Repairing Your Clay Tile Roof The Right Way
In the case of exclusive luxury homes, clay tile roofs are simply the best choice. Reasons: the appearance, value, durability, fire protection and cooling effect. Indeed, the right clay roof tiles not only add value to your property and beauty of your home, but it will provide a century or more - with no more than minimal maintenance.
Authentic clay roof tiles do cost more and require more preparation work to install - but the investment is well worth itself many times over.
Roof Tile Types
Tile roof manufacturers offer different types of clay roof tiles in many different shapes, colors and sizes. Ceramic tiles that are virtually indestructible. Kiln-fired clay tiles, such as the Spanish influences "Mission" style materials are often seen on homes in Southern California, Florida and New Orleans. These roof tiles are still the most popular choice with home owners. You can also choose slate designer roof tiles that are popular in Northern Europe. Contrary to untreated clay, slate roof tiles starnd up to freezing winters very well.
Ancient Roofing Traditions
Authentic roof tiles made of clay and ceramics are among some of the oldest building materials in history. These roof tiles were used by the inhabitants of the venerable Indus River Civilizations in what today is known as Pakistan. This type of roofing material was in use perhaps as far back as 3,000 to 4,000 years. And such roofing tiles dating from the seond millennium BC have been discovered in the region of Peloponnese, known as Greece today.
Roofing Tile manufacturers have been in existence for a very long time. One roofing tile manufacturer that is still actively producing tile roofing materials is managed by the same family since the time of King Henry II (Valois) in the middle of the sixteenth century.
Preparations For Installation
If you plan to use the clay tiles to put a roof on your home, there are two important things to consider.
First is the weight of traditional roof tiles made of clay and ceramics. The clay roof tiles are considerably heavier than a composite shingle or cedar shake roof. You will certainly want to ensure that the construction of your home is able to carry this extra load. An engineer may want to be consulted before making final decision on the tile roofing materials that will go on your home.
Second, make sure you buy the right kind or grade of clay roofing tiles for your climate zone. For instance if you live in Montana, Northern Idaho or in western Canada, you will need grade 1 roof tiles. Theses have been specially manufactured for harsh winters. If your home is in a drier, warmer climate, like California, Arizona or New Mexico, then grade 3 roof tiles will fit the appliaction.
Consult with the clay tile roofing manufacturers and retailers that specialize in ceramic, cement and clay tiles. They will advise you on the options that will be available for your climate and home style.