Clay vs. Concrete Tile Roofs: What’s Better for Arizona Homes?

Tile roofs are a popular choice in Arizona, and for good reason. They’re built to withstand extreme heat, resist fire, and can last for decades (or even more than a century) when properly installed and maintained. But what’s the difference between concrete and clay tiles, and which is best for your home?

In this guide, we explore each of these roof tile options in detail, including their pros and cons, and key differences between them. By the end, you should have a clear idea of how they stack up in terms of durability, aesthetics, maintenance, costs, and energy efficiency. 

What are clay roof tiles?

Clay roof tiles are made from a natural clay that’s shaped and kiln-fired. They’re one of the oldest roofing materials in the world and known for their durability, fire resistance, and signature earthy appearance. 

You’ll mostly see clay tiles in their traditional terra cotta color, but they come in a range of natural clay colors and shapes, including Spanish-style S curves, rounded Mission tiles, and flatter interlocking shingles.   

Pros and cons of clay tiles

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of clay roof tiles.

Pros of clay roof tiles

Some of the pros of clay roof tiles include:

• Extremely long lifespan: With proper installation, clay tiles can last 50 to 100 years or more. They resist fire, insect damage, and severe weather conditions, making them suitable for Arizona’s extreme heat and monsoon rains.
• Low maintenance: Clay tiles don’t rot or warp, and they’re naturally resistant to mold and mildew. Besides occasional cleaning or replacing cracked tiles, they’re low maintenance and require minimal upkeep. 
• Energy efficiency: Clay naturally insulates against heat, helping keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This can translate to lower energy bills and a more comfortable home all year round. 
• Aesthetic appeal: Clay tiles have a classic style with timeless curb appeal. Their natural colors won’t fade and their variety of shapes suit everything from Mediterranean-style villas to Southwestern-style homes. 
• Sustainable material: Clay tiles are made from natural clay, making them recyclable and environmentally friendly. Their long lifespan also means fewer replacements and less waste over time. 

Cons of clay roof tiles

Some of the cons of clay roof tiles include:

• High upfront cost: Clay roof tiles are one of the more expensive roofing options, both in materials and labor. That said, they’re a worthwhile investment considering their durability, lifespan, and relatively low maintenance. 
• Heavy weight: Clay is significantly heavier than many other roofing materials, and not all homes are built to support the load. You may require additional structural support before installation. A professional roofer can assess your home’s structure to make sure it’s able to withstand the weight of clay tiles.
• Fragile under pressure: Although they’re known for their durability, clay tiles can crack under impact or if walked on improperly. Extra care is needed during repairs, inspections or any home addition that requires access to the roof. . 
• Require specialized installation: If you’re planning to go DIY, know that clay tiles are complex to install and require skilled roofing professionals. Improper installation can lead to leaks and void warranties. 
• Less suitable for cold climates: Clay can crack in areas with freeze-thaw cycles. While this is rarely a concern in most of Arizona, it’s something to consider if you live in a high-elevation area with colder winters. 

Similar Reading: Best Roof Types in Arizona for Homes and Businesses

What are concrete roof tiles?

Concrete roof tiles are made from a blend of cement, sand, water, and iron oxide pigment. This mixture is poured into molds and cured at high temperatures to form durable, weather-resistant roof tiles. 

Once they’ve hardened, concrete tiles can be manufactured in various colors, textures, and shapes, including styles that mimic the look of clay, wood shakes, or slate. 

Pros and cons of concrete tiles

Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of concrete roof tiles.

Pros of concrete tiles

Some of the pros of concrete tiles include:

• Durability: Concrete tiles are incredibly tough and can last 40 to 70 years with proper installation and upkeep. They’re also fire-resistant, able to withstand high winds, and less prone to cracking than clay. 
• Design versatility: Concrete tiles can be made to resemble more expensive materials like clay, slate, or wood. They can also be painted, which means they offer more color options than natural clay.
• Energy efficiency: Concrete tiles reduce heat transfer, which can help insulate homes in Arizona’s desert climate. This can lead to lower cooling costs in the summer.
• Lower cost: Compared to clay tiles, concrete is generally more affordable – both in terms of material and installation. This makes concrete tiles a good budget-friendly option. 
• Sustainability: Some concrete tiles are made from recyclable materials, making them an environmentally-friendly roofing option. 

Cons of concrete tiles

Some of the cons of concrete tiles include:

• Heavy weight: Concrete tiles are heavier than clay, so they sometimes require additional structural reinforcement. This can increase the overall cost of concrete tile installation. 
• Color fading: Unlike clay, which retains its natural color, concrete tiles can fade, stain, or weather unevenly over time, especially if they’re not sealed properly. This can affect the look of your roof in the long run. 
• Fragility: Although concrete is more durable than clay in many ways, it’s still a brittle material. Dropping a tile or walking on the roof can cause cracks or breakage, needing individual tiles to be replaced.
• Moisture retention: Concrete is slightly porous, which means concrete tiles absorb water over time. This can encourage the growth of moss or algae, especially if your roof is shaded.  

Difference between clay and concrete tiles

Now you know what clay and concrete tiles are, and the pros and cons of each option, let’s take a closer look at how the two compare side by side.

Weight

Clay and concrete tiles are both heavier than standard roofing materials like asphalt shingles, but concrete tiles are significantly heavier than clay. On average: 

• Concrete tiles weigh between 900 to 1,100 pounds per roofing square 
• Clay tiles weigh slightly less, at around 800 to 1,000 pounds per square foot.

This weight difference might seem minimal but it can have real implications for installation. For example, your home may be able to support clay tile but not equipped to bear the extra load of concrete. Either way, a structural assessment by a qualified roofing professional is essential before you install either roofing type. 

Composition and manufacturing

Clay tiles are made from natural clay that’s molded and fired at high temperatures. This process creates a dense, hard tile with a naturally rich color and exceptional longevity. 

Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are made by mixing cement, sand, and water, then poured into molds and cured. Iron oxide is often added for color, and the tiles can be painted in nearly any shade you like. 

Tile durability and lifespan 

Clay tiles have always been known for their exceptional longevity – clay tiles themselves can last more than 100 years with proper care. Concrete tiles are also durable, but their expected lifespan ranges from 40 to 70 years. 

Keep in mind that the underlayment between both tile types might require replacement every 20 to 30 years, especially in Arizona’s heat. This would require the tiles to be removed and reused, or replaced if damaged.

See More: Roof Underlayment 101: What is it & Why is it Important?

Weather resistance

Arizona has a demanding climate with high UV exposure, monsoons, and intense heat. Both clay and concrete tiles hold up well in this environment, but they still differ:

• Clay tiles have a lower water absorption rate of about 6%. This helps resist mold, mildew, and staining, and also means they’re less likely to become heavier when wet. 
• Concrete tiles absorb more moisture, about 13%. This can lead to faster wear, staining, or moss growth, meaning concrete tiles are likely to weather faster and might require more cleaning. 

That said, concrete tiles are slightly less brittle than clay. This means they might hold up better under impact from fallen branches or foot traffic. 

Energy efficiency

Both concrete and clay tiles are environmentally friendly and typically made from recyclable materials. 

Clay tiles have better thermal mass compared to concrete tiles, which means they absorb and release heat more gradually. This makes them more effective at keeping home’s cooler during the day and warmer at night, reducing the load on HVAC systems.

Concrete tiles can still provide insulation, but with slightly lower thermal performance. That said, their manufacturing process is more energy efficient and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to clay tile manufacturing. However, clay tiles are fully recyclable and can be reclaimed into the soil. 

Learn More: Four Ways Your Roof Can Cut Your Electric Bill

Aesthetics and color retention

Clay tiles have a natural, baked-in color that won’t fade over time. Although they usually come in terracotta shades, glazing can be added to produce other colors and finishes. Of course this generally results in a more expensive tile.

Concrete tiles have a lot more versatility when it comes to color and design. They can be made to look modern or traditional and painted in a wide range of colors and patterns. That said, painted concrete tiles can fade over time under Arizona’s intense sun. If individual tiles are repaired, it can make a roof look mismatched. 

Maintenance

Both concrete and clay tiles require occasional professional inspections and maintenance, but concrete tiles might need to be cleaned more often because they absorb water and can potentially stain. They’re also heavier and more prone to becoming brittle over time.

Clay tiles are low-maintenance and naturally resistant to mold and mildew, but they can crack easily if walked on. 

Costs

When it comes to cost, concrete tiles are generally more affordable compared to clay tiles. That said, when thinking about cost, it’s important to weigh up the long-term value of clay tiles. These tiles last longer and require less maintenance, which might make them more cost-effective over time. 

Clay vs concrete roof tiles: A comparison

So, how do the two roofing materials stack up? The table below summarizes the differences between these two roof tile options:

Are clay or concrete roof tiles better for Arizona homes?

At the end of the day, both clay and concrete roof tiles perform well in Arizona’s desert climate. The best option for you depends on your priorities, preferences, and budget.  

If you’re looking for long-term performance and a timeless look, clay tiles are ideal. These are the most long-lasting of all roofing materials, and their color stays just as strong throughout their lifespan. Besides that, they’re naturally heat resistant and lightweight, making them particularly well-suited for the hot, dry climate of Arizona. 

If you prefer a more budget-friendly option that’s still durable, concrete tiles might be the better option. They’re still strong and long-lasting, and they come with a wider range of colors and design options compared to clay tiles. However, it’s important to make sure your roof structure can handle the additional weight. 

Which is best for me?

If you’re still unsure which tile option is right for your roof, our team at Azul Roofing Solutions is here to help. We’ve been installing and repairing tile roofs across Arizona for more than a decade, and we’ll be happy to guide you through your options. 

Contact us today for a free roofing consultation and let’s find the best roofing solution for your home.