Comparing Clay Roof Tiles versus Concrete Roof Tiles
With so many roof options on the market, it can be an overwhelming choice to decide which material is best for your home. Two options you often see in certain parts of the country are clay and concrete roofing tiles. These are two unique styles that can create a unique look for your home. Between clay vs concrete roof tiles, what should you know? Or is there an even better roofing option to consider? Let us explore alternatives to Spanish clay tile and concrete roof tiles.
About Clay Roof Tiles
Clay roof tiles are made by baking molded clay. The density of these roofing tiles is determined by how long the tiles are heated, and at what temperature. Roofing tiles can range in color, coming in shades of white, yellow, orange, and even brown. However, the most common clay tile color that you can find is Terra-cotta. It is important to note that clay roof tiles may also be referred to as Spanish tile roofs in places like Latin America and Spain.
The high temperatures used to bake clay tiles helps bond the color so it will never peel or fade. They are a durable roofing option and highly insulating.
About Concrete Tiles
Concrete tiles are made similar to regular concrete: with a mixture of sand, cement, and water, that is molded under heat and high pressure. While the finished surface of concrete can remain plain, it is also possible to paint it for a more unique and personalized look. Concrete tiles are available in three possible styles: flat, which has no curves, low profile, that has a small curve, and high profile, that has a large curve.
Concrete tiles can simulate the look of other types of roofing, including clay, wood shake, slate, or stone tiles. Concrete tiles also offer a high level of durability.
The Differences Between Concrete and Clay Roof Tiles
1. Water Absorption
One difference between clay and concrete roof tiles is their water absorption. Concrete tiles have a water absorption of about 13 percent, and clay tiles have a water absorption of about 6 percent. As a result, concrete tiles may be more prone to mildew growth and stains. The higher absorption rate also means that when concrete tiles are wet, they are heavier–adding more weight to a roof's structure. Clay tiles have few issues due to their low water absorption rate.
2. Weight
There is a significant difference in the weight of concrete and clay. Concrete tiles weigh almost 40 percent more than clay tiles. While concrete can weigh anywhere from 820 to 1,100 pounds per 100 square feet, clay only weighs about 600 to 650 pounds. Therefore, homes looking to use concrete tiles need to ensure that their roof is structurally able to handle the weight.
3. Prone to Cracks and Shatters
Although clay tiles are considered fairly durable, they are not immune to damage. Clay tiles have a tendency to crack or shatter when exposed to either freezing or thawing temperatures, which is why they are commonly found in warmer climates. As stated before, clay tiles are also called Spanish tile roofs due to their use in hot climates such as Spain and Latin America.
Concrete, on the other hand, can handle colder temperatures without issue, making them safe to use in virtually any climate.
4. Maintenance
Due to the heavier weight and issues caused by the water absorption level of concrete tiles, they are much more difficult to maintain. Since clay tiles do not have those issues, there are not many challenges that come with maintaining a clay tile roof, although maintenance may also vary depending on the manufacturer of the materials.
5. Color Longevity and Appearance
Because clay is naturally occurring, clay tiles can maintain their original color for many years, even with exposure to various weather conditions. Ceramic-finished clay tiles are made in a way that creates a non-porous finish that can last a lifetime without color loss or staining.
However, the same cannot be said for concrete tiles. The technology used to paint concrete tiles may not be as effective, and therefore it may fade over time. Additionally, since concrete is porous, it is prone to staining, which can also affect the appearance.
6. Durability
Finally, there is the durability of clay and concrete roof tiles. Clay and concrete tiles can outperform many other roofing materials. However, clay is the more durable of the two, with the ability to last well over 100 years, as opposed to concrete tiles that can last 30 to 50 years.
7. Estimated Cost
Concrete tiles may be the more affordable roofing option when compared to clay tiles. You need to verify these estimated costs with a local and professional roofing contractor but depending on your location concrete can cost anywhere from $400 to $900 per 100 square feet, with high-end tiles costing up to $1,000.
Alternatively, clay tiles can cost up to $700 to $1,000 per 100 square feet, with high-end clay tiles costing as much as $3,000. Those numbers do not include the cost of maintaining the concrete roofing and that is material cost only and may not include a contractors labor cost. Again, these costs are estimates and we recommend you contact a local and professional contractor to get accurate replacement costs.
Choosing a Better Roofing Tile
While clay can seem like a good option, there may be an even better option: synthetic cedar shakes. CeDUR Roofing Shakes produces their synthetic shakes from polyurethane, resulting in a durable, lightweight, realistic synthetic cedar shake shingle.
CeDUR synthetic shingles offer the highest durability ratings possible for construction materials, including a Class A Fire Rating and Class 4 Impact Rating. CeDUR is non-porous and features a lower water absorption level than both clay and concrete roofing tiles.
CeDUR shingles are resistant to freeze cycles and exposure to the elements. They are easy to install, low maintenance, and weigh in at just 170 pounds per 100 square feet.
Forget Clay and Concrete Roof Tiles, Go Synthetic
Clay and concrete tiles both have their appeal, but at the end of the day, they are both heavier, more costly options. Instead of going with one of these options, consider the alternative: CeDUR synthetic shakes. They offer the same high level of durability, at a fraction of the price and weight. CeDUR's shingles are a worthwhile investment that can work for homes across the country, regardless of the climate, providing an attractive look without sacrificing protection.
