Roofs constantly face challenges all year round, protecting the house from the sun, heavy rain, strong winds, and sometimes hurricanes. Many elements affect Florida homes; thus, it is crucial to put a lot of thought into choosing a type of tile roofing.
What is a tile roof?
The tile roofing system is the overlapping of tiles attached securely to a solid substrate on a sloped roof. This process requires an experienced contractor since this is a specialized installation.
Your Guide to Tile Roofing in Florida
You can find many varieties of tile roofing. Since most of these are tough and made especially to conquer the Florida weather, your decision will most likely come down to preference. We’ve filtered some of the most common kinds that are durable and more than capable of protecting your homes from the changing climate.
Clay
Clay tile has been around for centuries, making it one of the most traditional types of roofing materials. They last well over 50 years when properly taken care of. Case in point, clay tiles were used in St Augustine, the oldest city in Florida and the continental U.S. – dating back to 1565. It has initially been handmade, but as technology improved, it has been manufactured by machines for efficiency and continuity. This is good since more and more people are turning to clay tiles for their roofing. In fact, it is by far one of the most popular in Florida. It can stand up to the extreme weather conditions of the state, making it a favorite of many homeowners.
The earthy tones of the clay make it a very attractive material. In addition, it is highly fire-resistant and rot-resistant. It also offers excellent moldability as well as color options and retention.
Pros
- Fire-resistant and rot-resistant
- Reduces heat penetration
- Good color retention
- Wide variety of color options
- Long life span
Cons
- Heavier than other roofing materials
- More expensive than other tile options
- Doesn’t stand up well against physical damage
Roofing pattern styles: Mission Style, French Style, Spanish Style, Interlocking Shingle Style
Concrete
While concrete might not be the first thing that comes to mind for roofing, it is a strong contender. Its distinctive look and timeless durability make it a very likable roofing tile substitute for many other popular alternatives. Besides, it endures well under Florida’s harsh weather and costs less than clay tiles. Roofs made of concrete are deemed fireproof and can withstand powerful winds and tropical storms. It can keep the hot air outside during the summer or warm months while retaining the cool air inside. This will lower utility bills and reduce energy usage.
Pros
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Less expensive than other roofing materials
- Fireproof and wind-resistant
- Less prone to breakage
- Available in a variety of styles
Cons
- Heavy
- Subject to fading over time
- Tricky to match if replacements are necessary
Roofing pattern styles: Arabesque Style, and just about any shape is possible
Slate
Natural slate roof tiles are traditionally manufactured from rocks. It has been around for hundreds of years and is considered an attractive and practical roofing material option. Another reason why many favor slate is it complements many different styles of architecture. In addition, it is available in a wide range of different colors. It can also be hand-customized. If you want to go green, then slates are for you. They are made of environment-friendly and natural materials that are non-flammable. You can also expect them to last for a long time.
Pros
- Comes in a variety of color and textures
- Has a natural appearance
- Environment-friendly
- Can be hand-customized
- Long-lasting
Cons
- Heavy
- Can crack easily like clay tiles
- Pricey
Roofing pattern styles: Scalloped Style, Patterned Style, Graduated and Tapered Style, and more
Synthetic
Also known as composite roof tiles, synthetic roof tiles are new and a more recent addition to the roof tile market. It is more durable when compared to its natural alternatives; thus, it is a great alternative due to its excellent performance. The strength of the tile could vary depending on the composite mix, but in general, synthetic tiles last long. Domestic construction prefers this type of roof time and the demand is growing, slowly gaining popularity. Unlike the previous tile options, this one is lightweight and doesn’t require any structural changes to a home before its installation. Some are even made from recycled plastics, making them an eco-friendly alternative.
Pros
- Strong and durable
- Easy to install
- Sustainable roofing option
- Lightweight
Cons
- Unstable insulation
- Can eventually break down into harmful micro-plastics.
Roofing pattern styles: Scalloped Style, Patterned Style, and just about any style
Conclusion
On average, tile roofing can last 35 to 50 years in the harsh climate of Florida. However, this could vary depending on the maintenance and several other factors, including installation. It is always better to leave the roofing job to experts and professionals like EZ Roofing. Whether you need to repair or replace your Florida roof, give us a call anytime. We can provide you with the best roofing solutions.