When most homeowners think of roofing materials, more traditional roofing options such as asphalt shingles, metal panels and wood shakes tend to come to mind first. However, there are other options available to homeowners that Sugar Land roofing professionals can install, namely concrete and clay tiles. Since these are not commonly talked about, many homeowners don't know the pros and cons of each. While homeowners can ask their professional roofers which materials they recommend, it's just as important for homeowners to know what each option offers firsthand.
The first and biggest advantage that concrete tiles have over clay is a lower price. Although clay tiles typically last longer, concrete takes a much smaller initial investment. It should also be noted that both concrete and clay tiles require very little upkeep beyond standard maintenance. Homeowners should have their roofs inspected twice a year, preferably during the spring and fall, to ensure that they are prepared for the harsh summer and winter months respectively.
Clay tiles have two major advantages over concrete tiles. One is the life cycle of the material, which is between 50 and 100 years. Where the life of a roof falls within this range is determined by many factors, including how much foot traffic the roof receives and how often it's maintained. In contrast, concrete tiles typically last between 30 and 50 years.
The roofers from Houston Restoration Services of Sugar Land TX can answer any questions about storm damage or remodeling.
In both cases, the material outlasts most other roofing options.
The second advantage is the ability of clay tiles to retain their color after being exposed to the outside elements, an ability that is known as colorfastness. Although concrete tiles are manufactured with pigment that penetrates through the entire thickness of the tile, the color fades over time and usually never lasts its entire life cycle.
In terms of durability, concrete tiles often have a slight advantage. While both are weak to impact damage such as foot traffic, clay tiles tend to break easier under physical stress. When first introduced, concrete suffered greatly from durability issues, but thanks to improvements in the manufacturing process, they tend to be more durable than clay. It should also be noted that clay tiles are weaker to frequent freeze and thaw cycles. The repeated expansion and constriction from the change in temperature weakens the clay tiles and can cause cracks to form.
According to ASTM International, concrete tiles are slightly better at shedding water because of the smooth texture and the ability for manufacturers to form uniform edges. In either case, both materials shed water easier than asphalt shingles, which helps prevent the formation of water dams.
