Rating the Quality of Roofing Tile

Tile roofing can be an excellent choice for your Arizona home. Not only is it beautiful, but it is also very durable, protects your home against the elements, improves your home’s energy efficiency and has a long life span. Tile roofing can be an excellent investment, compared with other types of roofing.

According to this commercial roofing expert not all tile is created alike. If you don’t work with the right roofer or choose the right materials, you could end up looking at tile R&R (removal and replacement), reroofing or expensive repairs just a few years after the initial investment. It is important that you understand how to evaluate the quality of roofing tile so that you get the most for your money and provide your property with the best protection. Here’s what you need to know:

Types of Roofing Tile

You have many options for roofing tile, including:

Clay
Concrete
Slate
Wood (technically called shake)

Both natural and manufactured materials can be used to provide the look you want while also giving your home the protection it needs. Each type of material has different costs, as well as different advantages and disadvantages.

Clay is one of the most popular types of tile roofing thanks to its gorgeous look and relative flexibility. It can be installed on most roofs, and it is relatively affordable. The natural terracotta color is also a good match for the Arizona desert landscape. Clay tile has a life span of 50 years or more, making it a good investment.

Concrete can be a more budget-friendly option that has many of the same benefits. It has a similar life span as clay and weighs a little less, meaning that it can be put on many more homes with weaker roof supports. However, concrete can be as much as half the cost of clay.

Slate is a sophisticated tile choice that is very high quality. In addition, it is very heavy and very high cost. Not all homes will be able to support slate, but if yours can, slate will offer a gorgeous look and superior protection for 75 years or more.

Finally, wood tile (shake) provides a more natural and rustic look for a home, but if it is not made of the right type of wood and is not treated properly, it can have a premature life span and attract a lot of pests. It is the lightest option and the cheapest, but it also has the shortest life span (about 15 to 25 years).

By understanding what to expect from each type of Gilbert tile roofing, you have the knowledge to evaluate the materials that your roofer is proposing for your project. You can also make better decisions that fit your budget and your goals.

Roofing Underlayment

Often, the underlayment used with the tile plays a bigger role in protecting your home than the tile itself. The tile can crack, but if the underlayment is intact and strong, the roof will be protected. You need to understand the quality of underlayment as well as the tile being used to evaluate the overall quality of the roof.

If you are experiencing problems with your tile roof, you should ask your Gilbert roofer about tile R&R, which is removal and replacement. With tile R&R, the old tile is removed so that the underlayment can be replaced. Contractors will also look at the subdeck to see if there is any rotting or damaged wood that needs to be replaced. When those materials are replaced, the tile will be also.

If there are any damaged tiles that are discovered during the removal, they can be easily replaced. However, just replacing a few tiles will be far less costly than getting a whole new roof.

Roofing Support

Tile roofing can be quite heavy, and it requires significant foundational support. If you try to put tile that is too heavy on a house without the right support, the tile will eventually fall right through the roof. Or it can create minor cracks and damage that let in leaks and create major water damage.

The quality of your roof relies on the quality of the support provided. If your home does not have the necessary support, the right roofer can create it by adding beams and other elements to the roof. You’ll then be able to get the type of tile you want and provide years of protection to your home.

Installation of a Tile Roof

Finally, the quality of the installation of your tile roof will have a big impact on its overall quality. If you don’t work with a skilled and experienced roofer, you take the risk that corners will be cut and inferior materials and tools will be used. Even small shortcuts can take a big toll on the health of your roof.

Do your research before you hire any roofing company. Read online reviews, talk to people you know who have experience with the company, and check out the company’s credentials. In particular, you will want to look up the training, experience and certifications for the roofers who will be performing the work on your home.

Canyon State Roofing is certified by the Tile Roofing Institute, verifying the exceptional work we do on tile roofing. We are one of the few companies in Arizona to have this certification. Our company is also a member of the Arizona Association of Community Members.

If you need a new tile roofing or are just looking for tile removal and replacement, you can trust the certified Phoenix roofers at Canyon State Roofing. Our experienced professionals handle all types of tile roofing jobs, including repairs and maintenance, and we can help you determine the right type of tile for your needs. Call us today to get a free estimate for your residential or commercial property.

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