The Best Type Of Tiles For Your Roof

Some of the top types of tile roofing options include:

1. Ceramic Tiles

Ceramic tiles offer a classic look for your roof and will last for many years with proper maintenance. They are also fire-resistant and can withstand high winds.

2. Concrete Tiles

Concrete tiles are a good option for homeowners who are looking for a more affordable roofing system. They are some of the most environment-friendly and resilient tiles in the market and they can now be found in a wealth of colours. 

3. Slate Tiles

Slate tiles have been a popular option for roofing throughout the years. These tiles can often be on the expensive side but they are produced out of a strong, natural material that can be finished in many different ways. 

4. Terracotta Tiles

Clay tiles are also a great option for homeowners looking for a traditional look. They are not as fire-resistant as ceramic tiles, but they are more resistant to moisture and insects.

If you are thinking of installing flat profile roof tiles on your roof – STOP!

There are other issues with flat roof tiles. The most serious of which tends to happen when the roof meets the walls.

Along a side wall, water seeps between the underside of the lead apron flashing and the top surface of the roof tile. With a curved roof tile, seepage water normally drips into the trough, so this isn't an issue.

However, with a flat roof tile, seepage continues all the way across the tile and because there are no valleys (troughs) to interrupt the flow of water and transport it down the roof, seepage dribbles into the roof cavity.

There is also the issue that in some older concrete tiles, the nail hole is at the centre of the tile, which can cause a weak-spot when the tile above comes under any load whether it be a person walking on the roof, or a downpour of rain.

When the nail hole was in the centre of the tile, the drainage course of the next tile sits right atop that nail, making it easy to break. This is a common cause for leaks on flat profiled roofs.

Here is a video showing an example of this very situation:

What should you consider when picking tiles for your home?

When you are choosing tiles for your home, you will want to keep the following in mind:

• Climate and weather conditions in your area

The tile that you choose has to be suitable for the climate and weather conditions in your area. For example, if you live in a colder climate, you will need to choose tiles that are made for colder weather.

• The profile of the tile

We’ve already discussed the issues with flat profiles, however, each profile will have its pros and cons. It’s best to talk to a professional with experience in your locale as to what shaped tile is best suited to the climate and weather conditions.

• The design of your home

The style and colour of the tiles should be complementary to the design of your home. Certain formats like slate may have fewer colour options that you can choose for your design. 

• The style of your home

The cross-section or look of the tile might not suit the architectural design of your home. It could be difficult for you to incorporate a terracotta design with a modern home and the same could be said for using concrete on a heritage home. 

• How much money do you want to spend on your roofing system? 

If you have a set budget, it may be wise to choose a less expensive material for your tile. To save money, there are many people that choose the option of concrete over other types of tile.

If your roof looks like it could use a little TLC, ColourMe Painting specialise in roof restorations of all kinds, from tiled roofing, to metal roofing. We provide repairs and a new coat of paint to add another 10-15 years of life to your roofing system. Give us a call today.