Clay tile is one of the most durable and environmentally sustainable roofing options available. You can see how durable and long-lasting clay tile roofs are by looking at the Coliseum in Rome; the original clay roofing tiles are still in place over 2,000 years after being installed. The main market for tile roofs in the US is in the west; mainly California, Arizona, and Texas where Italian and Spanish architecture is prevalent. Recently there has been an increasing demand for clay tile roofs in the Northeast.

When a clay roof is designed and installed properly, it is considered permanent and is expected to last 100 years or more. Other roofing products such as asphalt or wood have to be replaced up to five times as often as clay tile. Clay tile roofs have a higher initial cost, but when you average replacement costs over the lifetime of a roof, they are actually less expensive. They also offer a safety advantage because they are virtually fireproof.

Clay roofing tiles are also energy efficient. Having clay as the material on your roof creates a thermal barrier. It lowers temperatures on the roof and prevents heat transfer into the living areas of the house in the summer. It also keeps heat from escaping in the winter. Lighter colored clay tiles reflect the sun, which keeps heat from absorbing into the interior of the house in summer. As a result of this, energy costs are reduced for both cooling and heating.

Clay tiles are one of the most environmentally friendly roofing materials. Because clay is a naturally occurring material it does not deplete natural resources such as wood. There are no harmful chemicals or preservatives used in the manufacturing of clay tiles. It is also recyclable. Removed clay tiles can be salvaged and used on other roofs, or it can be crushed for other purposed such as sub-layers for roads.

Another advantage of clay tiles is appearance. They bring character and warmth to the appearance of a building and enhance curb appeal. There are a large variety of colors, glazes and finishes available. Two methods are used for achieving color on clay tiles. One is to mix the color in with the clay itself, which provides a slight variation in color from tile to tile. Another method is to apply a surface glaze, which will result in more uniform-looking color. There are also methods to artificially age the tiles so they can blend in to restoration projects or historic buildings.

Overall, clay tile is a good choice if you are considering environmental issues, energy costs, safety or appearance. It will not deplete natural resources or take up space in landfills. It is a natural product with lower costs when calculated over the lifetime of the roof.

Metal roofs are becoming increasingly popular as homeowners and builders make metal a plausible choice when working toward energy efficient homes. Although metal roofs work well in any part of the country, they are especially advantageous in wet and tropical areas. Florida and the Gulf Coast enjoy a climate where metal roofs come into their own thanks to high humidity. Metal roofs are also becoming popular in coastal areas where salt damage is common.To single out a common demographic where metal roofs excel, the deep south takes center stage. Metal roofs go back a long way and with technological advances in materials such as steel, copper and zinc, they remain traditional. Remodeling can emulate historical times while newer construction follows along the same lines. Commercial buildings will last longer with newer metal roofs, a plus in southern industrial areas.

Metal roofs are resistant to rain and mildew. Installed as large sheets they offer resistance to hurricane force winds, since shingles of any kind offer easy targets to the lifting force of high winds. Metal roofs can also be made corrosion-resistant in climates where rotting, dampness and salt damage are formidable enemies. That includes the northwest in the Washington and Oregon areas where dampness is extremely common.

Energy efficiency is a hallmark of metal roofs. They can reflect sunlight and keep interiors cooler. They can also keep heat from escaping when the weather turns cold. Steel has become the most popular material for metal roofs. In case you think metal presents a boring expanse on a roof, fabrication techniques can make the metal look like traditional asphalt shingle roofs. Special coatings have been developed to make metal roofs even more impervious to heat and radiation.

For all their practicality and energy efficiency, metal roofs have some drawbacks. The following provides some pros and cons:

1. Metal roofs can be noisy in rainstorms although new techniques are able to provide a soundproofing layer underneath. Then again, some people actually like the sound of rain on a metal roof.
2. Metal roofs require professional installation. They require extra preparation and many roofers find them hard to install. Of course, once in place, they are long-lasting.
3. Installation tends to be more expensive than the standard practice of installing common roofing materials. However they never need to be replaced due to deterioration.
4. Seams must be handled carefully to prevent seepage. With proper installation and maintenance they are permanently waterproof.
5. The metal used is costlier than other materials. The installation should last as long as the building and once again replacement is unnecessary.
6. Metal roofs can suffer dents. Nevertheless, any roof can suffer damage from large hailstones and falling objects.

Terra cotta roofing tiles are fashioned from clay and fired in special kilns to achieve a hardness that turns them into natural insulation. Terra cotta roofing tiles bring a Mediterranean look to your home. They date back to Roman times and provide excellent protection from the elements. Warmer climates where seasonal extremes are moderate favor this type of roofing. Colder regions require a better seal. Just as most Mediterranean countries enjoy benign climates, countries on this side of the world featuring warmer locales make good use of Terra cotta’s benefits.Regions of the U.S. where Terra cotta roofing tiles shine are those that see little or no snow. Terra cotta roofs tend toward moderately inclined pitches and facilitate runoff. The south and southwest are where Terra cotta roofing tiles make the biggest impact. Terra cotta roofing tiles are also good insulators having air pockets underneath that inhibit the passage of heat while helping to keep interiors relatively cool. Another advantage is that the tiles are heavy and resistant to high winds. The higher weight can also be a disadvantage for structures while Terra cotta’s higher costs suffer an additional disadvantage when compared to other roofing alternatives.

A profusion of Terra cotta roofs is a distinctive feature of many gracious destinations. California housing is a prime example of the charm Terra cotta roofing can convey. The early Spanish and Mexican missionaries used it to construct their missions and the public has made it a favorite ever since.

Caring for Terra Cotta roofing tiles

Cleaning and maintenance of Terra cotta roofing tiles play an important role in keeping roofs free of problems. Roofs should be inspected twice a year, usually in spring and fall following the harsher seasons. Maintenance should include the following:

• Sweep away leaves and twigs. Roofs of this type aren’t too steep and debris can accumulate.
• Fix cracks in the tiles. Tiles can be damaged by falling debris, earthquakes and human contact. There are special sealants that can correct this.
• Wash away accumulated dirt. A good washing with a pressure hose using hot water and mild soap can leave the roof as good as new.
• Clean unwelcome adherents thoroughly. Lichens, moss and grime can be tough to remove. A stiff-bristled brush plus hot water and mild soap will facilitate scrubbing and keep the tiles beautiful.

Relative cost of Terra Cotta roofing tiles

When compared to other roofing materials, Terra cotta is famous for its longevity. Terra cotta tiles cost more than other roofing materials but their long-lasting nature can make them a wise choice. Other roofing materials, with the exception of metal, can be subject to replacement with its attendant price tag.