If you're in the market for a new roof, you might want to look in to concrete roofing tiles. Going with a concrete tile to replace your worn out wood shake or asphalt shingle could mean that you'll never have to replace your roof again.I bet you have a lot of questions...
Are they durable?
Some installers and manufacturers are giving 50 year warranties on their tiles. Others are even giving a warranty that will last the life of the structure. If the tiles are installed properly, there is no telling how long they can last. Concrete Roof Tiles are capable of withstanding wind, rain, sunlight, and just about anything else Mother Nature can throw at them.
Do they only come in gray?
Just because the name is concrete, it doesn't mean it has the look of concrete. The concrete tiles can come in a variety of colors and sizes. Some manufacturers are making them in blue, white, brown, orange, and other earth-tone colors.
Will the color fade?
There are pigments added to the mix during the creation of the concrete tile. Some color softening can occur over an extended period of time, due to the elements, but that color is embedded throughout the tile. The color won't fade but just about every other roofing material will fade over time.
Isn't Concrete a poor insulator?
Actually, it's quite good. When installed properly, it can provide excellent r-value due to the thickness of the tiles, the flashing and underlayment, and the cushion of air provided between the two. That circulation reduces moisture build up. The lighter colors of the concrete tile also help reflect sunlight which can reduce air conditioning bills.
How much does it cost?Concrete tiles are more expensive than asphalt shingles. However, they will last longer than nearly any asphalt installation -- meaning that you'll need to replace your asphalt roof long before you'll ever need to replace the concrete roof tiles. You could end up paying twice as much for asphalt if you stay in your house for any length of time. The tiles are less expensive than a wood shake installation.
Can my roof support the weight?
Most residential and commercial structures can handle the weight. At most, the roofing contractor would need to brace the roof to handle it. It does weight significantly more than the asphalt shingles but if your building does need the extra support, the cost to add support is usually minimal. Consult your concrete tile roofing contractor to make sure your home is ready for concrete tiles.
Any other benefits?
The concrete roof tile is fireproof. It's got a top of the line fire safety rating. In fact, having a concrete roof could mean that your insurance rates could be lower - consult your insurance rep to find out if you could save on homeowner's insurance. Also, you won't need to do very much to maintain your roof. Finally, you certainly don't need to worry about termites or other pests doing any damage to your concrete roof.
In need of a replacement roof? Contact a concrete roofing pro to find out if this application will work for your home. Take a look at their samples to review colors and styles and you might just find that concrete will work for you. At ConstructionDeal.com, we've got a whole network of concrete roofing companies across the country.
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