Residential Roofing Tile Types and Styles

From charming Tuscan villas to sprawling Mediterranean-style mansions, tile roofing confers a timeless elegance on homes across the world. But their beauty is not the only thing that sets tile roofs apart from other roofing options.

Tile roofing boasts unmatched durability, decent insulation, and low maintenance costs, with each type of tile offering different features and characteristics.

Read on to learn about the common types and styles of residential roofing tiles.

1. Clay Tiles

Clay is shaped, fired in a kiln, and coated with glaze to create sturdy, beautiful tiles. Clay tiles are distinguished by their distinctive appearance, resistance to extreme weather, and longevity of about 50 to 60 years.

These classy tiles are, however, heavy and brittle, so they require substantial reinforcement on the roof to support the weight as well as experts for installation.

The complicated installation process does not deter people from choosing clay tiles for their homes – their visual appeal and strength place them among the top roofing choices.

There are several types of clay tiles:

  • Spanish Tiles

These curved tiles are typically associated with Mediterranean and Spanish-style architecture.

  • Mission or Pan and Cover Tiles

Mission tiles have a flatter appearance and are commonly used in Spanish Revival and Mission-style homes.

  • Interlocking Tiles

The design of these clay tiles allows them to interlock, providing stability and wind resistance.

2. Concrete Tiles

Composed of a mixture of sand, cement, water, and often pigments for color, concrete tiles are recognized for their durability, affordability, and ability to mimic the appearance of more expensive roofing materials like clay or slate.

Although concrete is inexpensive and comes in various aesthetic profiles, like clay, it requires a roof structure that has been reinforced to handle its weight and professionals for installation, driving up the installation cost.

However, lasting for about 50 to 60 years, the longevity of concrete tiles compensates for its installation costs.

Types of concrete tiles include:

Concrete Tiles

  • Flat Profile Tiles

These tiles offer the traditional appearance of clay tiles with the durability of concrete tiles.

  • Slate-Style Tiles

    Slate-style tiles are designed to resemble natural slate in appearance, but are lighter in weight and more affordable.

    3. Natural Slate Tiles

    Quarried from deposits of real stone, natural slate tiles offer a luxurious and distinctive appearance in a range of colors and textures. This heavyweight title requires an expensive installation process.

    However, considering that they can last up to 150 years! and produce very little waste, the long-term benefits make up for their initial costs.

    4. Metal Tiles

    Metal tiles, made typically from steel or aluminum, are designed to resemble the appearance of traditional roofing materials like clay or concrete. They not only offer a wide range of styles but are also exceptionally durable and resistant to adverse weather conditions, giving them a lifespan that can exceed five decades.

    However, as metal is a conductor, metal roofs don’t provide much insulation and can dent easily, making repairs difficult.

    On the flip side, their light weight and easy installation, as well as their exceptional durability, make them fashionable among homeowners.

    5. Composite Tiles

    Composite tiles are created from various materials including asphalt, fiberglass, recycled plastic, and other eco-friendly materials. Composite tiles offer the unique benefit of mimicking the appearance of traditional roofing materials like clay or slate while being environmentally friendly and durable.

    6. Cedar Shake Tiles

    These rustic wood tiles add a timeless character and depth to homes of many architectural styles. Thanks to the natural resistance to pests and insects due to the oils present in cedar wood, cedar shake tiles safeguard against decay.

    However, wood requires regular maintenance to stay in tip-top condition and is not as resistant to fire as other roofing materials such as concrete and metal.

    Despite the concerns surrounding fire safety and thorough maintenance, cedar shake tiles remain popular for their picturesque appeal.

    7. Copper Tiles

    Along with its unique aesthetic, copper is known for its extraordinary durability as it is exceptionally resistant to corrosion and can withstand harsh weather conditions. Over time, copper undergoes changes and develops a striking greenish or bluish-green patina that is preferred by some homeowners.

    Copper is one of the costliest roofing options. However, even with low maintenance, copper roofing can stand the test of time – normally lasting up to a century!

    8. Solar Roof Tiles

    Given their ability to cut down on fossil fuel emissions while putting a huge dent in your electricity bill, solar roof tiles are an innovative option for the savvy spenders and the eco-conscious. Solar tiles are seamlessly incorporated into your roof, eliminating the need for standalone solar panels, and ensuring a harmonious and efficient solar power solution for your home.

    Solar tiles have a lifespan similar to that of most other roofing materials – typically around 25 to 30 years. Taking together their adequate longevity and ability to cut down on electricity costs, solar tiles provide a fantastic return on investment in the long term.

    From luxurious natural slate to eco-friendly composites, residential roofing tiles are fashioned in a variety of materials and present a range of aesthetics, each type of tile having its own distinctive qualities and characteristics.

    With rapid advances in technology, homeowners now have access to more tile options than ever before. Whether you prioritize durability or aesthetics, longevity or cost-effectiveness, there is a roofing tile option that can meet your requirements. If you are looking professionals for title roof repairs, feel free to contact Icon Roofing. We serve cities throughout the Metro Phoenix area including Ahwatukee, Chandler, Gilbert, Mesa and Phoenix. Call us today for reliable roofing services.