Finding the Right Tile for Revamping Your Roof

By Evelyn Witterholt. 

If you can’t decide between warm terracotta, modern slate and everything else in between, this homeowner’s guide will help! 

Choosing the right material for your roof is no easy task. Even if you’ve narrowed it down to the material you desire, there’s still so much variety to choose from. There’s no doubt about the benefits of tile roofs. In a previous article, we wrote that “roofing tiles are typically made of concrete, clay or slate and can last 50-100 years. They are highly durable and low maintenance.” Not only that, but the look of a tile roof is as timeless as it is durable. 

Here are some things to keep in mind when finding the right tile for your roof: 

Types of tiles 

While there are a lot more subcategories of roof tiles, here are the four main ones: 

Photo credit: National Slate Association 

1 - Slate 

Slate roofing tiles are made from large slabs of rock and are considered some of the longest-lasting and earliest forms of roofing tiles. According to HomeAdvisor, “Slate roofs can and should be routinely built to last at least a century. In fact, 150 years is a reasonable expectation of a roof’s longevity if the roof is properly constructed.” Slate comes in a wide range of looks so the choice comes down to which complements the exterior of your home the best. 

Photo credit: The Durable Slate Company 

2 - Clay 

Clay tiles are one of the more popular tile options, mainly for their classic look and enhanced durability. According to Homes and Gardens, clay tiles have a lower water absorption rate, meaning they’ll be less heavy on a home when wet. They also maintain their color for years even when exposed to elements like heat. 

Photo credit: Tile Roofing Industry Alliance 

3 - Concrete 

Concrete tiles are similar to clay tiles in terms of look and longevity. The major difference between the two is that concrete tiles cost nearly half as much as clay tiles. HomeAdvisor does say that although concrete tiles offer the similar look of clay, they do not hold color as well. 

4 - Composite 

Composite roof tiles are synthetic materials that are manufactured to look like real slate or wood shakes. For example, the synthetic slate products from DaVinci Roofscapes are made from a highly durable polymer that’s designed specifically to withstand all climates.  

Photo credit: DaVinci Roofscapes 

Where to get your tiles 

As previously mentioned, DaVinci offers a wide range of synthetic slate products in a multitude of colors. If you want the real deal with authentic slate and clay roof tiles, check out what All Points has to offer. They have an inventory of over 500,000 square feet of roof tiles and they even offer a tile glazing service if you happen to find the right tile in the wrong color. 

If you are still stumped on which roof tile is right for you, feel free to contact any of the manufacturers mentioned above or even ask one of our roofers through the link below! 

Have a question? AskARoofer.    

Find your local roofing contractor in the RoofersCoffeeShop® Contractor Directory. 

About Evelyn  

Evelyn works as a writer for RoofersCoffeeShop, MetalCoffeeShop and AskARoofer. When she isn’t writing about roofing, she’s either at the gym lifting weights or curled up on the couch watching a movie.