Tile Roofing
The Complete guide
Understanding Commercial Tile Roofing
If your tile roof is leaking or if you have storm or hail damage on your tile roof, you landed in the right place.
This guide is for you.
In this roof tile guide ››
You're going to learn everything you need to know about:
- The different types of roof tile materials
- The different types of roof tile shapes
- Color options with roof tiles
- How to select a tile roofing
contractor - And lots more
Let's dive right in.
Roof Tile Material Types
What is Tile Roofing?
Tile roofing offers one of the most beautiful (and most popular) roof options for church and property owners looking for the longest life out of their roof.
And when installed properly - some tile roofs can last 100 years or longer.
So what is a tile roof?
A tile roofing system consists of overlapping roof tiles securely attached to a solid substrate or roof deck on a sloped roof.
Tile roofing is a very specialized field of roof installation...
And requires a contractor that is experienced in working with and installing roof tiles of various materials and shapes.
Tile roofs are installed on all kinds of residential, commercial, and historical properties - from restaurants and resorts to museums and churches.
To get started, let's take a look at the primary roof tile types - starting with the types of materials used to manufacture roof tiles.
Roof Tile Styles & Shapes
Spanish Roof Tiles
Spanish roof tiles are a form of "barrel roof tile" that have a wavy "S" shape.
When it comes to tile roofing, these roof tiles create one of the most commonly recognized tile roof designs.
A distinctive pattern of ripples across the roof.
Mission Roof Tiles
Mission roof tiles are sometimes called "true barrel tiles."
A mission tile roof system includes separate barrels installed to form alternating concave and convex shapes on the roof.
Mission tile roof systems may include curved barrels top and bottom or curved barrels and flat pans.
Mission roof tile styles include: Greek, Italia, Palm Beach, Tapered Barrel, Straight Barrel, Roman.
Flat Shingle Roof Tiles
Flat roof tiles can be include interlocking edges or not.
Shingle tile does not interlock. These roofing systems offer the ability to get very creative.
Check out the unique roof design created with the multi-color and multi-dimentional roof pattern of these clay shingle roof tiles.
Interlocking Roof Tiles
Interlocking roof tiles typically include a channel on one or two sides of the tile.
This channel interlocks with a lip formed into tiles next to and above it to create a strong connection.
Interlocking roof tiles help with installation efficiencies and create beautiful lines on buildings. They come in many different shapes, sizes, and colors.
Shake Roof Tiles
The texture and look of a wood shake roof is very popular.
For that reason tile manufacturers create simulated wood shake shingles from clay, concrete, composite, and steel.
Here is an example of a shake roof tile.
Scalloped Roof Tiles
Scalloped roof tiles can create a very unique look.
As the name implies, scalloped roof tiles include a curved bottom edge.
When installed, they give the roof a fish scale appearance.
Asphalt Shingle FAQs
How long do roof tiles last?
In the absence of catastrophic hail damage, many clay and slate tile roofs can last 100 years or longer. In fact, there are multiple examples of tiled roofs in Europe that are over 400 years old. As a testament to clay tile's durability, some tile manufacturers warrant their products for 75 years.
How do you walk on a tile roof?
First, we recommend that you do not walk on a tile roof, unless you are a trained roofing professional with experience in tile roofing. Overlapping roof tiles are prone to break under load. However, if you must walk on a tile roof, we recommend stepping near the edges on overlap areas that are supported directly underneath. When walking on barrel tiles, try to walk on peaks and avoid stepping in valleys.
Can you paint roof tiles?
Yes, you can paint certain roof tiles. However, proceed with caution. Some terracotta tiles are glazed during manufacturing. As soon as you paint a tile roof, you must maintain the coatings. Otherwise, as the paint chips off over time, the roof looks bad. The best clay roof tiles include very durable "fired in" color schemes that last for decades. If you are considering painting your tile roof, talk to a tile roofing expert.
Can you tile a flat roof?
Tile roofing systems require a slope. Using roofing tiles on a flat roof is generally not recommended.
What are roofing tiles made of?
Roofing tiles are made from lots of different materials. Roof tile materials include: terracotta clay, ceramic, slate, concrete, steel, aluminum, copper, plastic, composite, polymer sand, and others.
Can you replace a shingle roof with a tile roof?
Yes, in many cases you can replace a shingle roof with a tile roof. However, when choosing your next roof system material, weight is a consideration. It's important that your structure is designed or reinforced to handle the heavier weights associated with certain roof tiles. If you roof structure cannot handle the weight of clay or concrete, there are lighter weight tile alternatives.