Are there alternatives to terracotta tiles?

By FL Specialty Roofing.

Weigh the pros and cons to see if terracotta suits your home.  

Terracotta is an ancient and time-tested roofing material. Since 10,000 B.C., these tiles have guarded homes from the elements. New innovations increase the durability of terracotta making it an ideal roofing material. It’s classic, beautiful and popular in warm climates. However, terracotta is not always the best roofing option, depending on the area you live in. FL Specialty Roofing is here to help you explore if terracotta tiles are the right fit for your home.  

Disadvantages of terracotta roof tiles

There are many disadvantages to terracotta roofing tiles that you should consider when comparing roofing materials. These disadvantages include:

Tile weight

One of the most significant issues with terracotta roofs is the weight of the tiles. The tiles are heavy; they weigh around 600 to 1,500 pounds per 100 square foot. This creates significant loads for your roof structure to carry; if it is not strong enough, it can weaken and eventually collapse. To prevent this from occurring, you will first have to have your home reinforced to support the product’s weight.

This isn’t necessarily a problem for many homes, as terracotta roofs are prevalent, but you also need to consider the age of your roof’s structure. Older roof decking may need to be replaced or reinforced to support the weight of a new roof.  

Cost

Terracotta roof tiles are one of the most expensive roofing materials on the market, far surpassing the cost of asphalt, wood shakes and shingles and metal roofing. You’ll pay about $9 to $26 per square foot installed for a terracotta roof which means you’ll pay around $36,000 to $104,000 in materials alone for a new 4,000 square foot terracotta roof.

Fragility  

The centuries-old terra cotta roofing across the Mediterranean is a testament to the longevity and durability of the tiles, but it doesn’t paint the whole picture. While it is true that the material is durable, it is also quite fragile when it comes to installation and care.  

Tiles are prone to breakage during installation, particularly when stepped on. It takes an experienced terracotta roofing specialist to safely and correctly install these tiles. They can also break from hard impacts, which can happen on a golf course or during a hail event, tropical storm or hurricane. If not replaced quickly, the broken tiles will compromise your roof and leave it susceptible to potentially severe damage.  

Underlayment issues

Properly installed terracotta roof tiles can last a century or more; however, depending on weather and system, the lifespan of your underlayment will range from 25-50 years.  

All terracotta, concrete, clay and composite tile roofs require a High Temp Ice and Water Shield. This is an underlayment designed to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining full waterproofing of the tile roof system. It is typically self-adhered and self-sealing to close any penetrations made when securing tiles or other roof components with fasteners.  One of the benefits of replacing or reroofing an older terracotta or tile roof is changing the older underlayment system to a brand-new high temp ice and water shield. Popular brands include Polyglass TU Plus, Owens Corning Titanium PSU 30, Westlake Royal Tile Seal.  

Require waterproofing

Terra cotta tiles are a water-shedding type of roofing. This means they rely on the underlayment system to waterproof the roof as well as absorb water from rain as well as the moisture in humidity. This absorption adds more weight to the tiles, which can strain the building’s structure more. It will also make the tiles more susceptible to damage, mold growth, and efflorescence.

An alternative to natural terracotta roofing

Terracotta roofing is cherished for its timeless beauty, yet maintaining traditional terracotta can pose challenges. Brava’s Spanish Barrel tile is an innovative alternative that captures the essence of terracotta clay roof tiles, but with added benefits. Available in multiple colors and custom blend options, Brava’s Spanish Barrel tile offers variety and versatility while maintaining the classic Mediterranean look.

What makes Brava’s Spanish Barrel tile a superior choice over traditional terracotta roofing?

• Durability and ratings: Brava’s Spanish Barrel tile holds a Class 4 impact rating and a Class A fire rating, the highest available for roofing materials, providing homeowners with unmatched durability and safety.

• Waterproof coating: Each tile is coated with a waterproofing membrane, significantly reducing permeability and protecting the roof from moisture.

• Energy efficiency: These tiles are enhanced with a reflective coating and a built-in air cushion between the tile and roof structure, which helps insulate the home, ultimately reducing energy costs.

• UV protection: Like terracotta, Brava’s tiles offer UV protection, prolonging their lifespan even in harsh sunlight.

• Low maintenance: Brava’s Spanish Barrel tiles require minimal upkeep. While occasional cleaning is recommended to remove any mildew, algae, moss or efflorescence, a professional can handle this easily without risking tile damage.

Original article and image source: FL Specialty Roofing