Tile Roofs
In part one, we discussed the return on investment for a metal roof and we covered slate roofs in part two. In this post, we examine how tile roofs compare in terms of its return on investment.
First used as early as the 3rd millennium BC in Greece, roofing tiles are now available in clay or concrete. Although not as popular as metal or slate, tile is steadily gaining popularity across North America. Anyone living under a tile roof has a plethora of advantages to look forward to.
Efficient Lifecycle
According to the Tile Roofing Institute, tile roofs have the lowest lifecycle costs among all roofing materials. Tile can last for up to 100 years, while requiring little to no repairs or replacements.
Weather Protection
Tile roofs are heavy, and this weight contributes to the weather protection capabilities of tile roofs. Moisture penetration, heavy snow, extreme heat, and other elements do not readily damage the material. In addition, the Tile Roofing Institute says that with the right installation, tile roofs can help sustain winds of up to 150mph. They even meet seismic load requirements.
Color Retention
Tile roofs maintain their color for a long time, requiring no refinishing or repainting. Softening may happen after constant exposure to the elements, but this is still less seen in tile roofs than in other roofing materials.
Energy Efficiency
Roofing tiles feature two important mechanisms important to energy efficiency: natural thermal mass for higher resistance, and ventilation. A study by the Tile Roofing Institute and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory further proves the benefits of tile roofs’ natural ventilation. Findings show that, when properly installed, a tile roof can reduce heat transfer from the roof to the attic by about 50%. Homes in warmer climates can especially benefit from this during the summer months.
Metal, slate and tile roofs all make for great investments. And a homeowner who chooses to run with any of the three can look forward to huge savings over the long term – both in time and money. Just make sure that you hire the right contractor so your roof replacement is done properly and you realize your full return on investment.
