Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is tile too heavy for my house?
Yes and No. Most new residential and commercial structures will require little or no additional structural support for tile installation. Several tile roof manufacturers offer lightweight tile specifically designed for re-roofing projects. If any concern about weight of a tile roof for your application, we recommend contacting a licensed and certified building engineer to inspect the current structure to determine if tile can be an option.
2. Is tile safe in earthquakes?
Yes with proper installation. Today, concrete and clay tile is better than ever: stronger, more energy-efficient, Class A Fire rated, able to withstand high winds, hail and earthquakes better than any other roofing material available on the market. (tested to withstand seismic forces grater than 0.8 gravity acceleration).
3. Is tile expensive?
No. With the rising cost of petroleum based products such as asphalt shingles, tile no longer has the price separation it once did. Not only is roof tile an affordable alternative, it is actually an economical choice if you consider the life cycle cost of the product.
4. Is a tile roof easy to maintain?
Under normal conditions, tile roofs require minimal maintenance. However, all roofing systems require some maintenance at one time or another, and certain climates and regions have special issues to address regardless of the type of roofing system. With tile, maintenance is targeted towards gutters, downspouts, protrusion flashings, valley’s, and venting. Majority or tile roofing systems can be pressure washed, but for an older tile roof we will perform a brush off to remove debris. Replacing a broken tile is fast and easier than any other roofing product on the market.
5. Is a tile roof fireproof?
Concrete and clay roof tiles have Class A fire-ratings, which mean they are non-combustible. Both types of roof assemblies maintain their Class A fire-ratings throughout their lifecycles, requiring no additional or periodic treatments. In addition, structures with Class A-rated tile systems may be eligible for lower fire insurance premiums.
6. Why should I chose a tile roof over other roofing products?
Roof tile can add beauty, curb appeal and resale value to any home or project. Available in numerous styles and color finishes, tile roofs complement virtually any architectural style. In addition to its aesthetic qualities, tile provides durability, protection from the elements and a long-lasting roofing solution.
7. Is a tile roof environmentally friendly?
Both concrete and clay roof tiles are made from materials that do not deplete precious natural resources. Tile is manufactured without chemical preservatives, and old tiles can be recycled to make new tiles or other products. Roof tiles are also energy efficient. Due to the superior thermal capacity of roof tiles and their natural ventilated air space, a tile roof can lower air conditioning costs in warm climates and produce more constant temperatures in colder regions.
8. Can I walk on my tile roof?
Yes, but be careful. Any sloped surface can be dangerous to walk on and may be slippery. If you are going be on your roof to wash windows or hang holiday lights, stay on the lower third of each tile where your weight is transferred straight onto the roof deck. Avoid stepping on the cut tiles on the hips or valleys and the thin area where the tiles interlock side to side, this will cause damage and break tiles.
9. I would like to do it myself. Can I install my own tile roof?
Because tile is such a unique product, it takes a trained professional to install a tile roof properly. Specialized tile roof applicators should install a tile roof. A handy person may be able to lay field tile without much trouble, but installing underlayment, battens, flashings for valleys, chimneys, solar panels and skylights and cutting the tiles along hips and valleys are more complicated tasks. We recommend using an highly skilled professional to properly install your tile roof.
10. Is there anything I can do to keep my new copper roof from tarnishing and changing color?
Yes. We offer a clear coat application, similar to the clear coat chemical applied by automotive manufactures. The clear coat will keep the new copper look for a period up to 7 years.