It’s time for you to put a new roof on your place. The old one has been there so long that you’re seeing shingles on the grass. You’re not quite sure what material you’re going with this time though.
If you’re having a hard time making a decision why not go with clay roofing tiles? They may seem expensive because of how heavy they are and how hard it is to install them but they’re also durable, can last longer than asphalt shingles and will give you a major boost of curb appeal.
Still not sure if clay is right for you? We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons. Keep reading to see all the advantages and disadvantages of going with clay.
Related: 10 questions to ask a roofing contractor when you need a new roof
Clay Roofing Tiles: The Basics
Clay roofing tiles are a traditional, durable and reliable roofing material the people have used for thousands of years. Made from natural clay and shaped into rectangular or curved tiles and fired at high temperatures, these tiles are rugged enough to withstand the harsh weather conditions that most of us Texans are used to.
These tiles are known for their exceptional durability and longevity, they can last for decades without losing color or strength. They’re fire-resistant, insect-resistant and resistant to other types of damage, as well, so they’re incredibly popular choices for homes and buildings in this area.
But are they the right choice for your home? This guide explains.
Related: 5 telltale signs that you need a new roof right now
Pros of Clay Roofing Tiles
We’re going to give you the good news before we deliver the bad. There are tons of advantages you’ll get out of clay roofing tiles. They’re durable, eco-friendly, gorgeous enough to boost your curb appeal, you won’t have to do much work to them once they’re installed, and they’ll give your home a high resell value.
The following sections go into more detail, but here are the pros of clay roofing tiles a glance:
- Durability
- Environmental friendliness
- Improved curb appeal
- Low maintenance
- May improve your home’s resale value
Clay Tiles Are Durable
If clay tiles are well cared for, they will last up to a hundred years or more without any incident. This means that once you have them installed, you’ll most likely never have to dish out more money on repairs.
They can stand up to winds that are as high as 150 MPH and laugh in the face of hailstones.
Related: 10 super-popular roof styles that are worth looking into
Clay Tiles Are Environmentally Friendly
If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint, replacing your current roof material with clay tiles is a great way to do it. They’re made from natural materials so you can recycle them down the line if you choose to.
Clay tiles are curved so it moves hot air away from your home during the summer. The weight of the tiles makes for great insulation and keeps your home warm during the winter.
This being said, your AC will be able to take a break which will have you and the environment dancing for joy when the power bill comes in.
Clay Tiles Can Boost to Curb Appeal
There are a lot of different styles and colors to choose from when it comes to clay tiles. It won’t be hard for you to customize your roof to look the way you want it to.
Clay tiles are notorious for being gorgeous. Rest assured whatever style and color you go with, your house will be the talk of your entire block.
Related: 6 winter roof maintenance tips you can’t afford to miss
Clay Tiles Are Low Maintenance
Once your clay tile roof is installed you won’t have to do much as far as upkeep at all. There is a small chance that one of the tiles could break. Since all of the tiles are installed individually, it will be easy for a contractor to fix the specific tile that was broken and be on their way.
Clay Tiles Can Lead to Higher Resale Value
Even if you love your home there could be some reason why you have to move. Maybe you got a new job or want to move closer to a parent. Whatever reason it is, you’ll find clay tiles will help you sell your house faster and for more money.
Again, once the tiles are installed on the roof, they won’t need repairs for a while and they practically last a lifetime. You can bet that a buyer would be willing to pay a little extra for that.
Cons of Clay Roofing Tiles
Nothing in this life is perfect. Like most things, clay roofing tiles do have a few cons, such as:
- Their cost
- Their weight
- How hard they are to install
- Their brittleness
The following sections explore each in greater detail.
Clay Tiles Can Cost More
All things that are high quality are going to cost you a pretty penny. Clay tiles are no exception to this. To put this in perspective, they cost about three times as much as normal roofing shingles.
The main reason they’re so much money is that they are heavy and they aren’t easy to install at all.
Related: Everything you need to know before a roof inspection
Clay Tiles Are Heavy
Clay roofing tiles aren’t light. Before you can have them installed you have to be sure that your roof can withstand the weight. If it can’t then you’ll have to pay out a little extra money to have your roof reinforced before you can begin the installation.
Clay Tiles Aren’t Easy to Install
First of all, you will have to hire a professional contractor to lay down clay tiles. It’s a delicate process that’s easy to mess up.
They have to measure out the tiles, lay them down in a certain pattern, and make sure that no moisture can get in. It’s not easy so you will end up paying extra for labor.
Clay Tiles Can be Brittle
Clay roofing tiles can withstand most weather conditions this is true, but they can be as brittle as they are durable. If the weather gets too bad and a tree limb falls on the roof, you can bet at least a few of the tiles will break.
They can also crack under the pressure of being walked on. You can say the same thing for a lot of roofing materials though and again, replacing a few broken tiles isn’t hard.
Related: 10 questions to ask your roofing contractor before you replace your old roof
Juggling the Advantages and Disadvantages of Clay Roofing Tiles
Are you thinking about replacing your old roof with clay roofing tiles? There are a lot of advantages and disadvantages of going this route. You can make the right choice by calling us and getting more answers, and by asking yourself the following questions:
- Is my roof structure strong enough to support that kind of weight? Clay tiles are very heavy, and they require a sturdy roof structure to support them. You’ll need to have a roofing expert determine how strong your roof is before you make a decision on whether to use clay tiles.
- How important are aesthetics to me? There’s no denying that clay tiles are beautiful and can enhance a building’s overall look. If you’re very concerned about the way your home looks and think clay tiles would be the perfect compliment to its facade, they may be right for you.
- Are clay roofing tiles in my budget? Clay roof tiles are more expensive than many other roofing materials. Sometimes cost alone is the deciding factor for some people.
- Will I be able to maintain these tiles? Clay roofing tiles are very durable, but they do require a little bit of maintenance to make sure they last for many years. If you choose clay roofing tiles, you’ll need to have them inspected and cleaned from time to time to prolong their lifespan.
- Is sustainability important to me? If sustainability is one of your main focuses, know that clay tiles may be a good choice for you. They’re made from natural materials and you can recycle them when they’re no longer working for your roof.
Let’s Talk About Clay Roofing Tiles
Are you ready to call a contractor out to install your clay roofing tiles? Contact us to make an appointment.