Roof tiles are designed to prevent water from entering a home. They are different from asphalt shingle roofs because of their material composition and their appearance. Slate tile roofs have been used since the 1600’s. Clay roofs can be traced back to 10,000 BC.

Slate Roof Tiles

Slate is a natural rock with a beautiful, unique appearance. Slate can be dyed in a variety of dramatic colors that only Mother Nature and time can create. Slate is also fire resistant and durable. This is one of the most elegant roofing materials. Slate is very heavy and will require the structure to be strengthened to support it. It can also be very difficult to handle and is expensive to install. This could make repairs difficult.

Metal Roof Tiles

Copper, aluminum, zinc, and steel are the most popular metal roofing tiles. Steel and aluminum are the most common of these materials. Metal tiles can be made in a variety of shapes and patterns to imitate other products, such as barrel tiles (Spanish roofs), slate tile, wood shake tiles and regular shingle patterns. Metal roof tiles are very popular because of their light weight and ease-of-installation.

Clay Roof Tiles

We are all familiar with clay roofs in the form of flat tiles or barrel tiles. They are available in many colors and have a waterproof coating to resist water absorption. Clay tiles can be very heavy and break easily if they are not properly installed. A roof made with clay tiles, like concrete or slate, will require substantial reinforcement to support its extra weight.

 

This post was written by Ted Williams! Ted is the owner of A Old Time Roofing, one of the best roofing companies in Saint Petersburg, FL! Ted is a Master Elite Weather Stopper GAF Roofing Contractor, a double award winner of Best Steep-Slope Contractor from GAF and achiever of Master Elite Consumer Protection Excellence from GAF. He has been serving the Pinellas County area since 1978. Old Time Roofing has a tradition of quality workmanship, servicing residential and commercial properties.