Tile Roofing: Types Plus Pros and Cons of Each Material

Look at most homes around your neighborhood. Typically, shingles are used to protect a roof. They get the job done, but they’re never going to compare with the beauty of a tile roof.

Upgrade your roof and be the envy of your neighborhood by making your home a tile roof house. Let’s discuss some important questions like, “What are roof tiles made of?” and the right tile roofing material for your structure.

The earliest examples of tile roofs date back to clay tiles of 10,000 BC. They were used to keep water out of a home. It wasn’t until asphalt shingle roofs became the norm that the tile roof began to be utilized less frequently. 

While shingle roofs keep water out, these roofing materials don’t have the aesthetic attributes of tile roofing. 

Types of Roofing Tiles

Match style with durability with tile roofing. There’s a vast range of materials to choose from based on your personal tastes. Every tile type will have pros and cons you need to consider. Moreover, you’ll need to consider the style of the homes surrounding you.

Some neighborhoods and building codes may require you to match the style of other homes in the community. These regulations are more common if you live in a house with a historical connection.

That said, here are a few of the options you have for tile roofs. 

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate is a natural stone with a unique appearance. It offers dramatic colors, is fire-resistant, and is designed to last. The only downside is that it has to be reinforced because it’s cumbersome and will add a lot of extra weight to your roof.

Metal Roof Tiles

Enhance your durability even further with metal roof tiles. The most common metal tiles used are copper, steel, aluminum, and zinc. Easily the most durable is copper, which can last up to 100 years.

Metal is excellent for imitating traditional roofing types, such as the barrel tiles used on the roofs of Spanish homes.

Concrete Roof Tiles

Invented in Bavaria, Germany, in the 19th century, concrete roof tiles were developed because of how cheap they were to make. It’s one of the most budget-friendly tiles around. Like slate, concrete is hefty and will need some reinforcement to make it work.

Composite Roof Tiles

Composite is made from a combination of natural and synthetic materials. They can replicate the look of any other type of tile, which is ideal if you’re searching for a custom color. You can also create your own pattern to create a tile roof with a unique aesthetic 

Solar Roof Tiles

A relatively new invention, solar roof tiles generate electricity and put a massive dent in your monthly energy bill. The downside is that this is a premium option and can cost considerably more than other tile types. 

Remember that your maintenance will need to be conducted by a professional. As a result, if you’re trying to go green, you’ll need to factor the costs and hassle into the equation.

Synthetic Roof Tiles

If you want the look without the hassle, synthetic roof tiles are an artificial alternative to the natural materials detailed above. You can find synthetic tiles in almost any style, including cedar, pine, slate, and composite.

Prices vary based on the type of synthetic tile you want. However, synthetic tiles are less likely to break and require less time invested in maintenance.

Having a Tile Roof: Pros and Cons

Before determining whether tile roofing materials suit your home, you must weigh the pros and cons.

We’ve listed some of the pros and cons below, but if you’ve any questions or want further clarification, you can always contact the Bordner Home Improvement team.

Pros

• Long-lasting
• Highly resistant to rot
• Insect resistant
• Environmentally friendly
• Energy efficient
• Little maintenance required

Cons

• More expensive to install
• Difficult to install
• Reinforcement required to support the additional weight
• Tiles can be brittle
• May be unsuitable for some roof types

Learn More About Tile Roofs

Roof tiles are a classy way of transforming your home and enhancing its curb appeal. These roofs act as natural focal points for the eyes, allowing you to enjoy higher resale values.

Due to the complexities involved, a professional must always install tiles. Choose an experienced team to upgrade your roof, like Bordner Home Improvement.

We'll take the time to discuss the goals for your home. Then, we'll come up with a plan that's tailored to your specific needs. Our Kansas City roofing experts can walk you through every step of the process, so you can be confident that your project will go smoothly.

Let’s talk about whether a tiled roof could be the right option for you. To learn more, get in touch with Bordner Home Improvement by calling us at 816-852-3745 today.