Concrete Tile vs. Clay Tile

The main advantage of concrete tiles over clay tiles is their lower cost. Proponents of clay tiles usually mention two advantages of clay over concrete tiles: better colorfastness and longer physical durability.

Colorfastness. The color of a clay tile is not affected by exposure to the elements; the same cannot be said of concrete tiles. Although most concrete roof tiles are manufactured with an integral pigment that colors the entire thickness of the tile, the color of concrete tiles will fade over time. "Concrete tile will never hold its color as well as clay," says Ken McGee, owner of The Tile Man, a supplier and installer of concrete and clay roof tiles in Louisburg, N.C.

Durability. Well-made concrete tiles should last a long time, although probably not as long as clay tiles; estimates range from 30 to 50 years. By contrast, many European clay tile roofs are still waterproof after a century of service. Traditional fired clay, although relatively easy to break, does not degrade from exposure to the elements. Because objects made from fired clay can't burn or rot, they are among the most durable objects known to archeology. Clay objects can easily last for thousands of years.

Although some early concrete roof tiles had durability problems, especially in areas with frequent freeze/thaw cycles, most concrete roofing tile manufacturers claim that today's concrete tiles are more consistent and durable than ever. Although there are reports of isolated cases of seriously deteriorated concrete roof tiles, tile manufacturers claim that such problems are rare and occur only when a bad batch of tiles gets through their quality-control systems.

clay tile                          clay tile                           concrete tile                                        concrete tile

Concrete roof tiles are a durable water-shedding material that most often last the lifetime of a building. Concrete roof tiles simulate the appearance of traditional clay tiles, wood shake, slate, and stone. Like clay, concrete tile surfaces can be textured or smooth, and tile edges can be uniform or ragged. Architects may select tiles of all one color, blended colors, or combinations of two or more shades placed in a uniform or random pattern. Regular portland cement is gray, but is also available in white. Pigments can be blended with either white or gray cement to allow for virtually any desired color, including bright whites, pastels, and deep rich shades.

ASTM International (ASTM), originally known as the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

Mountain High Roofing recommends highly the "ASTM Grade 1" for both clay tile and concrete tile roofs anywhere in Colorado.

 

The ASTM defines 3 grades of tile having various degrees of resistance to weathering. Grade 1 is the highest grade and requires that the tile will sustain 50 freeze and thaw cycles with no cracks. This resistance to freeze and thaw cycles is primarly driven by water absorbtion. Beware of non Grade 1 suppliers of tiles and accessories.

 

High moisture absorbtion in concrete and clay tile leads to mold and breakage that results from freeze and salt intrusion. This makes most clay and concrete tiles poorly suited for cold climates unless they are Grade 1 rated.

 
These Grade 3 roofs spalled after only 3 winters

You Should Phone 303-922-9700 for Your Free Storm Damage Assessment Now!

Mountain High Roofing

"Under Promising and Always Over Delivering!"

 

5305-B W. Mississippi Ave. Lakewood, CO 80226 
bus. 303-922-9700  /  fax. 303-922-9699
email: mtnhighroofing@gmail.com

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