Are Clay Tiles Good For Roof?

Clay tile roofs have been used for centuries as a durable and visually appealing roofing material. Made from natural clay that is fired in a kiln, clay tiles come in a variety of shapes and styles that provide both aesthetic flair and protective covering for a home. While concrete roof tiles have gained popularity and resemble clay tiles, traditional terra cotta clay tiles offer some unique benefits that make them a top choice for many homeowners. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons, costs, maintenance, and installation considerations for clay tile roofs to help you determine if this classic roofing material is the right choice for your home.

History of Clay Tile Roofs

The origins of clay roof tiles are obscure, but it is believed they were developed independently during the late Neolithic period in both ancient Greece and China. According to Wikipedia, “Roof tiles were being used in China in the Neolithic period before 5000 BC.” [1] Some of the earliest known examples of clay roof tiles have been found at archaeological sites in Greece dating back to the 5th century BC.

Clay tiles provided an alternative roofing material to thatch and wooden shingles. They were more durable, fire-resistant, and longer-lasting. As early civilizations developed the technology to bake clay into ceramic tiles, the use of clay roof tiles spread throughout Europe and Asia.

By the Middle Ages, clay tile roofs had become commonplace throughout Europe. Many medieval buildings still have their original clay tile roofs centuries later. Spanish settlers brought clay tile roofing techniques to the Americas starting in the 15th and 16th centuries.

Over time, clay roof tile manufacturing evolved from small, hand-made tiles to machine extruded tiles. But the premise remains the same – taking natural clay, molding it into interlocking tiles, and baking at high temperatures to create a durable, water-resistant roofing material.[2]

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roof_tiles

[2] https://www.nps.gov/orgs/1739/upload/preservation-brief-30-clay-tile-roofs.pdf

Benefits of Clay Tiles

Clay roof tiles offer several key benefits that make them a popular roofing material choice:

Long Lifespan

Properly installed and maintained clay tile roofs can last over 100 years. The tiles are very durable and do not rot, rust or decay like other roofing materials (source). The longevity of clay tiles means fewer roof replacements over the lifetime of the home.

Fire Resistance

Clay roof tiles are non-combustible and fire resistant. They can withstand heat and flames, providing protection in areas prone to wildfires (source). Concrete and slate tiles also offer fire resistance.

Durability

Clay tiles are very durable against hail, high winds, storms and other weather events. Their heavy weight and interlocking design allows them to withstand impacts and severe weather conditions (source).

Aesthetics

Clay tiles come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and styles. From Mediterranean inspired barrels tiles to flat roman tiles and interlocking tiles. This allows homeowners to choose a style that matches the architectural aesthetics of the home (source).

Downsides of Clay Tiles

While clay tile roofs offer many benefits, they also have some downsides to consider. One of the main drawbacks is that clay tiles are heavier than other common roofing materials like asphalt, metal, and synthetic slate. According to Brava Roof Tile, clay tiles can weigh up to 1,200 pounds per square, compared to around 250-500 pounds per square for asphalt shingles. This added weight often requires reinforced roof decking and trusses, which increases installation costs.

The weight also makes clay tile roofs more susceptible to damage if walked on improperly. The tiles can crack or break underfoot. Workers need to take extra precautions when walking on a clay tile roof to distribute their weight using boards. Homeowners should avoid walking on a clay tile roof altogether due to the fragility of the tiles.

Clay Tile Roof Installation

Proper installation of clay tiles is crucial for ensuring the roof’s durability and water-resistance. The substrate, underlayment, and fasteners are key components of a clay tile roof system.

The roof deck or substrate provides the base layer that clay tiles are installed on top of. Plywood, OSB, and wooden boards are common substrate materials. The substrate should be inspected to ensure it’s in good condition without rot or damage.

Underlayment goes on top of the substrate to provide an extra water barrier. Felt paper or synthetic underlayments like DuPontTM Tyvek® Roof Protector are commonly used. The underlayment is installed horizontally across the roof with overlaps before the tile is installed on top. Proper underlayment installation is critical to prevent leaks [1].

Clay tiles are secured to the underlayment and roof deck using nails, screws, or clips. Copper, stainless steel, or galvanized fasteners are recommended for durability. The exact type and pattern of fasteners depends on the tile style. Fasteners should be installed properly to securely hold each tile in place.

Clay Tile Roof Maintenance

Proper maintenance is crucial for maximizing the lifespan and performance of a clay tile roof. The Tile Roofing Institute recommends inspecting clay tile roofs twice a year, in spring and fall. Look for broken, cracked, or slipped tiles, as well as damaged underlayment, flashings, valleys, and other vulnerable areas. Repairs should be completed as needed by a qualified roofer (tileroofing.org).

Clay tiles should be cleaned every 3-5 years to remove buildup of mold, mildew, dirt and debris. Use a mild solution of warm water and dish soap applied with a soft brush or low pressure washer. Avoid high pressure washing which can damage the tiles. Always test cleaning products on a small area first (ancroofing.com).

Sealing or applying protective coatings to clay tiles is generally not recommended, as it can trap moisture underneath and cause more damage. Routine inspections, timely repairs, and periodic cleaning are safer maintenance practices for clay tile roofs.

Clay Tile Roof Cost

The cost of a clay tile roof can vary significantly based on the type of clay tile chosen, roof size, location, and other factors. According to sources, the average total cost to install a clay tile roof ranges from $8.35 to $15.25 per square foot installed.

This translates to around $16,901 for a 2,000 sq. ft. roof on the low end, up to $30,500 on the high end. To replace an existing roof with clay tiles typically costs $20,055 for a 2,000 sq. ft. roof. The material cost for clay tiles alone is $5 to $14 per sq. ft.

Factors that affect overall clay roof pricing include:

• Tile type – Tile shape, size, color, and style impact costs. Larger tiles cost more.
• Roof size and pitch – More tiles are needed for larger and steeper roofs. Labor is also higher.
• Removal of old roof – Adding $2 to $6 per sq. ft. for tear-off.
• Roof deck repairs – Replacing any rotted decking adds $200 to $500 more.
• Location – Labor and material costs are higher in some regions.
• Accessibility – Difficult access raises labor costs.

Always get multiple quotes when pricing a clay tile roof. Price can vary dramatically between roofing contractors.

Clay vs. Concrete Tiles

When it comes to roofing materials, two of the most popular options are clay and concrete tiles. Both offer durable and attractive roofing solutions, but there are some key differences between the two worth considering.

In terms of durability, properly installed and maintained clay tiles can last over 100 years (https://www.bravarooftile.com/blog/clay-vs-concrete-roof-tiles/). They are very resistant to weather, fire, and insects thanks to the baking process used to harden the clay. Concrete tiles typically last 30-50 years. They are also durable, but not quite as long-lasting as clay.

Clay tiles tend to provide a more authentic, rustic look that is difficult to mimic with concrete. The shades and textures of clay can resemble materials like slate and wood shingles. Concrete tiles come in a wider range of colors, but the appearance is often more uniform and artificial. Overall, clay tiles are considered more aesthetically appealing by many.

Due to the baking and coloring process, clay tiles are generally more expensive than concrete tiles. But they make up for the higher upfront investment with their longevity. In the long run, clay can actually be more cost effective when you factor in less frequent replacement needs.

Clay vs. Other Roofing Materials

Clay tile roofs have some notable differences compared to other common roofing materials like asphalt, metal, and slate.

Asphalt Shingles

Asphalt shingles are the most widely used roofing material in the U.S. They are made from a fiberglass mat embedded with asphalt and coated with colored granules. Asphalt shingles are relatively inexpensive and easy to install compared to clay tiles. However, they also have a shorter lifespan of around 15-30 years. They are susceptible to damage from hail, high winds, and extreme weather. Overall, clay tile roofs are more durable, fire resistant, and longer lasting than asphalt shingles. But asphalt shingles require less maintenance and are significantly cheaper (source).

Metal

Metal roofs like steel, aluminum, and copper have benefits like durability, fire resistance, and long lifespans. But they can be noisy in rain or hail. Metal is also susceptible to rust and corrosion over time. Clay tile roofs have comparable longevity to metal but provide better insulation and noise dampening. However, metal roofs are lighter weight and faster to install. They are also more expensive upfront than asphalt shingles but cheaper than clay tile (source).

Slate

Slate roofing has a prestige associated with its natural stone look. It can last well over 100 years. But slate is expensive, heavy, and fragile. Specialized skills are needed to install it properly. Clay tiles have a longer lifespan and lower cost per square foot compared to slate. They are also lighter weight. Both slate and clay are fire resistant and durable options, but clay provides better insulation (source).

Conclusion

In summary, clay tile roofs have some notable benefits but also some potential downsides to consider. The main benefits of clay tiles are their aesthetic appeal, durability, fire resistance, and sustainability. However, they tend to be more expensive upfront, can be prone to cracking if not properly installed, and may require more maintenance over time.

Overall, clay tiles can be an excellent roofing material for many homes, especially in regions with hot, dry climates. The longevity of a clay tile roof means the higher initial investment pays off in the long run. Proper installation and regular maintenance are key to ensuring clay tiles live up to their full lifespan. For homeowners who appreciate the look of clay tiles and want a durable, environmentally-friendly roof, clay remains a top choice among roofing materials.

In the end, consider your climate, budget, and goals for your roof when deciding if clay tile is the right material for your home. Consult with qualified roofing contractors to fully understand the costs, installation requirements, and maintenance needs based on your specific situation. With the right prep work and care, clay tile roofs can provide lasting beauty and protection for your most valuable asset – your home.