Tips on Terracotta and Concrete Roofing Tiles
A home's roof provides the first line of defence against the elements and weather extremes. The roof cladding bears the brunt of the direct sunshine striking your house. Thus, how it responds to heat is crucial to how comfortable the building is, both in the summer and winter. Plus, it impacts the kerb view. Here are several tips on using concrete and terracotta tiles.
Design Options
Tiles can be shaped in different ways. You might install classic terracotta tiles with an 's' shape to create a wave effect over the roofing. However, that's far from the only option. Concrete tiles can mimic slate and display a flatter surface. As well, you could choose angular profiles with sharper edges for a modern home.
Concrete comes in a wide array of colours, including charcoal, cream, and brown. Terracotta offers many colours also. Thus, if you opt for tile roofing, you'll have plenty of shapes and colours at your disposal.
Installation
Installing tiles is typically a straightforward construction project. However, tiles are relatively heavy, especially when spread over a vast roof area. So your house will need enough structural strength to carry this roofing material. Additionally, because each tile is relatively small, the underlying timber framework may need work as each tile row needs a wooden batten to which to attach. If you're undergoing a roof replacement and swapping from metal roofing to tiles, your house may need to be inspected to check how much weight it can bear.
Maintenance
Tiles are relatively durable, and they don't require excessive upkeep. However, it's wise to have a roof inspection yearly or as frequently as recommended to check for cracked or missing tiles. It's best to pick up problems early before rain entering the roof cavity wreaks widespread damage. If you notice moss growing over the tiles, contact a roofer who can provide advice. Moss clings to moisture, which can degrade the tiles. Plus, water-logged tiles make the roof heavier overall.
Energy Efficiency
Both concrete and terracotta have a high thermal mass. Thus, they absorb solar heat during the day and store it inside the tile. The roofing then releases this heat during the evening. You may appreciate this effect if you live in a cooler climate as your home temperature will be more consistent over a 24-hour cycle.
However, if you live in a hot part of Australia, you might prefer that the roof not release heat during the evening. To prevent this from happening, roofers can cover the tiles in a reflective coating to stop them from absorbing warmth from the sun. You can also install pale coloured tiles as lighter shades absorb less heat than darker colours. Call a roofer for more information.
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