The Problems You Might Encounter With Concrete Roof Tile​s

There are a lot of advantages to having tile roofing on your home and quite a few reasons people choose concrete roof tiles for their homes in particular. Many people love the style and aesthetic appeal of concrete roof tiles as well as their overall durability. Concrete roof tiles have great longevity and can last 50 years or more. These roofing materials will stand the test of time. In addition to this, these tiles are also pretty eco-friendly, both because they last so long and because they're made of natural, recyclable materials. 

Despite their advantages, however, concrete roof tiles aren't perfect. Like with any roofing material, you'll want to carefully evaluate the pros and cons of using these materials before deciding to install them on your home. For starters, concrete roof tiles come with high maintenance needs. They can also be susceptible to deteriorating over time, and the weight of this roofing material can leave a lot to be desired. Concrete roof tiles weigh quite a bit when compared to other roofing materials such as metal, asphalt, and clay. They may weigh between 820 and 1,100 lb for every 100 square feet. This weight could be too much for some homes to support and may cause structural problems, so installing them isn't an option for every home or building.

Although there are great appearance and style options for concrete tile, they will deteriorate over time as they age and come into contact with adverse weather. The maintenance needs of concrete roof tiles are high and sometimes replacement of tiles will be necessary. Water, hail, and fallen tree branches can damage the concrete while the porous material may collect moisture — this can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. That's not good for the continued structural health of your roof.

Also, keep in mind that the underlayment of concrete roof tiles won't last as long as the tiles themselves — they'll last around 20 years instead of 50, so you'll eventually need to replace them. Finally, while concrete is durable and stands up well against fire, it can experience problems in cold conditions, where they may become brittle. While concrete roofing tiles are still a good option and have some distinct advantages, be sure that you understand their drawbacks and consider other types of roofing materials before making a final choice for your home.