What is a tile roof?

Tile Roofs have been around for thousands of years, but what is a tile roof and should you consider one for your home. 

There are many different types of tile roofs: concrete, clay, ceramic, or even slate. Picking the right one will vary based on what is best for you and your budget. 

Concrete Roof Tile: This material is made out of a mixture of sand, water, oxide, and cement. It is pressed onto a mold to take the shape of profile needed then put into an oven to cure. The exposed surface can be finished with a paint like material to achieve a large range of color that will last decades. 

Clay Roof Tile: This material is made from natural clay mined from the earth. Clay tile is produced by baking molded clay. Colors of clay can vary from shades of white, yellow, orange, and brown. The most common color is terra cotta, but any color can be made by spraying enamel on the tile before baking. The high temperature of the kiln permanently bond the color to the clay making it so it will not peel or fade.  Because clay tiles are made from a natural earth derived material, they are environmentally friendly and easily recycled. 

Ceramic Roof Tile: This material is very similar to clay roof tile but is made at even higher temperatures giving the clay more resistance and more thermal insulation. 

Slate Roof Tile: This material is made with sedimentary rock of volcanic ash mixed with clay. The color of this product will be determined by the mineral composition and weathering properties. As this is a natural stone product the colors are more limited than the other selections on this page. 

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