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- The original roofing tiles were clay, or terracotta. The earth of the area gave the composition of the tile, and the different shapes arose from specific needs. Clay tiles are versatile and long lasting, as seen on the ancient buildings of Greece and Italy. Natural clay tiles are consistent in color and will not fade. Clay is cool, deflects the sun and helps keep summer heat out of the interior of a property.
- Concrete tiles are manufactured to look like clay tiles. They are stronger than clay tiles. The base color is concrete and the tile finishing gives a color that is bonded to the surface but will fade from the sun after several years. Concrete tiles are heavy and require a strong base. Concrete tiles are manufactured around the world and are less expensive than clay.
- Natural slate tiles last for centuries. Their color is consistent throughout and will not fade. Slate tiles are flat slabs, overlapped and nailed to a roof base. Galvanized steel or copper nails are used to attach the tiles to the roof to prevent rust from the nails deteriorating the slate. Slate has a low water absorption rate making it resistant to frost and damaging freezing temperatures. The lifespan of a quality slate roof is approximately 80 to 100 years.
- Metal roofing tiles are becoming popular in hot climates where the sun beats down and warms the interior of a property. Metal roofing tiles deflect the sun and heat. They are lighter than clay or concrete, durable and won't fly away during high winds or hurricanes. Galvanized steel is a metal tile that is inexpensive to use and can last up to 25 years. However, it tends to rust. Aluminum is more expensive but long-lasting. Copper is the most expensive of the metal tiles you can purchase but the bright color of the copper fades to a brown-green after time.
Clay Tiles
Concrete Tiles
Slate Tiles
Metal Tiles
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