How long tile roofs last depends on many parameters. For example, a new tile roof with premium roofing materials will last longer. On the other hand, when you pick Concrete tile roofs, expect a 50-year service.
But that’s if you let a qualified roofing company install the concrete tile roof. Compared to other roofing materials, concrete tiled roofs have shorter lifespans.
Airtight spray foam insulation helps in boosting the longevity of some tile roofs. But, again, to avoid broken tiles, don’t go for a lightweight concrete tiled roof. You’d want to know how long a tile roof last. Well, we’ll analyze the various tile roof types. And also the factors that affect their lifespans.
The Average Lifespan of Different Tile Roof Types, Pros and Cons
Clay Tile Roof System
Clay-tiled roofs are superior to concrete roof tiles. That is, even if both choices are preferable in terms of
- Durability to other materials
- Types of roofing
For example, a clay tile roof can last 100 years. In contrast, a concrete tile roof can only last 50 years. Spanish or terra cotta clay tiles are a common roofing option in the Southwest. And Southeast of the United States. That’s due to their ability to withstand heat and other unfavorable weather conditions. However, clay roof tiles provide several additional benefits.
Clay Roof Tile Pros
Longevity. Among roofing materials, clay tiles are the most durable. Thus, lasting hundreds or thousands of years.
Durable. Clay tiled roofs are fireproof. And also, they’re Class A fire compliant. Also, a clay roof tile is impact-proof and wind-resistant. Therefore, withstanding strong winds, and are quite popular among Floridians.
Low-maintenance. Unlike roofing materials like asphalt, clay tiles rarely need repairs. If the tiles break or need repairs, you don’t need to unroof your house. That’s because you can repair the defective sections only.
Clay Roof Tiles Cons
Expensive. There’s no way around it. These clay tiles are one of the priciest roofing materials. They cost roughly $1,000 per square foot or $17,000 for a typical-sized roof.
Clay tile is susceptible to cracking in cooler temperatures. For that reason, we recommend clay tiles for residences in hotter regions.
Concrete Tiles
It takes you 50 years to switch to a brand new roof with a concrete roof. But that’s if a professional roofer does the maintenance. The average concrete roof tile has a lifespan of 50 years if properly maintained.
So your roof’s longevity greatly depends on how well you maintain it. And that’s like any other roofing decision. Concrete and clay tiles are both long-lasting roofing materials.
Even though concrete is heavier than clay, it can tolerate lower temperatures and is a less expensive option.
Smooth Concrete Tile Roofs Pros
Eco-friendly. Concrete tiles, like clay, are comprised of natural resources. And are easily recyclable and reused.
Durable. Concrete roof tiles have a lengthy life expectancy of up to 50 years. They are also more resistant to cold temperatures than clay tiles.
Energy-efficient. Concrete tiles shield your property from solar radiation heat. But also aids hot air circulation.
Smooth Concrete Tile Roofs Cons
Heavy. Per square foot, concrete tiles weigh about 1,200 pounds. And for that reason, we recommend consulting with a structural engineer.
Susceptible to moisture. Clay tiles are prone to breaking. In contrast, concrete tiles absorb moisture, necessitating additional care.
Slate Tile Roofing
Slates are one of the few roofing materials that don’t need replacement. And that’s throughout a lifetime. In most cases, slate shingles will last at least 125 years and up to 200 years.
In addition, with their Gothic-style appearance, slate roof tiles are exceptionally durable. And can withstand most adverse weather conditions. As a result, most slate roofs survive 30-40 years before needing replacement or rebuilding. But others might endure hundreds of years.
Slate Tile Roofing Pros
Durable. Slate tiles are from stone. And are therefore incredibly durable. In addition, slate roofs are resistant to fire, wind, and damage.
Low-maintenance. Slate is extremely thick and seldom absorbs much moisture. You’ll seldom have to worry about slate roof repairs. And that’s because of its resilience in the worst conditions.
Home increases. A slate roof can assist raise the market value of your property if you decide to sell it. That’s because of its robust materials and capacity to survive for a long time.
Slate Tiles Roofing Cons
Expensive. Slate tiles are not inexpensive. They are, in fact, more costly than clay and concrete tiles. In addition, the materials are more expensive to produce. And installation needs the services of a professional roofer.
Heavy. Slate tiles, like clay and concrete tiles, are pretty heavy. So again, we highly advise you to consult a roofing expert. Do so before installing slate tiles.
Metal Roof Tiles
Typically, metal roofs last from 40 to 70 years. Unlike some roofing materials, copper roofing endures even longer. However, some copper roofs date back more than a century. Metal roofing may be from a variety of materials such as
- Steel
- Copper
- Zinc
- Aluminum
Each with its own set of advantages. Between panels, metal roofing’s advantages and disadvantages differ. And also standing seam systems. Metal roofing panels are fastened directly using exposed fasteners.
Therefore, they can corrode over time. Metal sheet tiles or shingles have stamps of particular texture or appearance. And fastened together using hidden fasteners.
Metal Roof Tiles Pros
Lightweight. Metal roofing tiles are extremely light. So you probably won’t need a roofing expert. And that’s unlike heavier materials such as clay and concrete.
Energy-efficient. Metal roofs can reflect solar radiation heat. And keep your home comfortable in the summer with most types of paint coats.
Very low upkeep. Clay and concrete tiles go through damage in colder areas. But metal roofing systems have longer warranties than others.
Metal Roof Tiles Cons
Corrosive. Metal roofing tiles do not break like clay tiles. But they can corrode over time when exposed to rain.
It isn’t easy to install. Metal roofing tiles are not only pricey on their own, but installation may also be costly. A metal tile roof requires the services of a skilled installation.
Solar Tiles
Solar panels and shingles both have lengthy lifespans, generally exceeding 20 years. The lifetime of solar shingles, on the other hand, varies. Therefore depends on the manufacturer and the installation.
Nevertheless, solar-powered roof tiles and panels pave the way for renewable energy’s future. Tesla’s solar shingles are now the most preferred alternative.
Benefits of Solar Tiles
Reduces energy expenses. Solar-powered roof tiles can help you save 40-60% on energy bills.
Tax incentives. Homeowners that install solar roof tiles or panels are eligible for a federal tax credit. But that’s for installations completed in 2020. And a 22 percent tax credit for installations completed in 2021.
Environmentally friendly. Solar tiles and panels help decrease carbon footprints. And are also widely available and do not affect the environment.
Solar Tiles Drawbacks
Solar tiles are expensive. The most significant disadvantage of solar tiles is their high cost. For example, solar shingles from Tesla cost $2.01 per watt. In comparison, inactive shingles cost $7.65 per square foot.
Long wait. For Tesla solar tiles, you might expect a considerable wait before installation.
Pros and Cons of a Tiled Roof
Pros
- Long-life. Tile roofs outlast other types of roofing. They may also live in both hot and cold environments.
- Shingles are less durable. Tile roofs are wind and weather resistant than shingles. And apart from that, they’ll last longer.
- Roof installation is costly. Nevertheless, they are worth the investment. That’s so because they retain their visual appeal for a lengthy period.
- Controls your home’s temperature. Tiles help you save money on heating bills. They do so by keeping your house at a comfortable temperature.
Cons
- High cost
- Difficult installation
- Heavyweight
- Tiles are brittle
- Not suitable for some roof slopes
Factors that Affect Tile Roof Lifespan
Maintenance. Tile roofs must be maintained to attain their maximum lifespan. Maintenance involves
- Clearing leaves and debris from all valleys
- Cleaning gutters annually
- Removing trees directly above all roof lines
- Fixing any mortar/cement fractures
- Changing tiles as necessary
Weather. Extreme weather may destroy any roof, including the most long-lasting and sturdy. That’s exacerbated if there is insufficient ventilation. For example, hurricanes in Florida can cause roof damage. In addition, the sun’s rays might shorten the tiles’ life.
Damage To The tile Roof. If not carefully assessed, damage to your roof affects its longevity. That is, its premium look or conditions won’t last long.
How to Tell when to Replace Tile Roofs
Your Roof is Old
If your roof is growing old for its kind, it’s time to contact a local roofing firm for an estimate. Then, you may either entirely replace your roof or overlay the current shingles. That’s if you have an asphalt shingle roof.
Overlaying is installing a fresh layer of shingles over the old. It can be around 25% less expensive than a complete roof replacement. And may give your property a new look. But it’s typically best to rip off the old roof and start over.
You Notice Exterior Damage
Performing a visual examination every couple of years is important. Doing so helps you look for any signs of trouble. That’s even if your roof isn’t ancient.
For example, exterior damage to your roof’s asphalt or hardwood shingles might show as
- Curling or buckling
- Missing shingles
- Shingles that appear to be work or warped
Your Roof has Saggy or Droopy Spots
Droopy areas are an indication that your decking is compromised by moisture. And therefore needs replacement. Roof decking is the support structure that keeps the roof up. If you feel secure walking on the roof, ask yourself how it feels.
Your Chimney Flashing is Damaged
Flashing is a roofing material that creates a watertight barrier around chimneys. And other penetrations. Flashing is often constructed from aluminum or steel and may endure for 30 years. However, if this rusts or splits, water can enter your chimney. And into your home too.
You can See Daylight
The attic is a natural place to look for roof problems. There should be no light coming in through the roof rafters. If you do, you have a problem. While you’re about it, look for any signs of dampness in your attic.
Your Roof is Turning into a Greenhouse
Vegetation on your roof does not necessarily indicate that it needs replacement. But it does indicate that it needs cleaning. Plant life may harm roofing materials and encourage other things to migrate. For example, creepy crawlies and other pests. You may clean your roof yourself using
- A ladder,
- A store-bought cleaning solution
- A broom
- A hose
But you can hire a local roof cleaning service.
Increasing the Longevity of the Roof
Roof insulation is required. One method is insulating the roof, so you are comfortable during the summer and winter.
Employing a Professional. Choosing an insured and qualified specialist to install a roof is critical. You can determine if the roof was put on by a professional or by an untrained person. But that’s when the project is going on or after.
Material and underlayment of high quality. Check with the roofer to ensure they utilize quality materials. And the right underlayment too.
Maintenance Schedule. Routine maintenance consists of inspecting flashing, venting, gutters, and protrusion.
How Much does a Tile Roof Cost?
The initial installation and up-front expenditures for tile roofs can be rather substantial. However, these tile roofs may last so long before needing replacements.
For that reason, they may save you money in the long run. In addition, you may save money on roof repairs. That’s because tile roofs are more weather resistant.
Installation and materials. Concrete tiles can range in price from $4.00 to $9.00 per square foot. While clay tile removal and replacement cost between $8.00 and $12.00 per square foot. That cost covers both the supplies and labor.
Savings. The actual savings come from the tile’s resilience and lifetime. Wind and water damage will require fewer repairs during its lifetime. You may never have to repair the roof. That’s because the tile may last 50 years or more if properly maintained.
Conclusion
Nobody likes thinking about replacing their roof. That’s because roof replacements can be costly. But, a damaged roof can expose your house to significant damage. Of which some can be far more expensive to restore.
And also, choosing the right roof for your home may be difficult. Therefore, it is vital to consider both your tastes and your budget. However, keep the tile roof’s lifespan in mind. And that’s while making your decision.