How can you tell the difference between clay and concrete roof tiles?

How can you tell if a roof is clay tile?

How to tell the differences between terracotta and concrete roof tiles: Terracotta roof tiles are lighter – compared to concrete roof tiles, clay roof tiles are lighter by up to 40%. This allows them to be installed on lighter roof structures that cannot support the weight of concrete roof tiles.

What sort of roof tile do I have?

Determine which profile the tile is.

Turn the tile back over with the right side up to check the profile. Many tiles have a hump in the centre of the tile with a flat section either side. If this is your type of tile then measure the flat section. It should be either 15mm or 60mm.

What is the difference between concrete and clay?

Concrete bricks are typically formed in molds using hydraulic pressure while clay bricks are typically extruded through a die. Concrete bricks are cured through a chemical reaction between the water and cement.

How do you know if your roof is terracotta?

One of the defining aspects of terracotta roof tiles is the dark orange color from the baked clay. The kiln-fired process of making these tiles can lock in their color and long-lasting durability.

Tile Roof Review - Concrete vs Clay

How can you tell clay tile from concrete tile?

What is the difference between terracotta and concrete roof tiles?

Concrete is a bit heavier than terracotta, and may require the need for structural reinforcement of the roof, also, the colours on concrete tiles don't last as long as the glazed and enamelled terracotta tiles, which colours last indefinitely.

Can you paint clay roof tiles?

Certain roof tile materials can be painted, but not all. Concrete, slate, and clay tiles can all be painted. Terracotta roof tiles, however, cannot be painted. If you're looking to refresh the appearance of your roof, then painting it may be the best option.

What are clay and concrete tiles?

Concrete tiles are made from a mixture of cement, sand and water, whilst clay is a naturally occurring substance. Concrete tiles are naturally grey but can be produced in many different colours to match the appearance of other existing tiles or materials.

How long do clay roof tiles last?

Clay Tile Roof Lifespan

Clay tiles wear very well all year long, and when installed and maintained correctly, can last as long as 100 years or more. While clay tiles can be more expensive than concrete roof tiles, their longevity, energy-efficiency and excellent curb appeal make them a great investment for a property.

What are the 3 most common roofing tiles?

The most common materials used in metal roof tiles are copper, aluminum, zinc and steel. Of these materials, steel and aluminum are the most popular.

Do concrete roof tiles fade?

While concrete roof tiles do come in a variety of styles and designs they can fade very quickly especially when exposed to harsh weather.

What are the different types of roof tiles?

Can you walk on a clay tile roof?

Broken tiles can easily compromise the roof's integrity, leading to structural and roofing damage and costly repairs. Therefore, to protect your expensive investment, you should avoid walking on your clay roof, leaving inspections, maintenance, and repairs to the roofing professionals.

How thick are clay roof tiles?

Tile thickness : 13mm. Hanging length : 255mm approximately. Coverage : 60 tiles/m2 below 90°.

What are my roof tiles made of?

Tiles are produced from either concrete or clay and are available in a wide range of designs and colours, which makes them more suited to modern houses than slates. Whether you choose concrete or clay tiles, the tiles will have a life expectancy of 50 years and will be of equal durability and resistance.

What are concrete roof tiles made of?

Concrete roof tiles are made from a mixture of water, sand, and cement, which is molded under high pressure and heat. The surface color is made by using a paint like material designed for concrete applications.

What is clay tile roof?

Clay roof tiling can provide homeowners with a durable and aesthetically pleasant exterior. Some clay roofs can last for a century, and many require only a minimal amount of maintenance. That makes clay a viable option compared to similar materials like terra cotta, fired clay, molded concrete or slate.

How long do concrete roof tiles last?

While clay roof tiles have been used on roofs for centuries, concrete tiles have become more widespread over the last half a century. Manufacturers of both clay and concrete roof tiles typically guarantee their products for 30 years but often suggest that 60 years is a reasonable expectation of their service life.

Is painting concrete roof tiles a good idea?

Pro – Painting is better than replacing

Some paints can resurface metal surfaces or concrete tiles, and even seal the roof's porous tiles to prevent a build-up of moisture.

Should you seal terracotta roof tiles?

Terracotta roof tiles which have glazing evident should not be sealed; painted or coated as an application such as this would have trouble with any mechanical adhesion. Any one promoting the re-glazing/sealing/painting of terracotta roofing tiles should be avoided.

What is a disadvantage of clay tile roofing?

A downside to clay tiles is that they're not completely wind resistant. They have higher wind resistance than other roofing materials but they can still move around or fall off your roof in high winds.

Is clay tiles the same as terracotta?

The main difference between clay and terracotta is that clay has various colours ranging from white to grey to brown to deep red or orange while terracotta has a distinct red and orange hues. Clay is an earthy material that contains fine particles of hydrous aluminium silicates and other minerals.

Do clay roof tiles fade?

“A natural clay roof delivers a character and richness that will last for the lifetime of the tiles, even mellowing and improving over time, while a concrete roof will tend to fade over the years.