Terracotta or Concrete Tiles? A question decades in the making!
With so many roofing materials to choose from, you may be wondering what’s right for you – concrete roof tiles, or terracotta roof tiles. What type of roof is a better investment?
In this article, we’ll explore some of the the pros and cons of both terracotta and concrete roof tiles, and help you decide which one is right for you. Read on, and some of the details you need to choose the right roofing material for your needs!
Concrete Roof Tiles – The Highlights and Lowlights
Concrete roof tiles are made from a cellulose base material, which is placed into a mould that’s injected with concrete. The tile thens sets and hardens, and is removed. Concrete roof tiles are dense, consistent in size and shape, and available in a wide range of colours.
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HIGHLIGHTS
- Affordable – Concrete roof tiles usually cost less than Terracotta tiles, making them an affordable roofing material compared to terracotta.
- Available in any colour – Concrete tiles are produced in a variety of colours., painted and finished to fit any style of home or building. Although colour can fade, which will need to be repainted. Depending on your environment this could also be considered a major lowlight. This is because you will need to budget for more regular maintenance. This is a common consideration in Australia, as most of Australia is classified as “harsh”.
- 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.
LOWLIGHTS
- 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 a metal roof, but falls short of other options like a slate roof, terracotta roof, and even some types of wood shingles.
- Heavy weight – Terracotta is not a lightweight roofing material, coming in at around 250-300 kgs per square. However, concrete tiles can weight 400 kg per square or even more, so your home may require more reinforcement to have a concrete roof installed.
Terracotta Roof Tiles – The Highlights and Lowlights
Terracotta tiles are made baked clay, produced in moulds. The most common colour of clay tile is an earth colour 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 highlights and lowlights of this material now.
Terracotta Tiles – Roofing Installers City2surf Roofing Sydney
HIGHLIGHTS
- Durable and low-maintenance Terracotta roof tiles require almost no maintenance, and are extremely durable. They are also more fire resistant than many roofing materials, due to the high temperature at which they are produced.
- ECO Friendly – With the added breathability of Terracotta over Concrete your air flow capacity improves, which will help to keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing your need for AirCon.
- Eco-Friendly: Terracotta tiles are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan. This makes your choice for a low maintenance roofing product a better one for the environment.
LOWLIGHTS
- 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.
- Skilled Labour: Installing a clay roof takes special expertise, and a longer time than installing a concrete tile roof, in most cases.
- Colour Variation: Due to being a natural product, produced in batches Terracotta tiles can and will vary. If you replace your roof tiles in stages, over years, you will notice a colour variance.
Need Help Deciding? Contact Us Today on 1300 296 842 !
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. We are here to help you determine which type of roofing material is right for you.