How do homeowners choose the right roof tiles to use? The choice of material has a bigger impact on homes than the layman may suspect. Be it in terms of style, durability of water resistance, your decision could go a long way between having a roof that is vulnerable and one that is capable of lasting for years. If you are having a new house constructed or engaging a constructor to renovate your roof, and are clueless about the factors that should be considered, then this article is for you. In here, we aim to take you through to the various types of roof tile materials as well as the leading causes of cracked roof tiles.
A large majority of houses in the past couple of decades have utilised clay roof tiles due to their aesthetical value. Featuring a dim copper colour, the tiles allow the roof to provide an attractive contrast to houses, while also creating a traditional Mediterranean appearance. Installation of clay roof tiles is relatively easy but they are by nature brittle and thus prone to breakage. As such, one off heavy impact landings or wear and tear from elements over time will cause cracks to appear in the tiles. For homeowners who are eco-conscious, it should be noted that clay is a natural material.
Concrete roof tiles are an almost equally popular alternative to clay tiles as they do mimic the appeal of the latter while also providing slightly higher levels of durability against weather elements. More importantly in the minds of many prospective homeowners, concrete roof tiles are very cost-effective in relation to their expected performance levels. This is most notable in the low level of maintenance needed. On the cautionary side, it is important to mention that concrete does weigh more than clay, as such your home’s structure will need to be capable of upholding this extra weight.
Both clay and concrete roof tiles offer various pros and cons. However, one area that we have not covered in detail up to this point is the situations in which they may crack. Leading causes of roof tile cracking includes impact from human foot traffic and fallen tree branches, as well as the neglect of treatment of the tiles. All roof tiles require maintenance in the form of a coat of paint or roof sealant to prevent penetration of water. Where water is able to penetrate pass the porous surface of tiles, moisture accumulates within. Subsequently, when heat is applied from the sun, the tiles expand and suffer from a crack.
Cracked tiles expose your roof to further water penetration, which enables water to enter your home’s inner structure. Once inside, water is capable of causing structural damage through the enabling growth of mould. As such, we cannot stress the importance of contracting a cracked roof tile repair service should you suspect that your roof’s integrity has been compromised. Overall, concrete does provide an advantage of better weather resistance as compared to clay, however its weight and less attractive aesthetics means it is not a clear cut winner. With either choice, homeowners should apply regular maintenance to their roofs, while also conducting inspections to check for cracked roof tiles.