Clay tile roofs have been a popular roofing choice for centuries, prized for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and energy efficiency. From the ancient palaces of Crete to modern homes in the United States, clay tiles offer a unique combination of beauty and functionality. This blog post will explore the many benefits of clay tile roofing, including their various shapes and styles, installation considerations, and how to match the right tile to your roof slope.
The Enduring Appeal of Clay Tile
Clay tiles stand out from other roofing materials due to their:
- Longevity: Clay roofs typically last 50 years or longer and do not rust or deteriorate. Some manufacturers even offer lifetime warranties, including fade coverage.
- Aesthetics: With a variety of integral and applied colors, clay tiles can complement any architectural style. The color and texture are natural and do not fade.
- Fire Resistance: Clay tiles are noncombustible and provide a Class A fire rating, protecting the structure from burning embers without suffering irreparable damage.
- Sound Insulation: The mass of tile roofing provides superior insulation from sound.
- Sustainability: Clay tiles can be reused or crushed and used as aggregate at the end of their life.
Styles and Shapes of Clay Tiles
The roofing industry generally separates clay tile designs into three categories:
- High Profile: These include the familiar mission, barrel, S, or Spanish-influenced styles. According to legend, the curved shape of high-profile tile evolved in ancient times when craftspeople formed wet clay sections over their knee to provide added stiffness.
- Low Profile: These tiles are manufactured in numerous different styles and colors to complement any architectural style.
- Flat: Flat clay tiles have a shingle shape and are ribbed to simulate wooden shakes or colored to represent slate. Many feature an interlocking system.
Special shapes like closed-ridge end tiles and gable-terminal tiles are designed for gable roofs.
- Hip-terminal tiles are intended for decorative purposes where a ridge and two or more hips intersect. Graduated tiles of diminishing widths are used for round towers, circular bays, and porches.
Clay Tile Installation Considerations
Proper preparation and installation are crucial for maximizing the benefits of clay tile roofing.
- Roof Deck Preparation: A new roof must receive the same preparation whether clay or concrete tiles are to be applied.
Matching Roof Slope and Underlayment:
- Roll or flat tile can be applied to roof decks with slopes of 4 inches per foot or more when a minimum of one layer of 30- or 43-pound felt is applied horizontally as underlayment, and the tiles are nailed or wired with a minimum 3-inch headlap.
- Any style of clay or concrete tile can be applied on solid-sheathed roof decks with slopes less than 4 inches per foot when a minimum of two layers of 30- or 40-pound nonperforated, asphalt-saturated felt are set in hot asphalt or mastic as the underlayment.
- Fastening Tiles: Use nails and screws to hold clay and concrete tiles to decks.
- Vertical and Windy Conditions: On vertical applications, and on extremely steep pitches where wind currents can cause lift, set the butt of each tile in a bead of the specified plastic cement or sealant, or provide copper hurricane clips at intervals.
Matching Roof Slope to Tile
The slope of the roof deck is a critical factor in selecting the right clay tile. Roll or flat tiles can be used on roofs with slopes of 4 inches per foot or greater. For slopes less than 4 inches per foot, special underlayment and installation methods are required. Always consult with a roofing professional to ensure the correct tile and installation method for your specific roof.
Maintenance and Reroofing
- Maintenance: Owners with slate roofs typically care a great deal about their houses, welcome information, and can afford to maintain their homes.
- Reroofing: First-quality clay roofing tiles last indefinitely if properly laid and maintained. When these roofs begin to leak, it is often a result of problems with the underlayment, and the tile can often be reused.
Clay tile roofing offers a compelling combination of durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal. While the initial cost may be higher than some other roofing materials, the long lifespan and low maintenance of clay tile can make it a cost-effective choice in the long run. By understanding the different styles, installation requirements, and maintenance needs of clay tile, you can make an informed decision and enjoy the benefits of this timeless roofing option for years to come.
