How much do you know about a clay tile roof and its benefits for California homeowners? It’s very little then read below now.
There are so many different roofing materials out there now to choose from. When there are so many different options out there for you, you can pick the one that’s best for your home. In California, many are choosing to go with clay tiles when its time to replace their roofs. What makes it the best option for you, and why should you consider it?
1. An Attractive Look For Your Home
You will of course consider the way a roofing material looks on your home, and how it will blend in with the rest of the building, and the other buildings in the area. You want it to look good, and that’s something you can achieve if you pick clay roof tiles.
You can go with the original terracotta look, and that will blend in seamlessly with lots of California homes. However, it’s not the only color that you have to go with. You can have them in a different color, if you want to get a certain look.
To color clay tiles, color enamel is added to them before they are baked in the kiln. That bonds the enamel to the tile, which means it shouldn’t fade, break or chip off. It’s great for you if you’re worried about the color fading in the sun.
As well as the color, you can pick the shape of them too. The S-shaped tile is the most popular, but you can go with different shapes and styles. Your roofer can even get tiles that are embossed with patterns, so you can have a look that’s very unique.
As such, clay roof tiles allow to add a lot of curb appeal to your roof and make it one of a kind.
2. Long-Lasting Roofs
A really important factor when replacing your roof is the longevity of the materials. You’ll have to balance the price against the longevity of them, as there are more pricey options that can last for decades. Clay roof tiles are certainly more expensive than other options, but it’s well worth the money.
If you take good care of your roof, you can expect those clay roof tiles to last for up to 60 years or more. Essentially, once you’ve replaced them, you shouldn’t have to worry about replacing the roof again. That’s pretty incredible when you compare that to asphalt shingles, which can last for up to 25 years when well cared for.
Of course, you’ll need to take care of the clay tiles too if you want to get the best out of them. If you do though, it takes a worry off your shoulders as you won’t have to think about having to replace that roof again. What could be better than that?
3. Resistant To Many Types Of Damage
Why is it that a clay roof can last so long? It’s because it’s resistant to so many types of damage. As they’re made of clay, insects like termites aren’t going to get into the tiles and cause damage. They are also highly impact-resistant, so even if debris falls on the roof during a storm, it shouldn’t be a problem. Plus, they’re corrosion resistant too.
This is a huge plus, as roofing damage can lead to an earlier replacement if you don’t catch it quick enough. If you’re keeping an eye on your roof and ensuring that any damage is repaired as and when you find it, you’ll be able to get the full lifespan from it.
4. Little Maintenance Needed
One reason why clay roof tiles are so popular is that they just don’t need a lot of maintenance. It’s the bane of a lot of homeowners, as doing things like replacing roof shingles can be time-consuming and dangerous if you’re trying to do it on your own. If you have a clay roof installed though, there’s very little you’ll have to actually do.
There’s not much you’ll need to do here to take care of them. Doing biannual roof inspections and cleanings, and having roofing teams repair damage if you find it, will go a long way.
5. Excellent Fire Resistance
Every homeowner should think about fire resistance when picking a new roof, but that’s especially true in California. When there’s the risk of wildfires, you want to keep that in mind for your home improvements. Protecting your home is important, and if you pick the right materials then you can do that. A clay roof is an excellent option here, as you’ll see they have one of the best fire resistance ratings out there.
Like metal roofs, this is because clay can’t catch fire. As such, there’s no risk of an errant spark catching the roof on fire. As such, you should see your clay tiled roof has a class A fire-resistance rating.
6. Resistance To UV Rays
This is something else that you need to consider in California. As the hot sun beats down on your roof, it can do damage to it unless you’ve picked the right materials. Clay tiles are UV resistant, so they can take a lot more from the sun than other materials out there.
Depending on the grade of clay tile you choose, they can also withstand freezing temperatures too. Grade I tiles are non porous, while Grade III tiles are more porous and so will absorb more water. If you live in an area with more freezing temperatures, you’ll want to go with Grade I tiles. Grade III tiles can break when the water they’ve absorbed freezes, so keep that in mind when you’re shopping around.
Clay Tile Roof Conclusion
There are so many reasons why clay roof tiles are the best option for a California home. They look great, with customization options that you may have been aware of. There are lots of practical reasons too, such as high fire resistance, long lifespans, resistance to UV rays, and more. As such, you’ll be able to get a lot of benefits with a clay roof tile on your home.