Tile roofs are ubiquitous throughout the US, particularly in the southwest. The term tile roofs can actually mean anything from cement and terracotta to ceramic tiles, or fiber-reinforced synthetic to slate stones tiles. Before deciding to opt for tile roofs, homeowners must consider how long tile roofs last.
The installation process can be hectic, but when there are advantages as such, you are required to consider it. Once you have decided to choose tile roofs, you have to select a tile type according to your needs. That’s why we will cover popular types of tile roofs too.
In general, a well-maintained tile roof can last 50 years. Though there are buildings in Europe whose tile roofs have endured for ages. Tile roofs outperform all other types of roofing materials in terms of longevity.
It doesn’t matter if the material is cement, terracotta, concrete, or slate tiles, because as long as regular maintenance for preservation takes place. As these roofs have incredibly long lifespans.
Reason Behind High Durability of Tile Roofs
High heat resistance means tile roofs can either oust heat away from your home or consume it, so all the heat of the day stays up there. It makes sure that the tile roofs would not let the heat soak down into the structure. Either way, tile roofs can help you keep fresh during the most scorching summer days of the southwest.
Durability and Lifespan of Popular Tile Roofs
Usually, clay roofs came in one color – terracotta – and were only used in Spanish and Southwestern style homes. Newer ceramic tile roofs, however, appear in a wide range of diverse colors, shapes, and sizes. They now complement a more excellent range of homes.
You can look for green, yellow, and blue ceramic roofs in regular shapes and in newer, flatter tile roofs that mirror asphalt or slate roofings more closely.
They have a significantly higher lifespan compared to most other roofing materials. There is a reason why archaeologists can find so many ceramic artifacts from ancient history; ceramic can be the ideal long-term solution for any roofing problem.
If you are already investing in your roof, it is worth acknowledging a material that will last you as long as possible. That’s precisely why so many homeowners choose terracotta tile roofs.
Of course, that isn’t really the case. No type of roofing can last forever, so how many years does a concrete tile roof last? Let us find out.
Concrete tiles are generally believed to last around 50 years, give or take. Nonetheless, in reality, your roof will require maintenance before that time is up. Even if the underlayment was of good quality, and if the right installation procedures have been used by professional roofing contractors, it is doubtful to last that long.
Realistically, a replacement will be necessary after around 30-40 years. In most cases, underlayment and battens of concrete tile roofs need replacing sooner than if the installation methods were inferior.
Even in the worst cases, this could even be within 5 to 8 years after their first installation. It’s important to note that concrete tiles also lose their color and some of their surface texture, which may mean they’ll require replacement.
Mold and lichen can grow on the tiles, and the tile can degrade when the mold and lichen are removed. Furthermore, the metal valleys that guard your tile roofs can become eroded in the presence of debris or leaves. Most of these incidents are infrequent and uncommon, but they occur anyway.
While tile roofs can last for decades, the felt underlayment often wears out sooner and must be replaced immediately to sustain your roof system.
Last but not least, foot traffic can easily break roof tiles, and a professional roofer is suggested if you need any type of assistance that involves direct contact with your tile roofs.
All in all, I will encourage you to regularly examine visually from the ground. So that you can detect and rectify small problems before they grow into larger complexities.
