While tile isn’t the most common roofing material for homes in Florida, it is more popular here than in many other regions of the country. Tile can be a stylish addition to your home, and also one of the longest lasting roofing materials available. There are upsides to having a tile roof, but there are also some drawbacks, mostly dealing with higher cost and difficult installation, that you may want to consider before making such a large investment.
Tile roofs are as customizable as any other roofing material when it comes to shape, color and material. So, whether it’s concrete, clay or ceramic, here are the pros and cons of choosing a tile roof for your Florida home.
Pros
Long Lasting
Regardless of the material, a tile roof is made to withstand the natural elements and last a long time. Tile roofs are known to last decades longer than the average shingle roof, often 50 years or longer in some dryer climates. Tile roofs are made to withstand rain, hail and high winds, and are also fire proof. There’s a high probability that once you install a tile roof, it will last for the rest of your life, or at least as long as you own your home.
Stylish
Tile roofs are beautiful and exotic, and will help your home stand out from others in your neighborhood. Mimicking the Spanish architecture that is popular in South Florida, a tile roof provides your home with an upscale look and can increase the resale value of your home. There are also many styles and materials to choose from, and most modern tile doesn’t fade over time, meaning your roof could look like new for decades.
Low Long-Term Costs
Because tile roofs are element and fire proof, your homeowners insurance costs may be lower. Barring having to repair a cracked tile, there isn’t much you’ll need to do to maintain your tile roof when installed properly. Tile roofs are also more energy efficient than many other roofing styles, allowing you to regulate the temperature of your home more easily, saving you money in energy costs.
Cons
High Costs Up Front
Because they are energy efficient and long lasting, tile roofs can save you money on maintenance, insurance and energy costs in the long run. However, that great return on investment doesn’t come without a hefty price tag up front. The cost of a tile roof can vary depending on the materials used but it’s not uncommon for a tile roof to cost $20,000 or more. That’s more expensive than asphalt shingles and the installation is more expensive as well.
Replacement
Installing a tile roof isn’t easy, and neither is repairing one. Tile roofs often last longer than the building materials underneath them, meaning there could be high costs associated with eventually replacing sheathing, rafters or underlayment paper that sits underneath the roof.
Weight
Regardless of the material, tiles are much heavier than shingles. This means you will likely need to install reinforcements to your roof, or for the house if it doesn’t have an existing tile roof, to support the extra weight. When you have a tile roof installed on your home, you may be paying for more than a typical roofing job.
A tile roof can be a great addition to a home, but it’s not for everyone. If you’re considering a tile roof or have questions, call Tadlock Roofing at 855.964.7663 or email us at office@tadlockroofing.com. We’ll be glad to help you decide on a new roof that is the perfect fit for your home.
