Clay Tile installation
Clay Tile Roofing is popular as it not only looks gorgeous, it lasts 50+ years, does not require much maintenance, and is an excellent insulator! Above all else, it is made from natural materials, and its heavy nature helps to protect against harsh weather conditions.
Styles of Clay Tile Roofing:
Shake Clay Tile Roof
Historic Clay Tile Roof Replacement
Flat Clay Tile Roof
Barrel Clay Tile Roof
Keep Reading To Learn the Benefits of a Clay Tile Roof
1. Introduction to Clay Tile Roofing
Clay tile roofing has become one of the most sought-after roofing materials, offering a stylish alternative to conventional shingles with its distinctive, natural appearance.
Contrary to popular belief, clay tiles are not just for historic architecture. They can beautifully complement modern, design-forward, and eco-friendly homes.
Huber & Associates has provided clay tile restoration services for many projects, including historic homes, private estates, and commercial properties throughout the U.S. and Internationally.
Clay’s durability and value make it an important material to consider for your next home or architectural project. Let’s dive deeper into the many benefits and versatile applications of clay tile roofs.
You may find yourself loving clay tiles as much as we do!
A Timeless Tradition
Clay tile roofing is one of the oldest and most resilient materials in architectural history, with origins dating back thousands of years. In ancient civilizations, people admired clay tiles for their reliability against the elements and natural beauty. Whether adorning the rooftops of Roman villas or Mediterranean estates, clay tiles have maintained their place as a symbol of timeless elegance.
Where Clay Tile Shines
Today, clay tile remains a favored choice for both residential and commercial properties. Its versatility allows it to match many architectural styles, from traditional homes to sleek, contemporary buildings. Clay tiles provide a unique blend of aesthetic appeal, environmental sustainability, and reliable performance that few materials can match.
Now, let’s dive into some more specific benefits of clay tiles.
2.Benefits of Clay Tile Roofs
Whether upgrading your current roof to a beautiful Spanish tile or considering an alternative to asphalt shingles, clay tile roofing offers several key advantages.
Here’s why clay tiles might be the ideal choice for your next roofing project:
Durability: Clay tiles perform better than many other roofing materials in harsh conditions like earthquakes, hurricanes, and other extreme weather. Clay is naturally corrosion-resistant and won’t rot or degrade over time. A high-quality clay tile roof is a long-term investment, capable of providing reliable performance for decades. With proper maintenance, many clay tile roofs last over 50 years.
Energy Efficient: Clay tiles offer exceptional insulation because air can circulate underneath the tiles, keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. This natural ventilation helps regulate indoor temperatures, reducing the need for constant heating or cooling. This means a clay tile could significantly lower your monthly energy costs while enhancing your building's efficiency; that’s a win-win!
Timeless Appearance: The distinctive look of clay tile roofing is unmistakable, providing a timeless charm that makes your building stand out. Since tiles come in many shapes, colors, and textures, you can customize your roof to complement your property’s architecture. Clay tiles retain their vibrant appearance for years, resisting fading even under harsh sunlight.
Long-term Value: Clay tile roofs offer one of the highest returns on investment in the roofing industry. They are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and aesthetically pleasing, which can significantly boost your home’s resale value. By choosing clay tiles, you’re making a financially sound decision that adds long-term value to your property.
Low Maintenance: One of the best advantages of clay tile roofing is that it's easy to maintain and requires little ongoing service. Clay tiles resist environmental damage and aren't susceptible to problems like rot or moss growth. Regular maintenance usually involves simple debris removal and the occasional tile replacement. Should a section of your roof become damaged, individual tiles can be easily replaced, making repairs cost-effective and straightforward.
As you can see the benefits of clay tile roofs provide much value for their cost. Now, let’s look at the process of restoring or renovating your roof with clay tiles.
3.Products and Preparation
At Huber & Associates, we specialize in installing handmade tiles crafted from vitreous clay, a highly durable material known for its water resistance. Our unique manufacturing process fuses the refractory particles within the clay, making these tiles utterly impervious to water.
This process ensures a clay tile roof can last for over 50 years, and with proper maintenance—such as periodic replacement of the underlayment—these tiles can last a lifetime.
Clay Tile Manufacturing Process
Crafting clay tiles is an intricate and precise process. We take care to develop each piece for optimal longevity and visual appeal. While techniques may vary slightly based on the desired size, shape, or color, the basic steps include:
Molding: A slab of purified clay, referred to as a “bat,” is placed into a rectangular mold to achieve the correct size. We then put it over a curved mold to create the curvature needed for the tiles to fit together and allow water to run off the roof.
Finishing: Holes are punched in the corners so the tile can be attached to the roof, and the tile maker imprints the company logo and batch number into the clay for quality control and traceability.
Drying and Firing: Once molded, the tile is left to dry for up to 36 hours. Afterward, it’s fired in a kiln at extremely high temperatures for up to 12 hours to vitrify the clay.
Customization: Sands can be added during manufacturing to create different textures. Various factors—such as the chemical composition of the clay, fuel type used in firing, and kiln oxygen levels—can affect the final color. For example, clay containing iron oxide produces red tiles, while higher levels of iron oxide yield blue tiles. Magnesium oxide creates yellow tones, and adding chalk or limestone produces deep yellow hues.
Tile Options and Color Blends: Huber + Associates offers a wide range of clay tiles, including Spanish-style, barrel-shaped, and flat-profile tiles. These are available in various color options to suit many styles. Popular color choices include classic terracotta, warm earth tones, cool grays, and refreshing greens, allowing you to customize your roof to match your artistic vision.
Ludowici Crown Roofer Expertise
As a proud member of the Ludowici Crown Roofer program, Huber & Associates is recognized for our historical and restoration roofing expertise. We are certified to install Ludowici clay tiles, which are renowned for their quality and craftsmanship. Our membership in this program allows us to offer the Ludowici Shield Warranty, ensuring our clients receive the highest standard of protection for their roofing investment.
Our extensive experience with various styles, formats, and materials, including clay and terra cotta shingles, has made us a trusted name in residential and commercial clay tile roofing.
4. Clay Roofing Applications
There are many applications for clay tiles, and there are versatile options for both residential and commercial properties. Its distinctive appearance adds a touch of elegance and curb appeal that sets any building apart from its surroundings.
While you may see that clay roofs are common in the Southwest and Southeast, their excellent insulating properties make them a smart choice for temperate climates as well.
In colder regions, clay roofing can contribute to energy efficiency by reducing heating costs during the winter months, saving money on energy bills.
They’re also popular for high-end commercial properties such as banks, private clubs, restaurants, and hotels. Clay tiles' unique look make them an appealing option for businesses looking to elevate their architectural design while ensuring long-lasting protection.
For example, our notable work for Hubert Whitlock Builders resulted in a beautiful showcase of clay roofing's versatility.
When the project manager, Cliff Newbury, sought a distinctive roof for a sprawling luxury residence, he turned to Huber & Associates for expert advice and installation.
After evaluating several options, the team imported a European-style clay shingle roof from overseas. We installed an impressive 20,000-square-foot roof, with the total project costs reaching approximately $1 million.
The result was a stunning, durable roof that perfectly complemented the elegance of the high-end estate. See photos of the project below.
5. Our Services: Huber & Associates, Your Clay Tile Roof Contractors
Clay tile roofing is a hallmark of historical estates and properties, but individual tiles can become damaged or go missing over time. When this happens, leaks, drafts, and mold or mildew growth can occur.
Mold thrives in dark, damp areas like roofs affected by leaks. It poses serious health risks, including respiratory issues, chronic fatigue, and, in severe cases, lung damage. Addressing damaged or missing tiles promptly is essential to protecting your home and health.
The good news: Huber & Associates specializes in clay tile roof installation and repair across the U.S. and internationally.
Learn more about our services below.
Clay Tile Roofing Services
Whether your roof was installed by us or another company, our team can help! We can replace broken tiles to prevent further roof damage. We also offer Ludowici clay roofing restoration and complete replacements.
Our expert team has years of experience with unique preservation projects, preserving the clay tile roof's historical integrity and longevity. Sometimes, we can salvage tiles by delicately cleaning and repairing them.
In cases where damage is too extensive for simple repairs, or if you want to upgrade your roof, we offer total replacements.
Replacing asphalt shingles with clay tile brings numerous advantages, including superior durability and a longer lifespan. While asphalt roofs need replacement every 20-25 years, a well-maintained clay tile roof can last for decades.
With access to a wide range of clay tile products, we can source the perfect match for your design needs, whether you’re aiming for a traditional or modern look. Today’s manufacturing techniques allow clay tiles to be customized in various shapes, sizes, and colors, giving you endless possibilities.
Award-Winning Expertise
Huber & Associates has earned multiple commendations from historical preservation societies for our careful restoration work. As a proud recipient of the NRCA Gold Circle Award, we are recognized for our industry-leading expertise and dedication to craftsmanship.
We strive to make the roofing process seamless and transparent. Our team works efficiently to minimize disruption without sacrificing quality. We focus on delivering exceptional value with competitive pricing and top-tier customer service.
clay tile roof installation
Ready to elevate your property with a stunning clay tile roof? Contact us today for a quote, and let Huber & Associates bring your vision to life.
We look forward to serving you.