The 6 Benefits of Tile Roofing

Apr 11, 2017

Tile roofs are not so widespread across the country except for the Southwest, where the region’s signature style of roofing is most commonly pronounced. An aerial view of a town in Texas often fills the landscape with these beautiful protective shells glistening everywhere you look.

The reason tile roofs are prominent in the Southwestern region is because of the warmer climates. The temperatures in Southwestern states soar in the summer season up to record numbers, much like Blythe in California last June when 126 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded. Only cool roofs and roofs made up of materials capable of high solar reflectance and thermal emittance can sustain a home’s comfort in such climates. Two of the go-to roofing materials for this kind of sun protection is concrete and ceramic tiles.

Why Ceramic & Concrete Tiles Are Highly Regarded

Ceramic and concrete tile roofs are Energy Star-rated for a reason: they can resist the elements in any climate and not just hot weather. They don’t break under pressure from hail storms and they’re unaffected by high winds, seismic waves, and Class A fires.

This ability to hold up in any environment or emergency makes them extremely easy to clean and maintain in the long run and lets your home keep that ‘curb appeal’ factor for when it’s time to relocate.

The only issue that may arise with cement tiles is mold formation which is easily curable. Ceramic tile is free from such problems and will keep your home looking fresh the longest. We’re talking 50 – 100 years long!

One consistent and readily available advantage with cement and ceramic tile roofs is the excellent air ventilation barrier they use to protect your home from heat penetration. The result is a dramatic drop in your cooling costs and a more comfortable indoor life.

How Ceramic & Concrete Roofs Cool Your Home

Both ceramic and concrete are so effective at deterring heat from a home that they’re often used in ‘cool roof’ applications. The goal of heat-resistant materials and ‘cool roofs’ in general? To reflect sunlight and harmful ultraviolet rays, to radiate absorbed heat back into the environment, and to let smaller amounts of absorbed heat pass into the home.

This process of solar reflectance, thermal emittance, and thermal absorption can benefit you in four ways:

• Reduced Heat Penetration: Concrete and ceramic tiles can reduce the solar heat penetration by as much as 53 percent.
• Lower Energy Bills: Wasteful cooling costs can now be brought to a minimum.
• Rebates: Depending on your location, you could be eligible for rebates worth as much as $20 per 100 square feet of your newly installed roof.
• Extended Roof Longevity: Heat stress on roofs drastically reduce the life, quality, appearance, and energy-efficiency of the material. With concrete or ceramic tiles, you can expect your roof to last functionally and aesthetically for 50 to 100 years. Specifically, ceramic tiles maintain their color and texture under heat stress for much longer than other materials.
• Improved Indoor Comfort: There will be times when you can afford to live without the air conditioning system running in the background for longer periods of time than other houses.
• Improved AC Unit Durability: Your AC system won’t require as much upkeep as it used to and it’ll be as good as new for years and years without issues.

The Costs of Ceramic & Concrete Tiles in the Southwestern Region

The cost of concrete and ceramic tiles runs between $600 to $4,000 for every 100 square feet, depending on your location. The data collected below shows your state’s material and installation costs for ceramic and concrete tiles if you live in the Southwestern region.

*No data specific to these states is currently available for concrete tile roofs.

For a cost comparison between tile roofing materials and others, read on what you need to know about the Five Roofing Materials.

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