PART 1 - CLAY ROOFS THEN AND NOW

Clay roofing tiles have provided homes with excellent weather protection for thousands of years, and it is still considered one of the best materials for the job. Although we don’t know how exactly people figured out that they can put clay over their homes, archaeologists have discovered that clay tile roofs have been in use since 3,000 BC. The more interesting side of this discovery? It’s not just one group of people that started using clay tiles. Records indicate that major civilizations in China and the Middle East discovered clay tile roofs, independent of each other.

The use of clay tile roofing in the Middle East eventually caught the attention of nearby regions to the west, and soon became a staple in European home construction and general architecture. When European settlers came to America, they took with them their knowledge of clay tile roofing, and it soon became a mainstream roof choice for many American settlements. Meanwhile, China, the other civilization that pioneered the use of clay tiles, mostly kept to itself.

PART 1 - CLAY ROOFS THEN AND NOW

Discovering the use of clay tile roofs was one thing, but actually getting tiles on the homes was a whole other story. At first, European settlers, living on the East Coast got their clay tiles shipped directly from Europe. It was only during the 1650s that clay tiles went into full production on American soil from the upper Hudson River Valley. It took another hundred years for people in the West Coast to finally have their locally produced clay tiles in 1780, which were produced using wooden molds in California.

Despite the availability of other roofing materials, clay tiles have managed to remain one of the most popular roofing materials. Combined with the increased popularity of classical home styles in the 20th century, people are still calling roofing experts to put clay tile roofs on their homes.

PART 2 - WHY CHOOSE CLAY?

With the availability of other roofing materials such as asphalt, wood and metal, you may be wondering why clay tiles are still a popular choice among homeowners. There are two answers to that question: energy efficiency and aesthetics.

IT’S LITERALLY COOL

There are many things that make clay a great roofing material, and that includes its ability to keep the home cool. Because clay does not transfer heat as fast as other materials, anything beneath the roof tiles can stay cool even during the hottest summer days. This is also the main reason why clay tiles were, and are still, very popular in the Middle East.

You may think that such an option is no longer that useful because of the presence of HVAC units, think again. With increasing costs of electricity and growing public awareness regarding energy conservation, clay tile roofs can help you reduce your electric bill. By cutting down the amount of heat coming from the sun, a clay tile roof effectively reduces the load on your air-conditioning unit, making it consume less electricity overall.

PART 2 - WHY CHOOSE CLAY?

IT’S EXTREMELY DURABLE

Wear and tear is a common problem for roofing materials such as wood and asphalt shingles, but that is not the case for clay tile roofing. Clay tile roofs can easily last for 80-100 years with proper maintenance – almost twice as long as the average lifespan of wood, and much longer than metal and asphalt shingles. This is because clay is virtually immune to water, a primary cause of deterioration in other roofing materials.

Although clay brick tiles may experience some problems such as water stains and moss growth, these are largely cosmetic in nature, and can be easily scrubbed off by a professional. The only real threat to a clay tile roof is physical impact caused by falling objects or hailstones, and even then, replacing broken tiles is relatively easy.

IT LOOKS GREAT

Do you remember the iconic look of clay tile roofs in Europe? Because classic-themed homes have seen a resurgence in popularity, clay tile roofs are currently a trendy choice. Available in many different colors, clay tiles can further be painted over to match the overall theme of your home even more.

PART 3 - CARING FOR CLAY ROOFING

Despite its remarkable durability, a clay tile roof still requires some maintenance. Keeping it in good condition is less about looking for broken tiles, and more about making sure your roof looks as good as new.

One important thing you need to know about clay tiles is that they are slightly porous. When water falls on a non-porous roof surface, it either rolls off harmlessly or forms small beads. When water falls on clay tile roofs, it has a tendency to “spread out” and “sink in.” Fortunately, this alone does not affect the durability of your clay tiles, and in no way means that your roof will leak.

However, this also means that water tends to stay longer on the surface of the roof, making it easier for moss to grow on the surface. Although moss is harmless, it does hold some amount of water, especially after a heavy rain shower. This can encourage even more moss to grow, and can negatively affect the look of your home. Although to some people, the “moss look” may have a certain rustic appeal.

Fortunately, moss-related problems can be easily dealt with by asking help from a tile roofer on a regular basis. Normally, having your clay tile roof cleaned off at least once a year should keep it from developing moss buildup. This is also a good time for a yearly roof inspection to ensure your roof is in good shape.

PART 3 - CARING FOR CLAY ROOFING

Another important thing that you should pay attention to is the parts directly underneath the clay tiles, the roof deck, membrane, and even the support beams. This is because clay tiles can put a lot of stress on the roof structure because of their sheer weight. If you see any signs of warping, get in touch with a tile roof professional immediately to avoid serious problems later on.

Check for gaps between the tiles. Even the smallest openings can cause water and other unwanted things to get past the roof surface and leave other parts of the roof vulnerable. Fortunately, sealing gaps can be done by applying sealants, re-caulking, or replacing missing or cracked tiles.

Clay tile roofs have stood the test of time and have proven themselves to be one of the best roofing materials available. With proper care and maintenance, you can easily get the most out of your clay roof for decades.

Early 18th Century Brick and Clay Tile Home

SOLOMON BROTHERS ROOFING, INC.

6088-G BLUE RIDGE WAYHIGHLANDS RANCH, CO 80130

(720) 226-6593

ROOFCREATIONS.COM