How do you maintain a tile roof?

Traditional, Quality Roofing

If you are looking at what to do that will improve your home’s curb appeal, don’t overlook the roof. If you’re going with a major renovation, the construction and slope of a new roof could give your entire house a different look. Or replacing the roof can do a lot for a house too, especially if you go with something different, like roof tiles instead of asphalt shingles. In the real estate market today, first impressions are important. Experts in this market will tell you it takes a potential buyer less than 10 seconds of being in front of your house to form an opinion. So, can tile roofing is the factor that pulls them inside? If this statement is true, then yes, the curb appeal is a must. What if you’re not selling your home though – why would roof tiles be so important? Are they worth having them installed when a roof needs to be replaced? Which is better for ROI: tile roof or slate? Read on as we answer commonly asked questions that address concerns about roof tiles on a home. We know whichever you go with that you want it to be the best value possible at the least amount to spend.

Is a tile roof better than shingles?

In general rule, clay roof tiles have a life expectancy no less than 50 and have been known to be in excellent condition at 100 years. So, if longevity is what you’re looking for, clay roof tiles are the best bang for the buck next to slate roofing. If the installation cost of clay roof tiles is what you’re looking for, a tile roof will cost you approximately twice of a wood shakes, and three times more than asphalt shingles. However, clay roof tiles weigh three times more than other roofing materials, except for slate roofing.

What are the advantages of tile roofs?

In some areas, roof tiles are common, with a distinctive and unique appearance that flows with the landscape. Even though clay roof tiles cost more initially for installation compared to asphalt shingle, metal, or wood shake, they last longer. There are benefits of clay roof tiles too:

• Clay roof tiles offer more than an aesthetic appeal and a long-life expectancy. Clay roof tiles stand up better under harsh conditions, resisting damage caused by earthquakes, hurricanes, and other weather conditions. For areas that are prone to wildfires, roof tiles have a high fire resistance, rated as class A, which can lower your homeowner’s insurance.
• Tile roofs for insulation will keep your house cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This will ease the hardship on your HVAC system so that it isn’t working overtime and all of that together, lowers your energy expenses.
• A home with clay roof tiles will stand out from others in the neighborhood because of the color distinctions. It is easy to accessorize a home with roof tiles with things like apexes, bird stops, cloaked attic vents, and hip starters, and many other options. Roof tiles allow you the ability to accent and complement your home’s exterior color with the perfect finishing touch.
• In addition to the distinctive attractiveness and beauty that roof tiles lend to your home, and the variety of ways you can accent your home, they also improve the air quality inside your home. If you ever place your home on the market, this is an appealing feature that attracts prospective buyers, and if you’re not selling your home, you and your family will benefit from that benefit afforded by roof tiles.

Are tile roofs energy-efficient?

Roofing experts will confirm that clay roof tiles not only come in a wide selection of colors, but they are highly insulating because of those color choices. The colors reflect the UV rays, making the home cooler in the summer. When the inside is cooler, it is easier on the HVAC system, which helps with energy bills.

Do tile roofs leak?

In most cases, clay roof tiles are susceptible to leaking for three reasons:

• Age is deteriorating the tiles
• Poor installation method
• Tiles have been damaged

In any of these situations, repair or replacement should be done only by a roofing contractor that has experience in clay roof tiles. How can you fix a tile roof is leaking? The following steps will get that leak to stop, but again, we recommend hiring the services of a roofing contractor that is experienced in working with ceramic roof tiles simply because if you don’t know what you’re doing, you can do more damage.

1. Clean the area leaking with a wire brush.
2. Seal the crack by filling that area with plastic roofing clay.
3. With extreme care, pry up the tiles that are above the broken or cracked ceramic roof tiles.
4. If necessary, break into smaller pieces the damaged roof tiles and remove them.

How long does a tile roof last for?

If there is a main selling point to clay roof tiles for a home, it is the longevity. If the roof is cared for and maintenance is kept up, clay roof tiles have been known to last fifty years or longer. There are many structures in Europe with clay roof tiles that are 100s of years old and aren’t showing any signs of failing. As the homeowner, you must make a choice on roofing that fits your budget while keeping in mind the curb appeal it has now, and what the ROI will be if you sell. Many roofing contractors have computer programs that give you a visualization of your home with clay roof tiles versus asphalt or other materials. Quality tile roofing for your home in Austin, TX is available when you call Freetail Roofing at (512) 299-6576!