Tile roofing is very popular especially in warmer climates and for good reason. They're durable, attractive, and come in many styles and colors. Although tile roofs can be used in colder climates, they need to be ASTM Grade 1 so that they perform well. The following are some of the most popular types of tile roofs for Florida and other southern and southwestern areas.
Clay Roofing Tiles
Although clay tiles are more expensive than some other types of roofing tiles such as asphalt shingles, they're ideal for those who have or want to add a Mission, Spanish, or French flair to their roof. Tile roofs are heavy though, no matter their style, so you may need to make sure to add support to your roof if you are going to accommodate the extra weight of the tiles. When they're well maintained, clay tiles can last up to 100 years.
Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete roofing tiles are significantly less expensive than clay roof tiles, and they're lighter in weight. Most concrete tiles have an interlocking installation system that facilitates ease of installation, so the overall time and materials cost can be significantly less. The benefits are similar, and with proper maintenance, concrete roof tiles can also last about 100 years.
Slate Roof Tiles
Slate roofing tiles are one of the more expensive tile roofs to install, although their shades of gray make them very beautiful. Since they're made from slate, they typically last at least 150 years. Tile roofs are very heavy and slate roofs hold no exception. They do have among the highest labor costs for installation. However, they're eco-friendly and durable, and ideal for colder climates. Slate roofing will withstand hail, wind, storms, and fire, with that, it is one of the most durable available.
Solar Tile Roofing
Also called solar shingles, solar roofing tiles are relatively new options for roof tiles, but they're becoming increasingly popular. Solar tiles look similar to slate or asphalt shingles and are comparable to the protection provided by asphalt shingles. The main attraction of solar roofs is their ability to convert sunlight to energy and save on your home energy costs. Solar roofing tiles produce from 13 to 63 watts per panel per day and will surely increase as the technology gets better. They can add many thousands of dollars in resale value to your home.
If you're sprucing up your home for resale, then a solar tile roof can provide a significant boost to your sales offers. Incentive programs are frequently available that will help offset the installation costs, and the tiles will last for decades. If you're planning to keep your home, the energy savings will quickly accumulate. Overall, tile roofing has much better longevity than other types of roofing and should be taken into consideration when looking into it.
