The Pros and Cons of Tile Roofs

Most residential roofing contractors agree that while it’s true that a tile roof can dress up nearly any home, clay tile is better suited to some architectural styles than others. Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean homes look great with a beautiful tile roof. Some ranch-style homes also wear it well. But homeowners are faced with challenges when considering whether to improve their Kansas City home with a tile roof or not.

For those considering the addition of a tile roof, we list a few of the pros and cons here to help you decide. Contacting a local roofing contractor before you make your final decision is a smart move. They’ll be able to provide insight that you might not otherwise get from online research.

The Pros of Tile Roofing

Here are a few of the benefits of installing a tile roof on your home.

• Longevity. At the top of the list is longevity. Tile roofs are durable and are made to last a lifetime. Most tile roofs last for over 100 years, making them a good choice for homeowners who never want to worry about replacing the roof again.

• Low maintenance. There’s very little maintenance with a tile roof. They don’t require sweeping or repairs like other roofing materials do. There is very little chance of a leak unless the tiles are broken by falling debris.

• Energy-efficient. Tile roofs help lower utility bills because the thickness of the tiles helps keep conditioned air inside the home. It’s not able to escape through the roof, as it does with other roofing materials. 

• Environmentally friendly. Tile roofs are made of materials that come from the earth. There are no chemicals involved in the manufacturing or installation process. When a roofer in Kansas City has to take off a tile roof for some reason, the tiles can be crushed and reused in other projects.

• Choices. Tiles come in a wide variety of shapes and colors these days. Homeowners love this because it allows them to match the architecture of their home or add a splash of color to complement or contrast.

The Cons of Tile Roofs

Here are a few drawbacks that make homeowners think twice about installing a tile roof on their home.

• Weight: Any roofer in Kansas City will tell you that a tile roof is extremely heavy. The structure of the home has to be able to handle the weight of a tile roof. Before you move forward, consult with a local roofing contractor to ensure your house is a good candidate for a tile roof.

• Installation: Tile roof installation can be a challenge, and only the most experienced residential roofing contractors can handle this job. Tiles have to be cut to measure and laid out to create the desired pattern. This is one roofing job that’s best left to the professionals.

• Cost: The kicker is cost. A Kansas City tile roof costs considerably more than your average asphalt shingle roof – and it costs a lot more than other roof types too. The cost is offset by the lifetime value you’ll get, but this is something that homeowners will need to weigh for themselves before making their final decision.

Shamrock Roofing Knows Tiles Roofs

Shamrock Roofing and Construction specializes in residential roofing of all types, including clay tile. We can help you weigh the pros and cons of tile roofs and help you decide whether a tile roof is right for your home. We want to be your local roofing contractor of choice, so contact us today for more information or to schedule a consultation.