The Pros and Cons of Tile Roofing
Whether you’re looking to replace your roof due to damage or old age, you’ll want to do your due diligence comparing roof installation products and techniques. At Mitchell Roofing Company, we offer shingle, metal, and tile roofs, but one option many St. Petersburg homeowners choose is tile. Tile roofs are the quintessential tropical roof style, are very aesthetically pleasing, and complement a variety of home styles. However, before you decide to install a tile roof, compare the pros and cons to ensure it’s best for your home.
Pros of Tile Roofing in Florida
Florida homeowners face challenges year-round, trying to protect their home from the sun, heavy rain, strong winds, and occasional hurricanes. Tile is the most popular roofing material throughout the entire world, and for good reasons:
- Tile roofs are durable and weather-resistant – Clay and concrete tiles are among the most popular roof types in Florida because of their ability to stand up to high winds, fire, and water. It’s also a great choice for a coastal structure.
- Tile roofs can help reduce energy costs and are environmentally friendly – Because of the gap under the tiles, tile roofing installed by Mitchell Roofing Company can help block the sun’s heat from transferring into the attic, thereby reducing your reliance on your air conditioning, lowering your cooling costs significantly.
- Tile roofs come in a wide variety of styles and colors – Clay tiles are manufactured with a beautiful array of sun-soaked colors making it easy to coordinate with your existing exterior colors. They can also match most architectural styles and emulate traditional barrel style or other roofing materials such as wood or slate.
- Tile roofs last a long time – A brand new tile roof will last a lifetime. In fact, it isn’t unheard of for tile roofs to last upwards of 50 years.
Cons of Tile Roofing in Florida
Different roof types present different challenges when it comes to dealing with the elements. While tile roofs have many advantages, they also have their disadvantages – like all roofing materials. Here are some disadvantages of tile roofs to consider when you’re looking to replace your roof:
- Tile roofing is costly – Clay or concrete roof tiles can cost twice as much as asphalt shingles. However, remember you’re paying for durability, longevity, and curb appeal. Over the long-term, you’ll save money on maintenance costs and replacement.
- Tile is a heavy roofing material – Because of how heavy a tile roof can be, it’s important for your home to have the proper structural reinforcement to safely support it. This is why it’s important to hire an experienced roofer from Mitchell Roofing Company who can verify that your home can hold the weight.
- Tile can get dirty – With Florida’s lowline environment, algae growth is common. Tile roofs offer an area for algae growth to spread, creating dark streaking.
- Tile install is critical – In order for a tile roof to be correctly installed, specialty flashings specifically designed for tiles roofs must be installed. It’s critical for a professional to install a tile roof properly.
When choosing a material for your roof replacement, it’s important to look at both the pros and cons of the many options available to you. Tile roofs are a very popular option due to their many benefits, but there are also other things to consider. For professional roofing advice, turn to Mitchell Roofing Company. We’re certified, experienced, and reputable Florida roofers in the St. Petersburg area. Contact us at Mitchell Roofing Company to speak with one of our roofing experts today.