Clay versus Cement Tile versus Composition Shingle Style Roofing The Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Clay versus Cement Tile versus Composition Shingle Style Roofing The Pros and Cons You Need to Know

Your roof is important, whether on your home or business, offering protection for you and your property, providing privacy, and sheltering you from the elements. Your roof’s well-being is critical which means you need to ensure damage is repaired in the best possible way. To ensure optimal performance and the value of your home or business, you need to choose the best roofing for your home or building which includes understanding the materials available, as well as their pros and cons for your property and the safety of those who live or work inside.

Clay Tile Roofing

Clay tiles are baked molded clay whose mass is determined by the heating process’ time and temperature. While the most well-known color of clay tile is terra cotta, they are also naturally available in shades of brown, orange, yellow, and even white. Clay tiles can also be colored to any hue desired when glazed with enamel prior to the baking process under high temperature which results in a vast array of styles, colors, and finishes. As a natural material, clay tiles are environmentally friendly.

Clay tiles are strong and durable, resistant to high winds, fire, and insects, and because of their common curved shape can help to insulate your home from heat or cold. Clay tiles are heavy (1,000 pounds or more per square) and often require reinforced framing. Clay tiles are known to crack and chip, particularly when walked on, making home maintenance (painting, cleaning chimneys, clearing gutters) more challenging.

Curved clay tiles are an excellent choice for a number of styles from southwestern to Spanish mission to Italian, while flat clay tiles are ideal to complement French, English, or modern styles. Tiles also promise longevity, lasting 50 to 100 years on average, and many even longer. While known for their strength, durability, and long life, clay tiles tend to be more expensive than other roofing options with prices ranging from $250 per square (100 square feet) and upward.

Cement Tile Roofing

Cement tiles offer the look and durability of clay, slate, stone, or even wood shakes, though they are created from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and even recycled materials that is molded with high heat and pressure. The exposed portion of cement tiles can be coated with enamels, plastics, metals, and feature an interlocking design for elimination of water infiltration and ease of installation.

Cement tiles come in three styles – flat, low profile curves, and high-profile curves – with surfaces that can be textured or smooth. Cement tiles are resistant to fire, wind, hail, insects, and offer a low maintenance roofing choice with a long-life span. Some cement options even offer lifetime warranties that can be transferred from homeowner to homeowner.

Like clay times, cement tiles weight may require reinforced framing. Lightweight options are available though they are more costly. The cost for cement tiles is $150 to $250 per square (100 square feet) with lighter weight versions cost ranging from $350 to $500 per square.

Composition Shingles Roofing

Composition shingles are among the most popular roofing materials available today accounting for most of home roofing systems installed. Featuring a centered fiberglass mat coated first with mineral fillers and then asphalt, and topped with ceramic granules, a process which makes the shingles waterproof.

Composition shingles come in a variety of colors and offer a lower cost option compared to tiles with prices starting at $50 per square (100 square feet). They are light weight when compared to tile options and don’t require additional structural support. Because they can be recycled, composition shingles are environmentally friendly. Like tile roofing, a professional roofing company, like Bilt-Well Roofing, should install composition shingles to preserve warranties. The installation of composition tiles is faster than other options and they require little maintenance and are suited for many weather conditions.

On the down side, composition shingles don’t have the look or style of tile roofing systems, and they can become damaged in high temperatures or inclement weather and may blow off in high wind conditions.

Making the Right Choice for Residential or Commercial Roofing

When selecting the ideal type of roofing for your home or office, the professionals at Bilt-Well Roofing are ready to help you as you compare style, protection, longevity, maintenance, and costs. They can help you choose the perfect solution and deliver it on time, exceeding your expectations with premium quality and service. Call today and discover the Bilt-Well difference.