3 Types of Tile Roofs and the Pros & Cons of Each in Arizona

tile roof inspection in phoenixWhen you look across your neighborhood here in Phoenix, Arizona, chances are there's a decent number of houses that have tile roofs. There's a good reason for their popularity here in the Valley of the Sun, too. They're aesthetically pleasing and fit in well with our southwestern architecture, they're fairly durable under the elements, and the tiles themselves can last a long time, too.

With the popularity of tile roofs always a constant, we thought it'd be beneficial to write an informational blog about the most common types of tile roofs, and the pros and cons to installing one. 

If you have a tile roof, read on to learn more about what protects the valuables inside and outside your home. If you don't have a tile roof but are interested in installing one, read on to discover thee important factors to consider. And if you're in need of an inspectionregardless of your roof materialcontact us to schedule your evaluation today.

 

Types of Tile Roofs in Arizona

There are three main types of tile roofs commonly found here in Arizona. They are concrete tiles, clay tiles, and sandcast tiles. 

Concrete Tiles

Sometimes called cement tiles, concrete tiles are the most popular option when it comes to tile roofs in Arizona. These are more cost-effective than clay tiles and can also be molded into a number of different shapes—some can even be made to look like wood shake roofs.  Most newer homes will have concrete tiles installed.

Clay Tiles

This a traditional option when it comes to tile roofs. A few notable benefits to this tile is they are less likely to fade in the sun, come in many color options, and last longer than other tiles on the market.  However, they are more expensive than concrete tiles and much more labor intensive to install.

Sandcast Tiles

Out of the three main options on our list, this one is the most fragile and most expensive, which is why we typically recommend against installing it versus the other choices. A number of tiles can break during installation, and they are prone to fracture during severe weather. 


Pros to Tile Roofs

A reason why tile roofs are so common is for the many benefits they offer to homeowners. The length of life, aesthetics, and innovation are just a couple of positives.

Length of Life

Homeowners who have a tile roof reap one of the biggest benefits of this type of roof: a long lifespan. Tile roofs can last anywhere between 30-50 years with proper care and maintenance.

new clay tile roof-2Aesthetics

Here in Arizona, another reason why tile roofs are popular because of their aesthetics. They fit in well with southwestern architecture, but they can also mix in with more modern tastes as well. Tiles also come in a large variety of color, so you can find the perfect one to match your house.

Innovation in Design

Tile roofs have seen improvements and innovation that have also added to their popularity. As mentioned earlier, there are tile shingles that can be made to look like wood shake roofs. So depending on the specific look you want for your home, tile roofs might be a good option to help you achieve it.

 

Cons to Tile Roofs

With anything good, there is usually a little dose of bad to come along with it. The weight, fragility, and price of tile roofs are the most common complaints about this roofing system.

Weight

Tile roofs are heavy due to the density of the tiles themselves. Sometimes homeowners want to switch from asphalt shingles to tiles, but are limited with their choices because of the weight. If your roof wasn't originally tile, it could experience structural issues if you switch to this material. 

Fragility

Tiles are more fragile than other types of roofing materials. When you compare an asphalt shingle with a tile, there's a stark difference in how easily they break. This can become an issue if you hire an inexperienced HVAC, plumbing or other contractor that may break tiles as they work on your roof. 

Price

Another negative to tile roofs is their price tag. They are on the higher end of cost when comparing all types of roofs in Arizona. While the tiles themselves last decades with the right maintenance, the underlayment that sits between your roof and the tiles will need to be replaced every 15-25 years. 

 

Free Arizona Roof Inspection

No matter what type of roof you have, scheduling regular roof inspections every 2-3 years is recommended to ensure there aren't any small issues that could grow into major headaches.

If you'd like a free inspection for your roof, contact our team! We'll ensure your roof is in tip-top shape for decades to come.

Request a Free Roof Inspection