A Comprehensive Guide to Types of Roofing Tiles

Let's dive into the world of roofing tiles, where functionality meets style. Clay tiles are a popular choice for their durability and resistance to weathering, with some lasting up to 50 years.

They come in a variety of styles, from traditional Spanish tiles to modern flat tiles. The weight of clay tiles can be a concern for some homeowners, with a single tile weighing around 5-10 pounds.

Clay tiles are also known for their fire resistance and can withstand extreme temperatures. Some clay tiles are even treated with a glaze to enhance their appearance and durability.

Slate tiles, on the other hand, are a premium option prized for their natural beauty and longevity, with some lasting up to 100 years.

There are many types of roofing tiles to choose from, and each has its own unique characteristics. Clay roof tiles, for example, have been a staple for centuries in areas where slate isn't available, and they're excellent in high-salt areas.

Clay roof tiles are also easy to replace and come in a variety of colors and shapes. The classic terracotta roof suits almost every home.

Some popular types of roofing tiles include:

Each of these materials has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it's essential to choose the right one for your home and climate.

Let's dive into the world of roofing tiles and explore the different types available. Ceramic tiles are one of the most durable options, with the ability to withstand harsh weather conditions while looking elegant. They're also eco-friendly, made from natural and recyclable materials.

Ceramic tiles can be pricey, ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 per square. Clay tiles, on the other hand, have been a staple for centuries, particularly in areas where slate isn't available. They're excellent in high-salt areas and come in a variety of colors and shapes.

Clay tiles are made from natural materials found worldwide and are now produced in large quantities. Most clay tile roofs are made with either flat or barrel tiles. If you're looking for a classic luxury type of tile roof, clay tiles are a great option, with an unmatched lifespan of over a century in some cases.

Clay tiles can withstand hurricane winds exceeding 150mph, making them a great choice for areas prone to extreme weather. They're also aesthetically pleasing, with a timeless elegance that suits virtually any home. However, clay tiles can be pricey, costing up to $21 per square foot.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of roof tiles:

Barrel tiles, also known as mission tiles, have a curved shape that forms a wave pattern. They're attractive and create dimension on a roof. French tiles, on the other hand, have valleys that create unmatched drainage, making them a great choice for areas prone to rain.

Concrete tiles have a long history, dating back to the 1840s when Adolph Kroher developed the first known concrete tiles in Bavaria.

Kroher's innovative design featured a diamond-shaped interlocking pattern, which became one of his company's primary profiles. He also manufactured a concrete pantile similar to the Scandinavian style of clay tile.

Concrete tiles were initially popular in Germany, but their widespread adoption was hindered by their porosity and color impermanence. Researchers considered them inferior to clay tiles due to these fundamental weaknesses.

Despite these limitations, concrete tiles became more affordable to produce at scale, driving their growth and spread internationally throughout the early 20th century.

Shingle / Flat tiles are one of the simplest designs of roof tile, consisting of overlapping slabs installed in the same manner as traditional shingles. They're usually held in place by nails or screws at their top.

The earliest known sites for the production of roof tile are near the Fishbourne Roman Palace, where early tiles followed the Roman imbrex and tebula style. This style was later adopted in Britain after the Roman conquest in AD 43.

Flat shingle tiles became common during the Medieval period due to their ease of manufacture. They were initially used on abbeys and royal palaces, but later encouraged in Medieval towns as a means of preventing the spread of fire.

A different take: Wood Shingle Roofing

Slate tile is a type of flat tile that falls into this category, featuring a squared base. English clay tiles are another example of flat tiles with a squared base.

The Scandinavian style of roof tile is a variation on the pantile, featuring a subdued "S" shape reminiscent of an ocean wave. This style was developed in response to city rulers in Holland requiring the use of fireproof materials in the 1500s.

The imbrex and tegula are overlapping tiles that were used by many ancient cultures, including the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese.

The tegula is a flat tile laid against the surface of the roof. Over time, designers added ridges along their edges to channel water away from the gaps between tiles.

The imbrex is a semi-cylindrical tile laid over the joints between tegulae, fitting snugly into place to prevent water from seeping through.

Roofing tile styles can be affected by the climate, as seen in Florida's rainy season where the way tiles move water off the roof can impact its durability.

Interlocking roof tiles can be prone to frost in cold climates, as shown in Britain.

Some tile roofs are installed without underlayment or understructure, like the one in Brazil.

Spanish tiles are a popular choice for roofing, and it's easy to see why - they're simple to install and create a unique rippled look on your roof.

Their one-piece, S-shaped design makes them much easier to install compared to other types of tiles, which can be a significant cost savings.

Clay roof tiles have historically been red, orange, or tan in color due to the clay composition. Some cultures, like those in Asia, have used glazes to achieve a wide range of colors.

The color variation on matte clay tiles was originally caused by kiln firing temperature and atmospheric conditions. However, many producers have shifted away from this process due to the resulting high porosity and lower breaking strength.

Engobes are now commonly used to replicate the appearance of historic firing variation, providing a range of matte colors while allowing consistent firing conditions. This makes them a reliable choice for achieving a desired color.

Slate tiles get their color from the amount and type of iron and organic material present, often resulting in shades of gray, green, red, black, purple, and brown.

Roofing tiles come in a wide range of styles and designs, and one of the most distinctive is the interlocking tile. Dating back to the 1840s, interlocking tiles are known for their unique ridges that allow them to fit together seamlessly.

These tiles are often designed to imitate other patterns, such as flat shingles or pantiles, which can make them difficult to identify from the ground without a closer inspection.

Let's take a look at some examples of interlocking tiles from around the world:

Each of these examples showcases the versatility and variety of interlocking tiles, which can be manufactured on a large scale with a tile press.

An antefix is a vertical block that terminates and conceals the base of a mission, imbrex and tegula, or pantile roof.

They are commonly a fixture of Greek and Roman tile roofs.

In the Sunshine State, clay and concrete roof tiles are the most popular options, and for good reason - they're both excellent choices depending on your budget and preferences.

Clay tiles are a great option for those who want a premium look and feel, but they can be more expensive than concrete tiles.

Concrete tiles, on the other hand, are a more affordable option that still offers great durability and protection for your home.

Synthetic tile roofs have gained popularity due to their low maintenance requirements and cost savings compared to some premium alternatives.

Synthetic tiles are also incredibly durable, providing robust protection against environmental conditions and potentially extending the lifespan of your roof.

However, it's worth noting that synthetic tiles have a lower fire resistance rating, typically achieving a Class C rating, rather than the more desirable Class A.

Composite tile roofs are a great option for those who want a balance of durability and cost-effectiveness, but they can be more expensive than other roofing options.

Composite tile roofs are also known for their exceptional durability and can withstand various inclement weather conditions, ensuring your home stays protected for years to come.

Roofing tile features are designed to withstand various weather conditions.

Some roofing tiles are made from clay, which is a natural and durable material.

These tiles are often glazed to provide additional protection against water and sun damage.

Other roofing tiles are made from concrete, which is a strong and versatile material.

Concrete tiles can be molded into various shapes and sizes to fit different roofing needs.

A fresh viewpoint: What Is Roofing Membrane

Porosity is a critical factor to consider when evaluating roofing tiles. High porosity can lead to water intrusion and absorption, causing damage over time.

Tiles with porosity above 2% are prone to water infiltration, which can be disastrous in climates with freeze-thaw conditions or salt air intrusion. In such environments, water can expand by up to 9% upon freezing, exerting pressure that causes cracks to grow.

Clay tile porosity can vary greatly depending on production quality, but some manufacturers achieve less than 2% moisture absorption. This is a significant advantage over other types of tiles.

Concrete roof tiles, on the other hand, typically feature around 13% moisture absorption, requiring periodic resealing every 3-7 years to prevent critical failure. This is due to the inherent porosity of cement.

A common misconception is that applying a glaze to a porous clay tile can make it waterproof. However, studies have shown that this is not the case, and water will still permeate the tile over time.

Porosity levels in different types of roofing tiles are as follows:

When installing a tile roof, you'll need to seal gaps along the ridge and edges of the roof with fittings and trim pieces.

Tile roofs require fittings and trim pieces, as mentioned earlier, to seal gaps along the ridge and edges of a roof.

Broaden your view: Ridge of a Roof