Last Updated on May 3, 2024
Clay Tile Roofs in Springfield, MO and Branson
While clay tiles (or terra cotta tiles) are not as popular in the Springfield, MO and Branson area, or really this part of the country, there are areas in Springfield with a few good examples. They are more common in the southwest, and Cook Roofing Co has installed many different types of tile roofs there. Not many local roofing companies will have much experience with clay tiles around here, so we’re likely the best roofer in the Springfield, MO for tiles.
Clay Tile Roof Replacement
If 2020 is the year you’d like to see what it would take to replace your existing clay tile roof, or perhaps upgrade your shingle roof to clay tile, contact us using the form to the right. You can also call us at (417) 334-4238. We’ll come out, evaluate and measure your roof, and see what it would take to proceed.
Clay Tile Roof Repair
We can also repair clay tile roofs. Missing and broken tiles are fairly common, between someone walking on them and accidentally breaking one, or wind, tree branches – even baseballs! The key is to find matching tiles. Some companies will only run a tile mold for 10 years or so, and then discontinue it. But we can submit a sample and find out whether it’s still available, and where.
Storm Damage to Clay Tile Roofs
Keep in mind that if you have storm damage – hail, wind, trees, etc – you may have insurance coverage that covers the repairs and possibly the whole roof, if that’s what is needed to repair the damage. We can help you navigate the insurance claims process. Contact us today, it’s easy and there’s no obligation!
Clay Roofing Tile – All You Need to Know
Clay tile roofs have been used for many centuries. In fact, they were used thousands of years ago with the earliest usage of clay tile roofs traced to Roman times. Also, clay tile roofs were used in the Mediterranean region thousands of years ago, and the Ottoman Empire also used these tiles.
Therefore, if we were to go with history, we can say that the world has been using clay tile roofs for centuries now. And the important thing is that even today, clay tile roofs are one of the most preferred roofing materials- they have never gone out of fashion.
A large portion of homes use clay tile roofs today, and chances are that clay will remain a popular roofing material in the next century to come, well, unless the earth runs out of clay, which is not possible.
If you intend to use clay tile roofs for your home, you are guaranteed a durable, aesthetically-appealing roof as long as you work with reliable roofing contractors.
In this post, we will talk about the benefits of having a clay tile roof and the styles you can consider installing if you are interested in this type of roof.
Let’s get started.
Benefits of Clay Tile Roofing
1. Supreme Durability
Old houses with clay tile roofs are a testament that, indeed, clay roofing can last for decades and still retain its aesthetic appeal. Clay tile roofs are not only durable but also long-lasting. As compared to shingle roof tiles that call for a replacement every decade, clay roof tiles can last up to a century.
In fact, clay tile roofs made in this modern era have become better and more durable. They can resist even the extremes of weather. If you can have them installed by roofing experts, even hurricanes and hailstones cannot damage your tiles. Yes, that’s how strong they are.
In addition to being durable and long-lasting, these roofing materials offer a lot of ventilation. Therefore, your house will feel fresh, warm, and cooler throughout the year since they allow air circulation.
2. Environmentally Friendly
Clay tiles are an ideal green roofing option as they are made from earth minerals and not chemicals. They can also get easily recycled, which means there will be less waste when the roof is being demolished.
In addition to this, clay roofing tools are energy efficient thanks to several characteristics, including emitting thermal heat, solar reflectance, and permitting airflow. All these characteristics help to keep your home warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The curve shape of clay also permits ventilation. Hot air is not trapped in between clay tiles during hot weather, and their heavy thermal mass helps to insulate your home during colder months.
3. Variety of styles and curb appeal
The wide variety of colors and styles available of clay tiles allows for different roofing solutions to both commercial and residential owners looking to install a new roof.
Clay tiles are aesthetically appealing, and will, therefore, boost the curb appeal of your commercial structure or home. The wide variety of styles allows clay tiles to be used for different building types.
Speaking of styles, let’s talk about the main roof styles you might consider.
Main Clay Tile Roof Styles
Plain Clay Tile Roof
Plain clay tile roof dates back to the ancient era when clay was the main roofing material for virtually all homes. It is the basic form of clay roof and will give your roof the aged and vintage European appearance.
This roof gives your home or commercial structure an aesthetic appeal. In fact, when installed in a house with a contemporary style, it gives it a modern-ancient infused design.
Mission Clay Tile Roof
If you have seen Spanish-style or Mediterranean-style homes, then you have seen the wavy rows of clay tiles that connect in these houses, which give them a historical feel.
Mission style homes feature traditional C-shaped clay tile panels, and many homeowners prefer this vintage style of clay roofing because of its usage in historic residential structures.
Mission tiles call for a special roofing joist to ensure all panels are well-aligned with each other. Professional contractors can have them installed on your home in a durable, compact nature.
French Clay Tile Roof
These styles of clay tile roofs resemble bricks with a middle-scalloped area. The tiles attach side by side with each other to give your property a French look.
Unlike Mission clay tile roofs, French tiles do not need a special roofing joist when being installed. If you want your property to have a European aesthetic, this is the style to use.
Spanish Clay Tile Roof
Spanish clay tile roof looks like Mission tiles. However, instead of having C-shaped interlocking panels, Spanish clay tile manufacturers produce these tiles in one connected panel. This makes it easier for roofing contractors to install them as compared to other types of clay tile roofs.
However, these clay tiles use a Mission-style panel to cover the ridges. They do not require special roofing joists to support them.
Interlocking Clay Tile Roof
These tiles look smooth and profiled and are similar to the French clay tile roof. They also look like bricks with indentations. Contractors have an easier time installing these roofs, and their design brings out a modern European touch to a roof. If you want to have a roof looking like one that has French tiles featuring granular texture, then these roof tiles are definitely what you need.
Concrete-Clay Tile Roof
Advancement in technology has enabled the manufacture of concrete tiles from a combination of clay material and concrete materials to improve their durability and lifespan.
These tile roof styles are common, and they can also be made to mimic the unique aesthetic of clay tiles. In addition, these clay roof tiles have low maintenance requirements as compared to other types of roofs, making it one of the best roofing materials.
Low Pitch Clay Tile Roof
If your roof structure has a low slope and pitch, a low-pitch clay roof will be your best option. This roof resembles a Spanish-style clay roof but has smaller concave panels.
Their low weight nature makes them ideal for low-slope roofing. They do not need special roofing joists, and their installation takes less time since their panels come in rows.
In addition, they have added durability thanks to their excellent rainwater management.
Large Format Clay Tile Roofs
These roof types are made from a mixture of clay and concrete materials that form huge slabs. They are bigger than average plain tile roofs in both width and length and thus give a roof a blocky, attractive aesthetic.
In addition, they make your rood pattern to be visible from afar compared to regular-sized clay-sized tiles. What’s more, they offer the best durability for clay tile roof styles.
Double Roman Clay Tile Roofing
This clay roofing resembles flat bricks with a mini-curve in the middle. They are the opposite of interlocking and French tile roof styles. If you would like to give your home a British-style appearance, then Double Roman is the roof for you.
Pantiles
These were popular in the mid-20th century. In the past, manufacturers primarily used concrete to reduce the production cost. Nowadays, there are clay tile variants designed for homeowners who desire traditional roofing material. However, Pantiles made from clay are thicker than those made from concrete and are more expensive.
There you have it – a brief discussion on the most popular clay tile roofing. Let’s now talk about the pros and cons of this roofing material.
Pros and Cons of Clay Tile Roofing
Pros of Clay Tiles
1. It is easy to customize.
If you want your home to stand out and look unique, clay tiles can help you do this. Clay comes in different colors, including white, yellow, brown, etc. They can also be coated to have more colors. Therefore, whatever color you want your roof to have, clay can make it happen.
2. Environmentally-friendly.
Clay tiles are made out of natural material and can also be recycled easily. This makes them friendly to the environment
3. Fire and weather resistant.
Clay tile roofing reduces the risk of fire damage more than other roofing materials.
4. Low maintenance.
Once you install clay tile roofing, you will not need to do much maintenance your roof. You just need to wash off moss or mildew growth once in a while, and have a roofing contractor inspect them for repair after some time.
5. Long-lasting.
This is the main benefit of clay tile roofing. As long as you install them properly, they can stay in good shape for more than 50 years.
Cons of Clay Tiles
1. Not completely wind resistant.
Although clay tile roofs have a higher resistance to wind than other roofing material, they can still fall off your roof if high winds sweep through your area. But this is really true of almost any building and roofing material, unless it is truly hurricane-rated. If you’d like that kind of strength, there are upgraded ways to secure the tiles better.
2. They are heavy.
Clay tile roofing can put a lot of pressure on your roof, and thus you may need to reinforce your house structure if you want to install this roof. Cook Roofing Company is a licensed general contractor, not just a top roofing contractor, and we can assess your structure and help with reinforcements, if needed.
3. They can become fragile over time.
If you are in an area that experiences extremely chilly temperatures, you may need to rethink using clay tile roofs since they can get brittle after several decades because of weakening caused by repeated thawing and freezing them. Brittle tiles are susceptible to cracking when under pressure. However, this happens after a long time
Bottom Line
A properly installed clay tile roof can outlast a house structure. Many historic buildings are hundreds of years old and still have their original clay tile roof. Although these roofs can lose their color, they will still look appealing.
And the best thing is that this roof style never goes out of style. Ancient properties used them, and modern properties are still using them. Therefore, if you want to bring a unique and appealing aesthetic of your home, this is the roofing material to use.
Just make sure to call us if you intend to install a clay roofing tile in your home. We will bring out all the beauty of your clay roof. Contact us using the form on the right, or give us a call today to get a free estimate!
