With so many types of roof to choose from, you may be wondering what’s right for you – concrete roof tiles, or terracotta roof tiles. Which roofing material is a better investment?
In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both terracotta and concrete roof tiles, and help you decide which one is right for you. Read on, and get all the details you need to choose the right roofing material for your needs!
The Pros And Cons Of Concrete Roof Tiles
Concrete roof tiles are made from a cellulose base material, which is placed into a mold that’s injected with concrete. Then, the tile hardens, and is removed. Concrete roof tiles are dense, consistent in size and shape, and available in a wide range of colours. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of a concrete tile roof now.
PROS
- Affordable – Concrete roof tiles usually cost only about $150-$250 per square of material, making them an affordable roofing material compared to terracotta.
- Available in any colour – Concrete tiles can be made in any colour, and painted and finished to fit any style of home or building.
- Weather-resistant – Due to their dense, strong structure tiles can resist high winds, and are completely fireproof. However, terracotta tiles also share these same benefits.
CONS
- Higher water absorption – Concrete roof tiles have a water absorption rate of about 13%, compared to terracotta, which has an absorption rate of about 6%. This means a higher likelihood of algae and mildew growth.
- Relatively short lifespan – Concrete roof tiles usually last 50 years, which is longer than an asphalt roof, but falls short of other options like a metal roof, slate, terracotta, and even some types of wood shingles.
- Heavy weight – Terracotta is not a lightweight roofing material, coming in at around 600-650 pounds per square. However, concrete tiles can weight 950 pounds per square or even more, so your home may require more reinforcement to have a concrete roof installed.
The Pros And Cons Of Terracotta Roof Tiles
Clay tiles are made by baking molded clay.The most common color of clay tile is a reddish-orange, but they can also be brown, yellow, or even white. As an extremely dense, inorganic material, terracotta tile has a number of benefits when used to build a roof. Let’s explore the pros and cons of this material now.
PRO
- Durable and low-maintenance Terracotta roof tiles require almost no maintenance, and are extremely durable.
- Long lifespan – When properly installed and maintained, a terracotta roof can last 100 years or longer.
- Unique appearance – The unique style of terracotta roof tiles cannot be imitated by any other material, and it only gets better with age.
CON
- Expensive – Clay tiles are the second-most expensive roofing material. Only natural slate is more expensive, so terracotta is not ideal for those who may be on a budget.
- Very difficult to install – Installing a clay roof takes special expertise, and a longer time than installing a concrete tile roof, in most cases.
- Not ideal for freezing temperatures – Cold weather conditions are not ideal for terracotta roofs. In areas with regular freeze/thaw cycles, the clay could warp and crack, so this is a better material for warm climates.
Need Help Deciding? Contact City2Surf Roofing Today!
At City2Surf Roofing, we specialise in the installation of all types of roof materials, including terracotta tiles and concrete roofing. If you’re still not sure what material is right for you, please contact us today. We’d love to discuss your project in further detail, and help you determine which type of roofing material is right for you.