What is a Roof Tiles?

In the United Kingdom, roof tile is popular for roofing. If you are looking for different roofing materials and are curious about a question: What is a tile roof? Roof tile is made of concrete, clay and slate used as a barrier between the inner and outer sides of the roofing. 

A tile roof is used to protect the house and keep water out. Tiles are used at the top or slope of the roof. The Tile roof gives aesthetic and durable results. 

If you’re still wondering, “What is a roof tiles?” you might want to compare it to shingle roofs. Roof tiles are of different varieties in some properties, which is why they are preferred. Shingle roofs are used as water repellent, and shingle elements are used to overlap individuals. 

When asking “, “What is a tile roof ? “it’s important to consider the roof tiles available. Each type offers unique characteristics:

1. Clay Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles are made of the material that is easily accessible for them. Clay roof tiles is one of oldest ways found in China by Archaeologists, Chinese people used this method as far as 10000 BC back.

These tiles are made by hand and given different shapes to them, sun dried and then used on the roof. These tiles have a lot of varieties in colors. These tiles absorb water and are mostly used in barrel tile or flat tile.

Today, clay roofs are made mostly by machines and look beautiful. Clay roof tiles are heavy and easily break if not carefully worked on.

2. Concrete Roof Tiles

Another answer to “What is a tile roof?” includes concrete tiles developed in Bavaria in the 19th century. Concrete components are easy to find on the market. Concrete tiles are made of sand, cement, water, and various other colors for beauty.

These tiles are made by hand, given different shapes, sun-dried, and then used on the roof. These tiles have a lot of varieties in colors. These tiles absorb water and are mostly used in barrel or flat tile.  Concrete roof tiles act as a resistor to the wind. 

Concrete roof tiles have a variety of shapes and textures like wood shakes, clay tiles and slate tiles. These tiles are very attractive and mostly used. Concrete roof tiles are heavy and need a roof structure that holds these tiles.

3. Copper Roof Tiles

Copper roof tiles are more attractive than other tiles. Copper roof tiles work as a resistor in some conditions, such as heavy rain, UV exposure, and snow.

Copper is more noisy than others.

4. Cedar Shake Roof Tiles

Cedar shake roof tiles are a natural resistor to insects and decay. These tiles present a look of old tradition. Cedar has fire-resistant properties, but it is not fireproof like other roofing materials. 

5. Composite  Roof Tiles

Composite roof tiles are made of plastic and other materials. Composite roof tiles are made from natural and artificial materials. Composite tiles have good warranties and varieties in colors. 

6. Slate Roof Tiles

If you want to understand more about a tile roof, slate tiles are a good example. Slate roof tiles are known for their durability, longevity and natural appearance. Slate roof tiles are made from rocks. Slate roof tiles have a variety of colors and textures.

7. Metal Roof Tiles

Metal tiles are made of aluminum, metal, zinc and copper. If the structure of your house does not support heavy-weight tiles, then metal tile is the right option for your house. Metal tiles are environment-friendly and energy-efficient. 

These tiles are a good option because installing metal tiles is easier than other tiles. Metal tiles are available in different composite tiles that have good warranties and a variety of colors. 

These tiles have more advantages than other tiles and are lighter in weight. Metal tiles are common in the market due to their light weight. Here are some disadvantages of metal roofs

• Metal roofs are difficult to repair and easy to damage.
• Metal roofs do not provide insulation to the house.

8. Solar Roof Tiles

Solar roof tile is a new concept to roofing. Solar roof tiles are used to produce electricity. These roof tiles replace the standard roofing.

9. Fiber Cement Shake Roof Tiles

Fiber cement shake roofing tiles are durable roofing materials. Fiber cement shake roof tiles are a main element used as resistance to the environment and have remarkable durability.

Fiber cement shake tiles are heavy and might require additional structural reinforcement during installation. This can increase costs and make the installation process complex. The complexity of the installation process and sizes in the market.

1. Interlocking Roof Tiles

Interlocking tiles have channels on one or two sides of the tiles to create a strong connection between tiles. These tiles have different shapes and sizes and create different lines on the roof.

2. Mission Roof Tiles

If you love concave and convex-shaped roofs, mission roof tile is the best option. Mission roof tiles include Greek,aterial; many expenses are required for its purchase if you have a limited budget.

3. Spanish Roof Tiles

Spanish roof tiles have wavy ‘ ‘’S’’ shape and are a form of ‘’barrel roof tile’’. These roof tiles are recognized for their unique design.

By now, you have a clear answer:  “What is a tile roof?” but why are they preferred?

The advantages of a tile roof are given below:

1. Durability
2. Recyclable 
3. Low Energy Cost 
4. Less Maintenance
5. Fireproof 
6. Longevity 
7. Aesthetics  

1. Durability

Durability is the main advantage of tile roofing. These tiles will last longer and have a longer period. These roofing tiles have a lifespan of 100 decades.

2. Recyclable

Because of their production, roof tiles are easily recyclable. Roof tiles can be reused and ground up when they are removed.

3. Low Energy Cost 

We mostly think about how to reduce the energy consumption of our house, so the solution is roof tiles. These tiles prevent energy from reaching the house; they have gaps, so they save the house from energy.

In this way, you can reduce your air conditioner usage and other devices.

4. Less Maintenance

You’re worrying about the maintenance of roof tiles; these tiles have the benefit of less maintenance cost whether they are clay, concrete or slate. Clay tiles have less maintenance because they are durable.

You can easily install individual tiles in case of any damage.

5. Fireproof

Roof tiles are made of fireproof material. Because of this combustible material, these tiles help protect the house from fire hazards.

6. Longevity 

These roofing tiles have lasted decades; clay roofing tiles have longer life spans. They will last for decades.

7. Aesthetics

These roof tiles have an aesthetic look based on their designs. The Spanish style inspires their designs.

Though you now understand what is a tile roof, there are some disadvantages to consider:

1. Heavy
2. Expensive 
3. Difficult to install
4. Brittle

1. Heavy 

These tiles are heavy, so your roof should require enough strength to bear them. So you must have the structure of your house compatible with these tiles and bear the weight.

2. Expensive

These tiles are expensive for acquiring some unique features, longevity, durability and curb appeal. Roofing tiles are more expensive than asphalt shingle roofs.

3. Difficult to install

These tile roofings are more difficult to install than other roofing. For the accurate installation of these tiles, specialty flashings are made for the tiles to install.

It would help if you had a proper pattern for their installation and, after installation, checked the double cross to ensure that the tiles were installed accurately.

4. Brittle 

Roofing tiles can damage and break from heavy weight and pressure. But thdoesn’tn’t mean that you can change the whole roof. You can change the affected tiles.

If you’re still wondering what a tile roof is, tile roofs offer a blend of durability, aesthetic appeal, and long-term value. Whether you choose clay, concrete, slate, or metal, each material brings its benefits. However, consider the weight, cost, and maintenance requirements to ensure the right choice for your home.