When it’s time to replace your roof, many homeowners choose familiar materials like asphalt shingles or metal roofing panels. These remain the top choice in Oklahoma, and for good reason too. However, there are other options to consider, including clay tile roofs.
Clay tiles are made from natural clay that is baked at a high temperature. These roofs are known for their durability and energy efficiency.
Today, we will talk all about clay tile roofs. We will discuss what they look like, the benefits of installing one, and how much it costs so you can make a wise decision for your roof replacement project. Let us start with the pros and cons of clay tile roofs.
Why Choose a Clay Tile Roof?
Clay tile roofs have a long history of protecting homes and buildings. Here are some of the benefits you get from clay tiles.
Clay Roof Tiles Are Quite Durable
One thing you expect from your roofing material is for it to last for decades. Clay tiles are highly strong and durable, excelling in this area. Their durability stems from both the material’s natural properties and the manufacturing process, which creates tiles that can withstand decades of harsh weather conditions.
So exactly how long does a tile roof last? If we talk numbers, clay tile roofs last for about 50 years. In fact, with proper care, a clay tile roof can even last over a century, making it one of the longest-lasting roofing materials available.
Unlike many other materials, clay tiles can withstand the test of time, resisting rot, decay, and even pests. So if you’re looking for longevity and peace of mind, clay tiles are hard to beat.
To learn more, visit: How Long Do Tile Roofs Last? (2024)
They Have A Distinct Appearance
Yes, asphalt shingles look great and over the years, more styles and colors have been introduced. But if you are looking to stand out, tile roofs are a better choice.
Clay tile roofs bring a unique, Mediterranean or Spanish-style charm to homes, which can add a touch of character and elegance to your property. The warm, earthy tones of clay tiles give a home strong curb appeal that’s hard to achieve with other materials, setting your property apart in any neighborhood. Plus, with options in different shapes, finishes, and colors, clay tiles can be customized to match a range of architectural styles.
Tile Roofs Offer Great Energy Efficiency
Clay tiles have natural insulating properties. Their dense, thick structure reflects more sunlight and traps less heat, helping to keep your home cooler in the summer months. This energy efficiency is especially beneficial in warm climates, potentially reducing your cooling costs and contributing to a more comfortable indoor temperature. Over time, this can translate into savings on energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint for your home.
Low Maintenance
Once installed, clay tile roofs require relatively little upkeep, especially compared to materials like wood shakes or asphalt shingles. They’re highly resistant to fire, insects, and even water damage, making them an excellent choice for homeowners who want minimal hassle. While occasional inspections are wise, clay tile roofs typically only require periodic cleaning and minor repairs, giving you a beautiful roof without extensive maintenance efforts.
What Are The Limitations Of A Tile Roofing System?
These roofs offer great benefits, but there are some things you need to consider before you install a new clay tile roof.
Higher Upfront Cost
Clay tiles are generally more expensive than other roofing materials, both in terms of the tiles themselves and the labor needed to install them. Because clay tiles are a specialized material, their production and transportation costs are typically higher than those of asphalt shingles or metal panels. Additionally, finding skilled installers familiar with clay tile installation may add to labor costs.
Heavy Weight
Clay tiles are considerably heavier than most roofing materials. A single clay tile can weigh around 5-6 pounds, that is about 600 pounds per roofing square (100 square feet).
This means they require a sturdy, reinforced roofing structure to safely support them. For homes that aren’t originally built to handle this weight, structural reinforcements may be necessary, which can increase the overall installation costs. This additional work involves strengthening the roof decking and support beams to ensure your home can securely bear the load.
More About Tile Roofing Cost
In the last section, we covered that clay tiles are a high-end roofing material due to their durability and unique look. Because of this, the cost of tile roof installation is generally between $10,000 and $27,000. However, the exact cost can vary depending on your roof shape, the area of your roof, and the type of tile you select for your home.
We have covered the cost of a tile roof in detail in our blog post: How Much Does Tile Roof Cost In Oklahoma?
Clay Tile Roof vs. Concrete Tile Roofs
There are several types of tiles used in roofing. A distinct type that dominates this industry, apart from the clay tiles, is concrete tiles. While they look similar, there are some of the differences between them.
Clay tiles are prized for their longevity and natural color retention, often lasting 50 to 100 years with minimal fading, making them a great choice if you want a long-term investment with a classic look.
Concrete tiles are made from a mix of cement, water, and other additives. The cement gives it good durability and also lowers the cost. These are more affordable and offer reasonable durability, typically lasting 30 to 50 years. They’re slightly heavier than clay and may require extra roof reinforcement, but they can be manufactured in various colors and styles, offering flexibility in design. Both are energy-efficient, but clay has a slight edge in terms of heat resistance and overall lifespan.
Also Read: Tile Roofs vs. Shingle Roofs: What Should You Consider?
Maintenance and Care for Clay Tile Roofs
While clay tile roofs are low maintenance, there are still a few things you’ll need to do to keep them in top shape. Here’s a basic maintenance checklist:
- Regular Inspections: Especially after severe weather, it’s essential to check for any cracked or dislodged tiles. Prompt repairs will prevent small issues from becoming big problems.
- Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Keeping gutters clean will prevent water buildup, which is important for any roof but especially for a heavy, clay tile roof.
- Avoid Walking on the Roof: Clay tiles can be brittle, so it’s best not to walk on them if you can avoid it. Instead, hire a professional if you need any work done.
- Check for Moss or Algae Growth: Moss can occasionally grow on clay tiles in Oklahoma’s humid summers. If this happens, gently clean it with a roof-safe solution or call a professional.
Conclusion: Is a Clay Tile Roof Suitable for Oklahoma’s Climate?
Oklahoma’s weather varies a lot over the year, with hot summers, cold winters, and everything in between. So, is a clay tile roof a good choice in this climate? The answer is YES!
Here’s how clay tile roofs hold up under these conditions:
- Clay tiles excel in hot weather due to their natural ability to reflect sunlight and retain less heat.
- Oklahoma’s spring storms and tornado season are famous for strong winds, and fortunately, clay tiles are amongst the most wind-resistant roofing option out there.
- Clay roofs might face problems in harsh winters. Clay tiles are strong, but rapid temperature changes can cause cracks or even shatter the tiles over time. Since it does not snow much in Oklahoma, a tile roof is a solid option.
Want To Get Started On Your Tile Roofing Project?
If you want to install a new clay tile roof, our team at A. Fricker Roofing and Waterproofing can help. We are a premier roofing company serving Tulsa and surrounding areas of Oklahoma. Whether you want to install a clay tile roof or want to move ahead with a tile concrete roof, we do it all. Our team also ensures that the structure of your home is sturdy enough before starting the tile roof installation. Contact us today at (918) 402-7167 for more information.
