Out of all the different roofing materials on the market, concrete tiles might be one of the most misunderstood. When most homeowners think of tile roofing, they immediately think of clay tiles. However, concrete tiles are perfect for homeowners who want a reliable roofing material but don't want to spend the money on slate or clay. River Oaks roofing experts can install concrete tiles on nearly any house; best of all, these tiles come in a variety of colors, shapes and designs.
Concrete has a number of other advantages. The first is the long term durability of the product. When concrete tiles first entered the market, they gained a bad reputation for not being very durable. However, advancements in technology have improved their life cycle, and concrete tiles now last between 50 and 75 years. As a result, most companies offer manufacturer warranties of 50 years, and transferable warranties are often available on a number of concrete products.
In addition to lasting for several years, concrete tiles require very little upkeep. Just like any other roofing material, homeowners have to hire professionals to do basic maintenance on their roofs. It's typically cheaper to replace a concrete tile than it is to replace some other roofing materials. Most of the maintenance that needs to be done on a concrete roof is restricted to basic maintenance on gutters, flashing and other roofing fixtures.
Have a question regarding storm damage or residential roofing? Please ask a roofing contractor from Houston Restoration Services of River Oaks TX.
Concrete tiles can come in a variety of colors and sizes. However, concrete tiles can also be given finishes to make them look like other roofing materials. They can be flat or even round to simulate clay tiles. Smooth tiles give the appearance of metal shingles. Manufacturers can also add texture to the concrete to make it the look like wood shakes.
Unfortunately, concrete has a few disadvantages. The biggest drawback doesn't affect the homeowner but the contractor; concrete tiles are tough and require special machines to cut. This can make the installation process longer than if the roofers were installing another material. For example, when roofers have to cut an asphalt shingle, they can do so with a utility knife. However, they are forced to get off the roof and use a machine to cut concrete tiles. This adds extra time and more work.
It should also be noted that concrete tiles, much like clay tiles, weigh a lot per square. As a result, some homes require extra structural support to handle the weight. Homeowners should talk to their contractors to see if their homes will need added support.
