingles. They can withstand harsh weather conditions, provide excellent insulation, and add a distinct architectural look to your home. Tiles are also fire-resistant, making them a safer option in areas prone to wildfires. While shingles are cheaper and easier to install, they tend to wear out faster and may require more maintenance.
The 9 Types of Roof Tiles
1. Slate Roof Tiles
Slate tiles are highly regarded for their durability and aesthetic appeal. Made from natural stone, slate offers a unique, elegant look with shades of grey, green, and black. Its natural composition makes it fire-resistant and weatherproof, which is why it's often chosen for long-lasting roofing. However, slate is one of the heaviest roofing materials, which can increase installation costs and may require additional structural reinforcement.
Pros: Extremely durable, low maintenance, fire-resistant, weatherproof.
Cons: Expensive, heavy, requires specialized installation.
2. Clay Roof Tiles
Clay tiles have been used for thousands of years, and they remain a popular roofing choice due to their classic, timeless look. They come in several styles, like the barrel or S-tile, which add architectural flair to homes. These tiles are highly resistant to weather, especially in hot and arid climates, and can last for decades. However, they are fragile, especially in colder climates where they can crack under freezing conditions.
Pros: Weather-resistant, durable, aesthetic appeal.
Cons: Prone to cracking in cold climates, expensive, fragile.
3. Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete tiles are often chosen as a cost-effective alternative to clay or slate. They offer a similar look and durability but at a lower price point. Concrete can be shaped to resemble wood, stone, or other roofing materials, making it a versatile choice. However, like clay tiles, concrete is heavy, so your roof structure must be able to support the additional weigh.
Pros: Affordable, durable, versatile in appearance.
Cons: Heavy, may require structural reinforcement.
4. Metal Roof Tiles
Metal tiles, made from materials like aluminum or steel, are lightweight and easy to install. They are often used to mimic the look of slate or wood roofing. Metal tiles are highly durable and weather-resistant, but they can be noisy during rainfall and prone to denting from impacts such as hail. Another consideration is that metal tiles don't offer much insulation, which could affect energy efficiency depending on your climate.
Pros: Lightweight, easy to install, durable.
Cons: Noisy, prone to denting, poor insulation.
5. Composite Tiles
Composite tiles are made from a blend of natural and synthetic materials, combining the best qualities of each. They can replicate the look of slate, wood, or other traditional roofing materials, but they are lighter and more affordable. Composite tiles are durable and low-maintenance, though they typically offer less insulation than natural materials like slate.
Pros: Lightweight, versatile, affordable.
Cons: Less insulation may not last as long as natural materials.
6. Solar Tiles
Solar tiles are a modern roofing option that integrates solar energy technology directly into the roofing material. These tiles generate electricity while protecting your home, like traditional roof tiles. Although they have a high upfront cost, solar tiles can significantly reduce energy bills over time. However, installation is complex, and not all regions offer suitable sunlight for efficient energy production.
Pros: Energy-efficient, eco-friendly, dual-function.
Cons: Expensive, specialized installation required.
7. Wooden Shake Tiles
Wooden shake tiles are typically made from cedar and provide a rustic, natural look. They are a great option for homeowners looking for a traditional aesthetic. However, wood is susceptible to issues like decay, mold, and insect infestations, so these tiles require regular maintenance. Additionally, wood has a shorter lifespan compared to more durable materials like slate or concrete.
Pros: Rustic appearance, good insulation properties.
Cons: High maintenance, shorter lifespan, prone to decay.
8. Plastic Tiles
Plastic tiles are an eco-friendly option, often made from recycled materials. They are lightweight and relatively inexpensive, making them easy to install. Plastic tiles also offer good weather resistance, but they may deform in high heat and are less durable than other roofing materials. Over time, plastic tiles can show wear more quickly, particularly in extreme climates.
Pros: lightweight, affordable, eco-friendly.
Cons: Less durable, can deform in heat, limited lifespan.
9. Rubber Tiles
Rubber tiles are made from recycled rubber materials, making them both environmentally friendly and durable. They are lightweight and flexible, making them ideal for roofs that require flexibility. Rubber tiles are highly resistant to moisture and weather damage, but they require additional treatments for fireproofing and can emit strong odors during installation.
Pros: Eco-friendly, durable, lightweight.
Cons: Requires fireproofing, may emit odors, limited aesthetic appeal.
10. Terracotta Roof Tiles
Terracotta roof tiles are a highly durable and aesthetically appealing roofing option, known for their reddish-orange color and classic look. Made from baked clay, they can last over 50 to 100 years with minimal maintenance, making them one of the most long-lasting roofing materials available. These tiles are naturally fire-resistant and weatherproof, providing excellent protection in extreme climates, especially in hot, sunny areas where their heat-reflective properties help improve energy efficiency. They come in various styles, such as barrel and flat tiles, adding versatility in design. Despite their many benefits, terracotta tiles can be fragile, particularly under heavy impact, and they are relatively heavy, requiring a strong roof structure for support. Additionally, they tend to be more expensive than alternatives like concrete tiles, but their longevity and resistance to fading make them a worthwhile investment for many homeowners
The Most Common Roofing Tiles
Globally, clay, concrete, and slate are the most widely used roofing tiles. These materials are chosen for their durability and ability to withstand a range of weather conditions:
Clay tiles are favored for their beauty and longevity, especially in warmer climates where they perform best.
Concrete tiles are an affordable, durable option that works well in various climates but requires a sturdy structure to support their weight.
Slate tiles offer unmatched durability and aesthetic appeal, though their high cost and weight are important considerations.
These tiles are widely preferred for residential and commercial projects because they provide long-term value and enhance the architectural appeal of buildings.
When to Hire a Professional Roofer
Roofing tile installation is not a DIY-friendly project, especially with heavier materials like clay or slate. Hiring a professional ensures safety, proper installation, and compliance with local building codes. Roofing jobs often require specialized skills and tools, particularly when working with complex materials like solar or composite tiles.
Choosing the Correct Roof Tiles for Your Home
The choice of roofing tiles should depend on factors such as climate, budget, home style, and long-term maintenance. For instance, if you live in an area prone to extreme weather, a more durable option like slate or metal may be ideal. On the other hand, if you're looking to improve energy efficiency, solar tiles could be the right choice.
Selecting the right roofing tile can greatly enhance your home’s value and performance. For expert guidance, consider a professional roofer with certification like the one offered by the Building Institute. If you're interested in becoming a roofing professional, you can also explore courses like Certificate III in Roof Tiling.
FAQ
A Type 3 roof: what is it?
Answer: Class 3 asphalt roof shingles are made to resist wind gusts of up to 60 mph and mild hail damage. Though not as durable as class 4 shingles, they are an improvement over class 1 and class 2 shingles.
What kind of tile is the best?
Answer: One of our top picks for floor tiles in the kitchen, living room, and bathroom is porcelain! High-temperature baked clay is used to create porcelain floor tiles, which come in a variety of exquisite finishes like stone and wood.
Which roofing tile costs the most?
Answer: The priciest type of roof material is slate.
A Type 4 roof: what is it?
Answer: Your roof is significantly more likely to be waterproof even after storm damage if it has Class 4-rated metal components. Consequently, if you buy goods with a Class 4 certification, you will be less likely to experience damage from storm-related debris or hail that strikes your roof.
For a roof, which tile is better?
Answer: Many other roofing materials can't match the performance of clay and concrete tiles. But compared to concrete tiles, which have a 30- to 50-year lifespan, clay is far more resilient, lasting well over a century.
What kind of roof is PVC?
Answer: A PVC roof uses a single-ply PVC roof membrane, which is made up of two layers of vinyl that have been properly prepared and glued to a scrim layer of polyester reinforcement. Often white or light-colored, the PVC membrane roof reduces energy loss and blocks strong UV radiation.