Clay tile roofs aren't just a simple shelter from the sun and rain — they're a charming, durable and environmentally-friendly roofing option. Before buying a house with a clay roof, however, you should be prepared for the costs and labor it may require. 

Here are some important questions to ask when considering a home with a tile roofing:

Who Manufactured the Tiles?

Knowing where your tiles came from can give you a good idea of their quality and suitability for the climate of your region.

One important characteristic of the tiles is the grade. Clay tiles are produced in various grades, and each one provides a different level of resistance to weather-related issues like frosting. The tiles you have should be based on the most severe climatic conditions that can occur in your area rather than the typical climate. 

There are three grades of tile, laid out in the ASTM C1167 Standards for Clay Tile Roofs.  Each grade defines a degree of weather resistance.

What level of moisture absorption a tile may have is one of the main criteria in determining the tile’s grade. The more moisture the tile absorbs, the less likely to perform on harsh climates. One of the worst effects is when water soaks into the tile and then freezes. The tile begins to break down and simply isn’t resistant to freezing temperatures.  Only grade 1 clay roof tiles should be used in extreme freeze thaw climates.

ASTM 1167 also categorizes clay roof tiles by shape:

• Flat Tiles: Small and rectangular with a smooth surface finish

• Roman Tiles: Flat in the middle with a concave curve on one end and a convex curve on the other 

• Interlocking Tiles: Interlocks with adjacent tiles, which improves protection against wind and rain

These shapes effect testing for another important aspect of the tile’s quality: break strength.

When Was the Roof Installed?

When buying a house with a clay tile roof, you want to know what it will cost to maintain it. Knowing the age of the roof can give you an idea of the maintenance that needs to be done — or if it needs to be replaced. 

You'll also need to know if the previous owner properly maintained the roof. Grade 1 clay roof tiles have the potential to last 100 years or more. Ludowici Clay Roof tiles are commonly known to go well beyond 100 years.

Who Did the Renovation? Do They Specialize in Clay Tiles?

It is important to ask about who renovated the tiles because the job is not always done correctly. Installing clay roofs requires a high degree of precision and should only be handled by professional roofing contractors who have experience in dealing with these clay materials.

Here are the essential steps when renovating a clay tile roof system:

• Choosing the right materials: Before even beginning to roof, tiles should be chosen that suit the climate.

• Installing the underlayment: This feature is essential to clay tile roofing in the event of tile breakage or other roof damage and it must be installed correctly to ensure your roof's water-tightness for such a time.

• Installing the drip-edge flashing and gutters: These items must be of exceptional quality to match the long lifespan of a clay tile roof.

• Laying the Tiles: Clay roofing must be installed appropriately to ensure protection from water as well as to help with its durability. Fasteners should be resistant to corrosion like a 316 stainless screw for installations close to salt water, a 304 stainless screw or nail, or copper nail, for all other areas.

Installing should be left in the hands of a clay tile roof specialist.

How Long Do You Plan on Living in the House?

Even if you aren't planning on living in the house for a long time, a clay tile roof provides a variety of other benefits and savings that largely offset the costs of the renovation:

• A clay roof increases the value of your home. Clay tile roofs are given more credits when appraised, and may sell better and faster than roofs with materials like asphalt shingles.

• They have a long lifespan. Top quality clay roof tiles like terracotta tiles are among the most durable roofing materials.

• They're affordable in the long run. Because of their long lifespan, installation and maintenance costs are considerably lower than other materials in the long run. 

• They can withstand disasters. They're fire-resistant and may withstand high winds.

• They're sustainable. Because of their low life-cycle costs, they fulfill LEED and ENERGY STAR® requirements.

• They're environmentally friendly. No chemical resources are used in their production, and all waste produced during their manufacture is recyclable.

• They absorb little heat. According to tests conducted by the Department of Energy, tiles can impede the transfer of heat up to 70% better than materials such as asphalt shingles.

Is a Clay Roof a Good Home Improvement Investment?

Considering their beauty, long lifespan and array of cost-saving benefits, clay tile roofs add an abundance of charm and value to your home. When it comes to renovating this important structure, though, make sure it is in the right hands. 

For over 40 years, Huber & Associates has provided quality roofing solutions for a variety of structures. Contact us today to for more information about how we can help with your roofing project.