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10 Types of Roof Tiles for Homes

Posted November 23, 2022 by Jerry Becker
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Most roofs need replacing every 20 to 30 years. If you are in need of a roof replacement, or even a roof repair, then you may want to consider tiles.

There are many different types of roof tiles for you to choose from, making it a great option for any new roof. Read on to discover 10 of the most popular roof tile types.

1. Metal

Metal roof tiles are growing in popularity for homeowners. Popular materials for metal roof tiles include zinc, steel, aluminum, and copper. Metal roof tiles are incredibly easy to install due to them being lightweight and durable. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are, therefore very easily customizable to your own personal taste. 

It is important to note, however, that metal roofing can be loud and easily dented. It is also not great for insulation purposes as it is a conductor of outside temperature. 

2. Clay

Clay roof tiles have been around for centuries, and for a good reason. It is a heavy and durable material that comes in a variety of beautiful colors and often come in the shape of barrel or flat tiles. They are great for absorbing water and keeping heat in.

Many people steer clear of clay roofing as it can be fragile and easy-to-break if not installed correctly. It is also a heavy material, making it expensive and difficult to install. You may also need to reinforce your roof’s structure before installing a roof with clay tile.

3. Ceramic

Ceramic roof tiles are one of the most durable tile materials on the market today. They have an incredible ability to withstand harsh weather conditions while still looking very elegant. Ceramic tiles are also very eco-friendly as they consist of natural, recyclable materials.

One downside of ceramic tiles is that they are very costly. On average, ceramic tiles range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 per square.

4. Synthetic Cedar Shake 

One of our most popular roofing materials is synthetic cedar shake. This material gives the appearance of natural wood and is extremely easy to install. It is environmentally friendly and incredibly durable to withstand inclement weather. 

Here at Roof Life of Oregon, we use Brava cedar shake roof tile. This is the best alternative to real cedar shakes. 

5. Porcelain

If you are looking for a unique roofing material, then you may want to consider porcelain tile. Porcelain tile is highly resistant to cold weather conditions such as frost or snow, making it perfect for Portland winters. It also lasts for a long time without signs of wear and tear.

The major drawback to porcelain tile is that it can be hard to install. Because of this difficulty during installation, it can be very pricey. 

6. Slate

Slate tile is made from natural stone and adds a beautiful touch to any roof. There are many different color options for you to choose from when it comes to slate roofing. It is one of the most durable and long-lasting roofing materials and one of the only roofing materials that looks better with age.

Because it is so durable, it is also very heavy. Slate roofing installation requires the whole structure to be reinforced to hold the extra weight this material brings. Therefore, it is expensive to both install and repair.

7. Synthetic Slate

If you like the look of slate but don’t want to pay the hefty price tag or keep up with the maintenance, then you may want to consider synthetic slate.

Synthetic slate tile gives your roof a beautiful natural quarried texture. These roof tiles may look heavy, but they are actually quite lightweight, making them easy to install and affordable. You will not need to reinforce the whole structure of your roof like you would have to with regular slate tiles.

Even though these tiles are lighter, they still have a Class 4 impact rating and are fire resistant. With synthetic slate, you can get the benefits of slate roofing without all of the hassle.

8. Synthetic Spanish Barrel

If you love the look of Spanish-style roofing, then you need to know about synthetic Spanish barrel tiles. These tiles are in a semi-cylindrical shape and lie in an interlocking pattern.

Similar to synthetic slate, synthetic Spanish barrel roofing is much more practical than the real thing. It is lightweight, yet still durable and easy-to-maintain. Synthetic Spanish barrel roofing can last you for years to come.

9. Concrete

Concrete roof tiles are one of the least expensive types of tiles around today due to the abundance of the material. These tiles are made to look like wood shakes and clay tiles and make for a beautiful roof overall.

Just like slate, you will have to reinforce your entire roof structure before installing a concrete roof. It is a heavyweight material that requires strong support. It is also difficult to install and requires a lot of maintenance and upkeep.

10. Glass

Glass is one of the less-common roof tile types around today. Glass tiles can be used on their own or paired with solar tiles. They are often used for decorative purposes on small parts of the roof rather than on the entire roof.

Glass tile is easy to install but isn’t one of the most weather-resistant materials. It has been known to crack or break in extreme inclement weather.

Consider These Types of Roof Tiles Today

There are many different types of roof tiles to choose from, and Roof Life of Oregon is here to help you install them. We offer synthetic cedar shake, synthetic slate, and synthetic barrel tiles. All of our tile materials are incredibly durable and fire-resistant.

In addition to roof installation, we can also help you with roof inspection, maintenance and repairs. Feel free to contact us today for any and all of your roofing needs.

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