Choosing The Best Type Of Roofing Tiles For Your Home

Make the best decision for your home by considering all the features of your roof. Use this guide to make sure you choose the best roofing tile for your home.

With the median price home at $187500, and showing no signs of slowing down, you must protect your property. A home is an investment that will probably last you a lifetime, which is why it’s important that you choose a roofing system will best protect it.

When most people hear roofs they think of metal roofs, roofing tiles, asphalt shingles, etc. Choosing a roof is more than just the roofing tile, it’s a decision that takes into account things like your budget, neighborhood, visual appeal and roof size. This guide seeks to highlight the different roof tile types and factors that facilitate the choice of roofing material.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Roofing Tiles

Are you looking to replace your roof tiles and aren’t sure where to start? When it is time to start or repair your roof, you need to consider what you want before you call a roofing contractor. By making the right decision, you increase your homes visual appearance and its value.

Here are key factors to consider when you make the decision.

1. Style of Your Home

The architectural style of your house will dictate the type of roofing tiles to use. For instance, some roofing tiles are best suited for historic homes while asphalt shingles are suitable for most architectural styles. Consult with your contractor to choose the roofing that matches your home’s aesthetics.

2. Roof Application

Are you applying the roof to a new structure or is it a replacement roof? With new roofs, your choices are not limited to the existing components such as the roof structure composition or the roof pitch.

However, because of the cost of replacing a new roof entirely, if you are replacing a few broken tiles, it would be best if you retained the existing roof.

3. Your Budget

As a roof of thumb, choose a roofing material that is neither too expensive nor too cheap. The price will vary depending on the material. Always avoid cheap roofing materials, as they are costly to maintain due to frequent replacements.

Do not base your decision on price alone.

4. Durability

Your choice on roof tile types should be guided by durability. The durable roof tile will cost more but it will be worth it since the maintenance cost will be low. Most homeowners will prefer steel or aluminum roofing materials as they can last up to 50 years or more.

If that doesn’t work for you, you can always opt for the slate which can last for more than a century.

5. Climate

How is the climate in your locale? Your roof should be sturdy enough to withstand even the most extreme temperatures in your area. For example, if your locale is predominantly hot, refrain from using rubber material instead choose asphalt shingles.

Areas that have high precipitation can try metal roofs as they are waterproof and rust resistant.

6. Energy Efficiency

Be sure not to pick a roofing material that will require you to spend more on energy costs. Preferably, choose a material that is energy efficient. This will reduce your energy costs.

What Are the Main Types of Roofing Tiles?

Once you know the factors to consider, it is time to make a decision. Consider all the available choices of roofing tiles. Here are the main roofing tiles.

1. Metal Tiles

Metal tiles are similar to metal roofs in that they share most of the advantages. These include longevity, very few leaks, and durability. The upside to using metal tiles as opposed to metal roofs is that metal tiles have more styles to choose from.

Nowadays, metal tiles can be fabricated to look like slate tiles, clay tiles, and several other roofing tiles. They are then applied an acrylic coating to protect and enhance the look. Such tiles are suitable for homeowners who are not looking to add reinforcements to their roof decks.

This is because metal tiles are lighter than concrete tiles but thicker than asphalt shingles.

2. Copper Tiles

Copper roofs are known to last for more than a century before they need to be replaced. Copper tiles offer the same durability as copper roofs but they are more versatile which makes compatible with different roof styles. The biggest downside to using copper tiles is that they require professionals to install.

They are also expensive to maintain.

3. Stone Tiles

Slate tiles have been around for centuries primarily due to their longevity and pleasant colors. They can last up to 100 years. They also have a unique color variation that adds a pleasant look to a building.

Slate tiles are expensive and difficult to install which is one of the reasons that homeowners prefer to avoid them. Finding an experienced roofer to install the slate tiles will also be a problem. However, the authentic look you get from these tiles is worth the hustle.

4. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles are known for their fireproofing abilities and to some extent their durability. They exclusively used in Southwestern and Spanish style homes but now they are almost everywhere. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes them ideal for a wide range of homes.

5. Polymer-Sand Tiles

Polymer-sand tiles are made from mixing sand and binding them with polymers. They are considered to be the most suitable alternative to the use of ceramic tiles. They look similar to ceramic tiles but they are more durable and less likely to break.

Once installed, polymer-sand tiles require very little maintenance or replacements.

Similar to ceramic tiles, polymer-sand tiles are fireproof and weigh less than slate tiles and concrete tile. Your options regarding size and color will be limited to just a few since the number of polymer-sand tile manufacturers is still small.

6. Composite Tiles

Composite tile roofing is a multi-layered tile that comprises of acrylic, metal, and stone. The demand for such tiles is soaring as the need for a more natural appearance continues to increase. Composite tiles look similar to slate and clay tiles but are lighter than stone and concrete tile.

This makes them suitable for roofs with the required reinforcement for heavy roofing materials.

7. Bituminous Tiles

Bituminous tiles are among the lightest and easiest to install. They are made of fiberglass and covered with basalt chips or granite on top. They can be installed by any roofer since they only require an adhesive to fix them to the roof.

This reduces the likelihood of leaks as there are no holes punctured into the roof.

8. Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles can be a good alternative to ceramic tiles as they are less prone to breakage and look similar to ceramic tiles. Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water. The result is a tile that is very heavy, easy to install and less expensive than slate tiles.

The only downside is that their weight creates the need for reinforcement in some roofs.

Take Time to Choose the Best Roofing Tiles

As you choose the best rooting tiles, ensure you get them from a reputable source. Hire a roofing company that understands your needs and knows how to fulfill them. Experience and commitment matters when it comes to construction projects.